New Gear for Waterfowlers

These innovative products will help make your hunting season more enjoyable and more productive

From July / August 2007 Issue of Ducks Unlimited Magazine - by Gary Koehler

Grizzly 700 Fi Ducks Unlimited Edition

Yamaha’s new Grizzly 700 Fi is built to handle the most demanding field conditions. The 700 special Ducks Unlimited Edition features an industry-exclusive electric power steering system that makes steering easier and lessens kickback. The 700’s fully automatic Ultramatic transmission is the most advanced drive system in the business. Four-wheel drive engages on command or with the push of a button. The digital instrument panel includes an LCD display with speedometer, odometer, hour meter, and fuel gauge. The 700 Fi features four-wheel disc brakes with separate front and rear controls, and fully independent four-wheel suspension. Yamaha is a DU official licensed partner. www.yamaha-outdoors.com

Greenhead Gear Expands Decoy Line

Not known to rest on past successes, Greenhead Gear has expanded its already massive decoy line. New goose decoys include the life-size Pro-Grade Canada and specklebelly floaters in rester and sleeper styles, as well as a speck active style. The Canadas come with flocked heads. There are also snow and blue goose floaters in active poses. On the duck front, life-size mallards and black ducks are available as no-head feeders and sleepers. Also new are mallard and black duck over-size series floaters in the sleeper position. Greenhead Gear is a DU official licensed partner. www.greenheadgear.com

Primos Floating Decoy and Blind Bags

There’s no reason to panic if you drop the new Primos decoy bag in the water. Foam strips are sewn into the mesh to keep it afloat. It holds about 30 standard-size or 18 magnum decoys and features padded shoulder straps, no-tangle cinch rope, and a no-drift clip that attaches to a belt or waders. The bag is made of 600-denier polyester with weather-resistant coating. Also check out Primos’ floating blind bag, which is available in a variety of camouflage patterns, features eight pockets, and has a rubber bottom that helps protect contents. Primos also sells a complete line of DU-licensed waterfowl calls. www.primos.com

New Calls from Haydel’s

If you are seeking a call with a different look, check out Haydel’s new Carbon Kwacker double-reed with a carbon fiber finish. Also new is the Black Hole mallard call, a double-reed styled after the popular 25th anniversary model. The DR-85 has reached legendary status over the years, and Haydel’s has now built one in pink for the ladies. The Magnum Wood Duck call, also new for 2007, provides increased volume. Finally, there’s the Compensator Crane call, which is easy to blow. http://www.haydels.com/

Plano Sportsman’s Trunk

Plano’s 1819 Sportsman’s trunk has a 27-gallon capacity and is a handy addition to your truck, SUV, or boat. The Sportsman’s trunk is lockable and features rustproof latches and tie-down brackets. It measures 37 3/4 inches long, 18 1/4 inches wide, and 14 inches high. www.planomolding.com

Rig’Em Right Anchor System

The Rig’Em Right decoy anchor system is designed for shallow-water use, with a choice of lines measuring 30 inches and 54 inches. Just snap one end of the cord onto your decoy keel and toss it out. The egg-type anchor will slide down the cord when the decoy hits the water. When you are   finished hunting, there is no need to wrap the anchor line around the decoy or keel. Simply attach each decoy’s line to the carrying clip. The company also offers a compact Jerk Rig that adds motion to your spread and will fit (minus decoys) in a pocket-sized bag for transport. www.rigemright.com

Avery’s RUFF Stand

Avery Outdoors has a new retriever platform that will keep your dog high and dry while hunting. The RUFF Stand Field System is built for easy transport, setup, and takedown. You can build a makeshift blind or combine the RUFF with the company’s Ground Force Dog Blind. The unit features an aluminum frame and PVC top, weighs 15 pounds, includes a shoulder strap and carry handle, and has six adjustable height settings. Weight capacity is 150 pounds. Avery, a DU official licensed partner, manufactures a complete line of blind bags, laydown and boat blinds, and other waterfowling accessories. www.averysportingdog.com and www.averyoutdoors.com

Guide’s Choice Waterfowl Mix

Guide’s Choice from Mossy Oak Biologic is a proven plant blend designed to help hunters and other conservationists better manage their property for waterfowl. Available in 20-pound bags, Guide’s Choice is a blend of Japanese millet, sorghum, rice, and buckwheat. It is simple to plant and can be easily grown in dry soil and flooded later like a traditional food plot. This mix works well in combination with managed native plants. Guide’s Choice matures within 60 days in some regions. Mossy Oak Biologic is a DU official licensed partner. www.mossyoakbiologic.com

Grand Passage Blind Bags

Browning’s new Grand Passage blind bags are available in two sizes, both in Mossy Oak Duck Blind camouflage. These bags feature a 900-denier polyester outer shell and reinforced liners. Closed cell foam and a hard-molded form ensure buoyancy and water-resistance. The main compartment is complemented by outside zippered storage pockets. Also new are the Grand Passage decoy bag, which features a foam bottom that allows the bag to float, and a round-bottom decoy bag. Both can hold up to three dozen standard decoys. www.browning.com

Hunter’s Specialties Hitman Blind

Hunter’s Specialties says its new Hitman Lay Down field blind can be set up in seconds. The Hitman is lightweight, manufactured of 1,200-denier polyester on the bottom and 900-denier polyurethane-coated camouflage polyester on top. It folds for easy transport without disassembly and features a padded reclining seat, interior utility bag, and spring-loaded doors. www.hunterspec.com

Drake Waterfowling Vests

Drake Waterfowl has added a couple of new products to its popular apparel line. The wading vest is 900-denier polyester and mesh lined to allow the garment to move easily when worn over other clothing. This model features fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, shell loops, and a call pocket with a magnetic closure. The strap vest is also 900-denier polyester and includes a blood-resistant game bag and six pockets. These vests are available in three camouflage patterns. Drake has also added a new neck gaiter and face mask to its lineup. www.drakewaterfowl.com

Down-N-Dirty Waterfowl Calls

Game call maker David Miller of the Pacific Northwest has broadened his line of Down-N-Dirty duck and goose calls. New this year is the Triple Threat, a triple-reed acrylic duck call. The Triple Threat is throaty and built to convince stubborn greenheads to take a look. The Nasty, a raspy double-reed, is available in cocobolo and a coco-crylic combination. And the Assassin Canada goose call has good range and is available in classy   looking acrylic, coco-crylic, Delrin, and coco-Delrin. www.ddcalls.com

PEET Multiple Dryer for Boots

PEET has been drying sportsmen’s boots for nearly 40 years. And the company recently added a couple of new wrinkles to its lineup. If you have a camp or clubhouse, consider that PEET now has a multiple dryer capable of drying two pairs of boots, or boots and gloves, at once. If you are camping and don’t have access to electricity, PEET also makes a dryer that runs off a propane tank. www.peetshoedryer.com

FirePod Hand Warmer

When ice is forming on your decoys, warm up with a new FirePod hand warmer from Optronics. The FirePod is designed like a muff but operates off a rechargeable 6-volt battery pack. The unit heats up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and maintains optimum heat up to five hours on one charge. The FirePod is made of insulated polar fleece and has elastic hand openings to seal out the wind. Both home and vehicle chargers are included. The FirePod is available in black or Mossy Oak Breakup. www.optronicsinc.com

Final Approach High-Definition Decoys

Final Approach introduces an expansion of its decoy line led by the Last Pass High-Definition Field Honker. The six-pack includes decoys in six postures—sentry, rester, walker, and three feeders—each looking in a different direction. Four-packs are also available. Dura-Connect head attachment allows for easy removal and swiveling to different positions. The Snap-Loc Whisper Motion stake system provides movement. Final Approach has also launched Gunners High-Definition field mallards and black ducks (over-sized) and floating mallards and black ducks. www.fabrand.com

Steiner Compact Binocular

Steiner has added a new 12X30 compact roof prism binocular to its Wildlife Pro series. Like the 8.5X26 and 10.5X28 models, the 12X30 is center focused and delivers the highest light transmission and true color fidelity. These lightweight, rubber-armored binoculars are made with premium alloy housings for shockproof strength. www.steiner-binoculars.com

KleenBore Gun Cleaning Kit

KleenBore’s GunGrabber universal cleaning kit is bound to be a hit among those looking for an upscale system. The wooden cleaning kit box holds all your supplies and doubles as a gun holder. Components include nonfouling steel rods and match-grade solvents and lubricants. www.kleen-bore.com

Waterproof Zoom Flashlight

With a 2-watt light-emitting diode (LED), the UK4AA Zoom flashlight lasts for hours and allows the user to switch from a broad, illuminating beam to a focused, intense beam. Beam intensity can be switched from high to low to conserve battery life. These lights are waterproof to 10 meters. www.ukinternational.com

Higdon Ultimate Motion Feeder

With its roots imbedded deep in historic Canada goose country, Higdon Decoys knows birds. This year the company is offering the Ultimate Motion Feeder Canada goose decoy. This shell decoy features a new stake attachment and a free-floating head. The decoy provides motion with minimal wind, yet returns to the position where it was originally set. www.higdondecoys.com

Leatherman Makes Multi-Tool Changes

Fans of Leatherman multi-tools will find three new models this year. The Charge Ti and XTi have been replaced with the Charge Tti, Charge AL, and ALX, which have handles made of aluminum alloy. Tools include a knife blade, crimpers and strippers, cutters, saws, bottle and can openers, a serrated knife, and redesigned pliers. Leatherman has also introduced versatile shears handy for cleaning game birds. www.leatherman.com

SureFire Sportsman’s Light

SureFire’s new Sportsman E2L is a high-output LED flashlight with a six-hour run time (three hours high output and three hours low output). The E2L is built of aerospace-grade aluminum with an anodized finish. It features an optically coated Pyrex window and an O-ring seal, and it measures 5 1/2 inches long. The E2L is ideal for your blind bag, boat, or vehicle. www.surefire.com

Sospenders Inflatable Life Jackets

Sospenders by Stearns are inflatable life jackets that are lightweight, comfortable, and allow freedom of movement. The World Class series includes both stole and belt models. Each    features reflective tape on the bladder. One size fits adults weighing more than 80 pounds with chest sizes of 30-52 inches. The belt version inflates in seconds to more than 35 pounds of buoyancy. www.stearnsinc.com

Team Otter Destroyer Blind

The Destroyer Guide Series layout blind features a 4-inch polyethylene floor that helps keep field hunters dry and warm. The blind’s body is made of 900-denier waterproof polyester. Its sides flip open for unobstructed movement, and the backrest includes foam seat cushions. The 23-pound Destroyer features vegetation straps all around and a zippered gear storage bag. The sled base can also be used to haul gear. www.otteroutdoors.com

New Calls from Buck Gardner

Buck Gardner Calls has a number of new models, including the Sorta Single duck call and the Shawn Stahl Signature Series goose call. The Sorta Single is a single-reed Arkansas-style call that blows wet and is just as forgiving and easy to use as most double-reed designs. Stahl, winner of the 2000 World Goose Calling Championship, had input into the SS-2, which features a long barrel and provides a deeper and raspier sound. The SS-2 acrylic is available in black, black/ivory, mallard green, and black/smoke. www.buckgardner.com

Clinton Decoys Expands Line

The Clinton Decoy Company, makers of the BigFoot goose decoy, has introduced both field and floater mallards. The Legacy Series field decoys have three body styles, iridescent heads, motion bases, and attractive paint. The mallard floater is 16 inches long and has a solid ballast weight. Also new are BigFoot Bull models—tall, magnum-sized sentries. These flocked-head decoys feature a new body style and two new head positions. www.bigfootdecoys.com

Wenger Improves Swiss Army Knife

Wenger has added nonslip black rubber inlays to the handles of five models of the venerable Swiss Army knife, including two locking blade designs with a two-stage closing system that allows users to clear their hands before closing the blade. The EvoGrip S54 features 18 implements. Ranger series knives, built for jobs that require a little more muscle, are available in 10 models and have an ergonomic handle with two different textures for safety and control. www.wengerna.com

Long Shot Dog Kennel Cover

If you crate your retriever while traveling to and from your hunting site, do the dog a favor during cold and nasty weather by adding a kennel cover. Long Shot is an industry leader in this department and offers crate/kennel covers in medium, large, and extra large sizes. These covers, which are windproof, breathable, and water-resistant, help keep dogs warm and dry. Available in Advantage Wetlands, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, and Cornfield camouflage patterns, as well as forest green. Offered in Deluxe, Standard Insulated, and Economy models to fit all budgets.
www.longshotoutfitters.com

Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Flashlight

High-tech light emitting diode (LED) flashlights are popular with waterfowlers because of their ultrabright focus and long-lasting bulbs. Cabela’s has introduced its Alaskan Guide model featuring a 50-lumen xenon lamp.  The flashlight features anodized aluminum construction, a prefocused aluminum  reflector, a nylon sheath, and a battery holder. Powered by two CR123A batteries, the light is good for 50 hours in LED mode. www.cabelas.com

Outdoor Emergency Kit

The Tender Corporation and Adventure Medical Kits (AMK) have put together a number of products to help ensure your outings are more enjoyable. On early-season duck hunts, biting insects can be annoying. Try Ben’s Wipes to repel mosquitoes and ticks. This product contains 30 percent of the active ingredient DEET. On the emergency side, AMK has introduced HeatSheets, multifunctional bivy sacks that will provide protection and warmth in case you get stranded outdoors. The thermoregulated design retains 80 percent body heat. Finally, you may also want to pack one of AMK’s 3.9-ounce essential survival kits designed for sportsmen. www.tendercorp.com