2024 Teal Season Essentials
It’s time to kick off your 2024-2025 waterfowl season with these top-notch gear options
It’s time to kick off your 2024-2025 waterfowl season with these top-notch gear options
By Wes Wannamaker
Early teal seasons offer a chance to knock the dust off some of your gear. However, this early season can be hot, sticky, and unforgiving to regular season gear items. The following collection of teal hunting gear is designed to help you overcome the early-season struggles and help add a few birds to your strap.
The Power Calls Teal Call is engineered to last pretty much forever. Molded with an extremely durable poly/acrylic blend. This heavy duty call also features a metal single reed and tone board, and perfectly produces the short, rapid scale decrescendo of the blue-winged teal hen, as well as single note contented quacks. Available in Stealth Black or Teal Blue. power-calls.com
The MoMarsh Final Stand should be considered mandatory kit for any retriever expected to sit where an elevated position isn’t available (blind, boat, muskrat hut etc). Legs are individually adjustable from 18 – 34 inches to accommodate a range of water depth and vegetation height, and feature mud feet for stability. The 31x24 inch comfortable mesh bottom quickly drains water and will support 150lbs. momarsh.com
The Drake EST Microlite Quarter Zip Pullover is a perfect top layer for cool mornings during early teal season. Crafted with 92% Polyester 8% Spandex, it offers superior 4-way stretch, enhanced range-of-motion, and integrated thumb loops. Shield 4 Sun UPF 50+ Treatment, Shield 4 Coolant Treatment, Shield 4 Odor Treatment, and Shield 4 Stains Treatment give superior protection from the elements. Available in five camo patterns including versatile Mossy Oak Shadow Grass and Bottomland. drakewaterfowl.com
Teal are suckers for spinning wing decoys and the MOJO Outdoors Elite Series Blue Wing Teal has the same tech features as the other Elite Series “spinners,” including ultra-realistic paint scheme, magnetically attached wings, plus it’s remote compatible (sold separately) with the MOJO’s 3P Connect Multi-Decoy Remote Kit and Bluetooth Receiver + MOJO Mobile app. Conveniently runs on 4AA batteries. mojooutdoors.com
The foam-filled, lightweight Higdon Pulsator Pro mallard hen is an official decoy of Ducks Unlimited, and easily adds realism to teal decoy spreads by mimicking a perfectly timed rocking/feeding motion, while agitating glass smooth water so common during early season hunts. Seven hours of running time on a full charge, the Pulsator Pro also features an IP7 rating to protect the motor and battery and can operate in as little as 6 inches of water. higdonoutdoors.com
The Drake EST Waterfowlers Hip Boot is a great option for early season teal hunts associated with shallow water when full-length waders aren’t unnecessary. This modern twist on the old standard “hipper” features an uninsulated boot with an EVA foam midsole for comfort and support, and an athletic lug outsole. The upper is 100% waterproof and breathable GE3 Guardian Elite 3-Layer Pro Wader Fabric upper with an adjustable hip strap. Versatile brown. drakewaterfowl.com
The Beretta Ultima A300 in black synthetic is one of the best deals out there for an astonishingly reliable, light recoil, gas-operated shotgun. This iron features a larger bolt handle and bolt release for easy manipulation in adverse conditions, and Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil reduction system for enhanced stability, comfort, and control for faster target acquisition. Available in 12 gauge, as well as outstanding early season option, 20 gauge. 28-inch barrel features MobilChoke system. beretta.com
The new Winchester XPERT High Velocity Teal shotshells are just the ticket for smaller fowl such as teal. Available in corrosion resistant 3-inch 12-gauge loads featuring 1 1/8th ounces of #6 shot sent at 1550 feet per second. Higher velocity requires less lead, while the smaller shot size assures lethal pattern density on erratic targets. winchester.com
The lightweight and durable ALPS Deluxe Mesh Wetland Seat conveniently folds and stores in a quick draining mesh bottomed bag. This super comfy chair features a fully removable backrest, 360-degree swivel capability, and quick-drying TechMesh fabric that drains in a matter of seconds. Three collapsible side feet offer extra support and prevent sinking in the mud, while stout aluminum tubing prevents corrosion. Adjustable height from 25 to 36 inches for increased versatility. alpsoutdoorz.com
The Eagle Claw Jet Sled XL is capable of holding decoys, dog stands, guns and blind bags…pretty much anything you can pile in and keep all of it dry, while you muddle your way through thick vegetation and muck. A host of accessories are available to increase the Jet Sled’s usefulness throughout waterfowl season. Black or All Terrain Camo. eagleclaw.com
The ALPS Metal Loop DU Game Tote easily holds multiple ducks on each loop. Constructed using steel hang rings and reinforcement webbing for added strength. Swivel clip included to hang from your waders or other gear, and slip resistant backing ensures tote won't slide off shoulder during transport. There's even an "under-arm" adjustable webbing strap to keep hands free and birds securely on shoulder. alpsoutdoorz.com
The new Dive Bomb Industries F1 Blue-winged Teal decoy is molded from a carvings by World Champion Jon Jones and features a one piece ultra-tough blended plastic material construction, with ultra-realistic, high quality paint for superior retention. This true-to-life size decoy sports a self-righting, weighted keel that promotes movement even in the slightest breeze. Six drakes and six hens per dozen. divebombindustries.com