Gearing Up: Tried-and-True Products

1. Browning Duck Call Lanyard

Fashioned from braided paracord with a padded neoprene neck pad, this lanyard offers three fixed drops and two removable drops and can hold up to 10 calls. Also included is a removable paracord-wrapped finishing tool to quickly dispatch birds. browning.com

2. Duluth Pack Game Strap

Classic simplicity is what makes this game strap stand out. Guaranteed for life and made with all-American premium leather, it comes in six-bird or 12-bird configurations and offers a streamlined design that easily slips into a pocket or pouch. duluthpack.com

3. Higdon Apex Full-Body Specklebelly Decoys

Hunting in the specklebelly-rich region of Arkansas’s Grand Prairie this past season, I upgraded to a spread of these Higdon speck decoys. Improved visibility and realism were the goal, and it paid off on several hunts. The multiple head styles, one-piece design, lifelike paint schemes, and convenient motion stakes made the switch to these decoys an easy decision. higdonoutdoors.com

4. ALPS OutdoorZ Ducks Unlimited Wing-Shooter Bag

This well-designed blind bag provides ample space with its pop-open main compartment and a laundry list of other features. The internal zippered pockets are perfect for licenses, choke tubes, and other necessities, while the external pockets can hold shotgun shells and more gadgets than you might need. The durability of this bag is what sets it apart from its competitors, thanks to its heavy-duty shoulder strap, brass hardware, and brass zippers. alpsoutdoorz.com

5. Drake WateRfowl MST Synthetic Down Hooded Jacket

This jacket, which was redesigned in 2024, traveled the country with me last season. Its lightweight design makes it a packable option for any trip, and it is capable of keeping you warm throughout a long day of hunting. With 140 grams of synthetic down insulation and a 100 percent polyester fabric shell with Durable Water Repellent coating, this jacket will fight even the worst weather. drakewaterfowl.com

6. Lakewood Clay Shooter Range Bag

This lightweight outdoor bag proved to be a lifesaver during a North Dakota trip last season. It functioned as a catch-all throughout a week of outdoor adventures and even doubled as a temporary cooler to transport a couple limits of walleye fillets. This bag is well designed for shotgunners—it includes loops for choke tubes, interior and exterior pockets, and dividers in the main compartment that allow for separation of new ammunition and spent casings. lakewoodproducts.com

7. Streamlight Wedge XT Rechargeable EDC Flashlight

This new ultra-compact flashlight is USB-C rechargeable and includes several easy-to-use features. Made of rugged anodized aluminum and featuring a waterproof charging port, it kicks out 500 lumens with the push of a tactical tail-switch button and conveniently clips to any wader strap, gear bag, or pocket. streamlight.com