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Gear to get me started

1K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Timex 
#1 ·
After getting a gun for Christmas I'm finally ready to start buying the rest of the gear I need to start waterfowl hunting next season. I would appreciate any input on waders and jackets. Those are the two things I'm most concerned with to start off with since I have a little money to spend. All responses will be greatly appreciated! As a side note I'll be hunting mostly in north Alabama on Lake Guntersville so I don't really need any extremely warm gear or anything.
 
#2 ·
Whoa buddy slow down a little. First before you jump all in i assume you have been before or have some experience? I don't recommend jumping to the best of everything right off if you haven't been around it. I have the bass pro extreme waders, some love em some have had problems, mine have been good to me thus far but maybe too warm for down your way. I assume your gonna be doing mostly ducks? Pick up a good quality call i know you boys down there love the RNTs and echos but check out the new call Foiles has coming out, the Raizin Cayne its a pretty sweet little deal there. as far as jackets i mean you can get into high end stuff Under Armour or Drake or you can go a little cheaper with your cabelas or bass pro brands. They all go good stuff just depends on what your expecting to run into.
 
#4 ·
Cabelas waders, cabelas dry-plus coat or brush buster or Columbia wader widgeon, rnt short barrel to get u started. My advice is to buy good quality stuff, yeah u can buy the cheaper stuff and get by but you'll eventually buy the better stuff so y not go ahead and spend your money wisely, been done that
 
#5 ·
You picked a great time to gear up. Should be a lot of end of year sales going on. I have Drake LST waders and love them. I've worn them the past 2 seasons. As far as jackets it doesnt get too cold down here, so I go with a good base layer, a sweater, good fleece vest, then a Drake MST 1/4 zip pullover on top. I've never gotten cold so far. As far as calls go I'm a big fan of Mayday Custom Calls. They are made in Decatur, Al. They have great looking and great sounding calls, plus the company does a lot with charity and the Christian Waterfowler's Assoc.IMO they have a better sound than the Echo's and RNT's, plus you're not gonna beat a good custom call fitted to you
 
#6 ·
Agree - get quality once, instead of cheap until you get quality. Waders are on sale at Cabelas and Macks - get em now. If you are new to calling, get the RNT Hunter/with video $50, bought one for my 18 yr old - but I keep borrowing it, that thing is loud and crisp sounding.
 
#7 ·
I'm doing this exact thing as well. I've always had the philosophy with buying a little better instead of replacing more often but my bride says I'm notorious for finding deals so I'll continue that through collecting gear in the off season. I just bought a set of the Drake LST waders for $179 and a coat for $60. Not that I was looking for that name, that's just what I found deals on. I'm told everything waterfowl will be on sale soon so it should be a good time for finding gear. Also, when ordering online, take a few minutes and search for coupon codes. This is an EASY way to save additional $$$ Good luck!!! :thumbsup:
 
#8 ·
As stated by luvbowhuntin, get the best waders you can afford and now is an awesome time to buy! Not sure how far you have to walk/paddle or what your conditions are. Most of the guys on this site have forgotten more about waterfowling than I will ever learn, so I will limit my comments.

Since I hunt shores on mountain lakes, I utilize a home made layout blind that I carry in. Concealment is critical for me since the amount of natural cover varies. Some quality gear that I use:

1. Tarantula decoy / bag pack - a great piece of gear for those of us who travel on foot to our hunting sites.

2. Avery blind bag- smaller size. I tried a bigger bag but went back to this one. Sort of a minimalist approach.

3. 1st aide kit for my labrador. Always, always with me. Hank is 10 1/2 I watch him closely. He has earned it.

4. Glacier gloves (neoprene) and a lighter shooting glove.

5. Cammo balaclava and face paint. The hands and face are like signal mirrors. I cover them up, sit still, and avoid looking up making every effort to utilize peripheral vision.

6. Headlamp and a spare light.

6. Small survival kit- I had a close call hiking out in a blizzard.

Have a great season!
 
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