10 Pieces Of Gear/ Equipment That You Need For Next Season

The 2026-2027 waterfowl season started as soon as the 25/26 season ended. In our world, that means reviewing every detail associated with our hunts from the past season. For the past month and a half, we have been dialing into what we did well and what we didn’t do so well. This can be anything from how we hide, how we scout, what food source we want to plant going into next year, to what gear worked and what didn’t. In this piece, I’m going to give you my 10 favorite pieces of equipment/ gear from last season. These items stood up to hunting every type of weather/ condition. We hunt from September all the way through January so you get a real idea of what works and what doesn’t. Let us know what you think! 

Calls: 

1.) JJ Lares T1 Timber: 

For most of our guys on our team, this is everyone's go to duck call. It’s a single reed with a ton of volume, but it also has the ability to give callers the opportunity to use a ton of finesse as well. Additionally, we love it because Lares designs there calls with a “spit proof” technology. In essence, this call won’t lock up on you when temperatures are in single digits. They’re pricy and the secondary market is INSANE. If you’re so inclined, wait for a drop on Upperduck.com and scoop one up! 

2.) DRC Cyco: drccalls.com

This call is another team favorite here at Maverick. We all have one on our lanyard. This call is about as pure goose as you can get. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned caller, this has a spot on your lanyard. I have mine in Micarta and I can’t say enough positive things about it!

Blinds: 

1.) Lucky Duck 4x4 blind: luckyduck.com

We hunt a pretty healthy mix of blinds in terms of style. We have permanent blinds, pits, and our mobile set up. These 4x4 blinds are a game changer. They’re easy to assemble and tough as hell. I leave the frame on whatever property I need the blind at for the entire season. The frame has no rust or real wear and tear through every element imaginable. I usually keep the covers fully brushed in my truck. When you show up to hunt, simply add the brushed covers and you’re ready to hunt. The updated 4x4’s also come with overhead cover and dog doors. These are very well thought out and built to last! 

Guns: 

1.) Benelli AI guns: benelliusa.com

Benelli continues the established and well earned tradition of being the most innovative shotgun provider in the waterfowl space. I shot the SBE3 AI 20 gauge for most of the season last year and it makes a noticeable difference. Benelli markets 50% more penetration on target, it feels like an understatement after putting this gun to work last year. If you want more clean kills, pick up an AI barrel. 

Shells: 

1.) Kent Cartridge: kentcartridge.com

I am a huge fan of sub gauges. If you shoot a sub gauge, your shells are really important. I tried Kent’s 20 gauge 2x4 stacked steel this year and fell in love with it. The pricing is phenomenal and the shell is as hard hitting as it gets. I shot my 20 all year at everything from Canada’s to puddle ducks and these performed flawlessly. 

Decoys:, 

1.) Dakota Decoy: Dakotadecoy.com 

If you’ve hunted with me or anyone on our team here at Maverick, you know we love Dakota decoys. We run Dakota decoys exclusively in every form; silos, full bodies, floaters. I want to focus on silos and I’ll be fully transparent. If you can run full bodies, run them. In situations where you need silos (you can’t drive in the field or you want to be really mobile) they are phenomenal. My largest concern with silos is always contrast, visibility, and presence. Dakota’s silos have a darker look to them so they pop a hell of lot more from distance than other competitors. They’re tough and also have a great design. I usually run anywhere from 15-20 dozen if I’m field hunting. 

2.) Lucky Duck Agitators: luckyduck.com

If you hunt water and you don’t have solid wind, it’s going to be a LONG day. I run agitators on every goose and duck hunt we run over water. Luckyduck updated the agitators so that you can either have a true splasher or more of a rippler in the same decoy. The motion is life like and adds a ton of activity to the water which brings your spread to life! 

Apparel: 

1.) Sitka Gear Delta Pro Wading Jacket: sitkagear.com

Sitka continues to lead the way for the best apparel on the market for waterfowl hunters. The Delta Pro wading jacket is a mainstay in my blind bag. If you hunt enough, you’re going to hunt in the rain. In maryland, rain means ducks, and I prefer to be dry! It’s the first truly waterproof jacket I’ve had the pleasure of owning. I’ve worn this jacket in full downpours and I stay dry every time. It also has high chest pockets which are HUGE for comfortability if you’re calling. Pick one up, you won’t regret it. 

2.) Sitka Gear Blizzard GTX Hat: sitkagear.com

You’re probably wondering why in the world I’m including a hat on this list and I get it. However, if you hunt cold weather or rain, this hat is a must have. It’s fully waterproof and warm as hell. You can roll the ear flaps up or on especially cold days, pull the flaps over your ears for additional warmth. Jeremiah Johnson would’ve worn this hat daily and so should you. 

Audio: 

1.) TurtleBox Audio Ranger: turtleboxaudio.com 

Depending on the situation, I love to have tunes during set up, pick up, or both. The Turtlebox Ranger is a smaller fully waterproof bluetooth speaker with magnetic mounts. If you’re setting up or picking up, stick the speaker to your truck or trailer and enhance your experience with friends, clients, etc. It can get loud and it’s a great addition to date nights as well!