An Honest Waterfowl Gear Guide

Matt Opsahl, Maverick Outfitters

Matt Opsahl and Maverick, Photo By Derek Testerman

Let me start by apologizing for the length of this article. I wanted to provide a truly thorough gear guide for anyone looking for real recommendations on gear that I’ve actually used and relied on. I also want to make it very clear that I haven’t been paid or incentivized to talk about any of the recommendations I’ve made below. Give the people what they want, hell what they need, true, and honest reviews. You’re going to notice a trend, when I find something I like, I stick with it. I married my high school sweetheart for God’s sake. This is a comprehensive list of equipment that I’ve used and relied on for multiple seasons consisting of blinds, apparel, decoys, calls, optics, shells, and finally guns. 

Optics:

Don’t doubt the scout has become a trendy phrase in waterfowl hunting, but its the most important aspect of waterfowl hunting. Pretty simple, study your prey, learn there habits, execute your game plan. I keep a pair of binoculars and a spotting scope in my truck from Vortex, because they don’t break the bank and they make my job a hell of a lot easier. There are some phenomenal other brands like Maven available, but I just cant swallow paying that much for binoculars or spotting scopes. 

Vortex Optics

1.) Vortex Crossfire Binoculars

I use Binoculars for anything and everything scout wise. These lenses provide enough detail so I can identify where my birds are feeding, loafing, roosting, etc. They are also affordable and the glass has exceeded my expectations. 

2.) Vortex Spotting scope 

I use my spotting scope especially in the late season when I’m scouting from further distances so I don’t screw up my upcoming hunt by running birds off of wherever they're sitting. I am also obsessed with details leading up to a hunt. My spotting scope allows me to pinpoint where exactly birds are feeding, loafing, roosting in a field or on water. Being 50-75 yards off an “x”, because I can’t see exactly where the birds are can really ruin a great hunt. I’ve found that having a spotting scope can help to eliminate that problem.

Blinds: 

You cant beat a well concealed and naturally brushed permanent blind, BUT if you like to be a bit more mobile, there are two blinds for different situations that I love. Most of my hunting nowadays takes place in the form of guiding. I don’t love clients in layouts, because I just find that to many heads are popping out at the wrong time so I prefer A frames. Control what you can control right?

1.) Lucky Duck 2x4 Blind

For guys operating out of an enclosed trailer who are mostly field hunting, I’d recommend Lucky Duck’s A frame. I truly believe its the best A frame blind on the market, but the only drawback is that the set up time is going to take a bit. It’s really durable, very easy to brush, and conceals hunters extremely well. Buy the flip tops so you have cover over your head when birds are working. Tip- brush in your a frame covers ahead of the hunt then add more natural cover from where your hunting, it’ll save you a ton of time.

2.) Tanglefree Panel Blinds

I love Panel Blinds for hunting in a spot where you can’t drive your trailer up to where your hunting or if you’re taking a boat to a spot. They are collapsible and easy to manipulate, the downside is that they are a pain in the ass to brush. Buy the wind stabilizers to set up more of a true A frame and make sure to get flip top covers. 

Decoys: 

Realism matters. Im going on a rant for a second. I get it, silos are easier to manage and I have a ton of respect for dudes who are running 10 doz silos out of a Camry and getting the job done with the resources they have available to them. Honestly, I just think that most silos with the exception of one look like shit. The only Silo I can comfortably recommend are handmade wooden silos, but they are heavy as hell, and frankly i'd rather run full bodies. If you don't have to be mobile and you can walk out your back door to hunt, hand made wooden silos are great. I believe in well painted/ flocked floaters and full bodies, spinners when the sun is out, and on water motion.

1.)Dakota Decoy

Almost all of our spreads here at Maverick Outfitters are from Dakota. I have an enclosed trailer with 15 doz snows, 20 doz Canada’s, and 10 doz duck full bodies. I throw them in there and beat the hell out of them, they still look great year after year. They get used every day in the rain, snow, sun, etc. All of my Canada’s and ducks are flocked. BUY flocked decoys. They make a difference, especially in the sun or snow. 

2.) Lucky Duck

Again, I’ve used every decoy brand on the market. Use Lucky Duck, there decoys will actually make it through a season or three if you maintain them. For spinners, I always have them on remotes (I don’t love spinners running when were working Canadas’s) and I love running spinners over the water on sunny days. The Lucky XHDI spinner is a really solid spinner and its waterproof. I also run agitators on every single water hunt we have. If we’re goose hunting, I run goose agitators. If we’re duck hunting, I run Mallard agitators. The motion they create is lifelike and if you run 2-3 it’ll really make your spread come alive. Tip- pull your spinners late season and just run agitators.

3.) Avian X fully flocked Black Ducks

If you haven’t figured it out, I’m really into realism. I also love contrast. Fortunately, we also have great black duck hunting here in Maryland. Avian X’s black ducks are hands down the best black duck decoys on the market. The poses are realistic and the flocking is phenomenal. I use them on every single hunt I run.

4.) DSD Goose Full Bodies

If you have the financial means, these are the best Canada Goose decoys on the market, hands down. Floaters, full bodies, it doesn’t matter. The carvings are ultra realistic and the flocking is durable and doesn’t fade easily. Maybe one day I’ll have a full spread of DSD’s and maybe ill win the Powerball, who knows. 

Shells: 

I’ve shot every brand on the market. I’ve noticed one thing and one thing that really matters, BISMUTH. I’m a dog guy, I don’t hunt without my dogs. When you shoot shitty shells, my dog has to work harder, because typically the bird is crippled, not dead. I am a believer in supporting business’s who are local and make a great product, Kent Cartridge is exactly that.

Kent Cartridge Bismuth

I love these shells in any gauge. I usually carry a sub gauge (28 or 20), because my first gun was a 20 gauge pump, and sub gauges provide just as much punch thanks to Bismuth shells. I shot #5’s out of my 20 and 28 this season on everything from Resident Canada’s to late season mallards to spring snows. My takeaway was simple, these shells are reliable, tough, and they kill. I’m not a believer in stretching shots out, but if you needed to, these shells will get the job done. 

Waders: 

Waders are arguably the most important piece of apparel a waterfowl hunter can own. When it comes to waders, I hate to say it, but if you want your waders to be reliable, durable, and dry, it isn’t going to be cheap. I only have one recommendation, because honestly they are the only waders I’ve worn for the last 5+ years and I am a BELIEVER. 

1.) Sitka Delta Waders

We’ll start with the boots. The Boots are actually warm and they feel like you’re wearing an athletic shoe, not a muck boot. Next, lets talk about breathability. I’ve hunted public, private, and everywhere en-between. If you’re setting a spread, walking to a hole, or just running around like a mad man, you’re going to get warm, you want your waders to breathe. I HATE NEOPRENE, its like being stuck in cement. With breathable waders, your under layers are incredibly important. I recommend a pair of legging type pants under a merino wool layer or a thicker insulated pant (again, focus on breathability). Breathable waders will change your life, don’t second guess it. Lastly, don’t forget that Sitka is GORE. GORE is the only truly waterproof outerwear I’ve worn. 

Layering Gear: 

I’ll put it bluntly, merino wool just gets the job done. Don’t fall for all of these bullshit marketing schemes about whatever else they’re pushing. Theres a reason your old man back in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s wore wool. It works and it’s been improved on.

1.) Duckworth

Why does it seem like every good, warm piece of equipment is from a company based in Montana? Duckworth makes a hoody called the “powder hoody”. It’s a no brainer. I wore it last season when we had two weeks of temps in the teens with a light hoody underneath, and a vest. It’s warm, light, breathable, and super comfortable. Buy it, you won’t regret it on cold days. 

2.) Sitka Gradient Pant 

I wear these under my waders most days when the temperature drops. They are really comfortable, warm, and I’ve had the same pair for four years so I think the durability speaks for itself.

Outer Gear (Jackets, vests, etc.) 

Everyone has there thing, but I believe in one core principle, “look good, feel good, play good”. I’M JOKING. What I really believe in is outerwear that is windproof and waterproof for outer layers. You want to stay warm? Keep the wind and the wet off of you. I am a huge fan of Sitka Gear, because I truly believe that no one does water/ wind proof like they do. I’ve included (2) must have items below. 

1.) Sitka Dakota Vest

I rock the Dakota Vest on top of anything. I really fell in love with it because of the pockets located on your chest. Pro tip- throw your hand warmers in your chest pocket.  Also, being able to keep your hands out of the elements if you’re calling is crucial. In addition to the product design being solid, this vest is WINDPROOF. If you’re in the blind for a long hunt, you’ll want this on. 

2.) Delta Wading Jacket

I am not a fan of wearing big bulky jackets when I hunt, quite honestly I only do when it’s raining. This jacket isn't bulk and it more than gets the job done. Let me ask you a question, do you know a company who does waterproofing better than Gore (Sitka)? The answer is no. I’ve worn this jacket on heavy rain days for the last (2) seasons and I haven’t gotten wet once. Additionally, Sitka added those nifty chest pockets on this jacket as well. The jacket is a bit shorter in length which is actually really nice, I’d recommend going a size up so you can layer sufficiently underneath. 

Gloves:

Not having solid gloves can end a hunt faster than falling in the water. My hands suck and they lock up when they are wet or cold. No I’m not soft, I just thought it was cool to never wear gloves when I was younger and now I’m paying the price! I’ve experimented with every glove imaginable and I’ve landed on two that work for me. 

1.) Filson Fingerless Wool Gloves

They are warm and allow you a ton of dexterity. These gloves also allow you to call proficiently while keeping your hands warm. I wear these the whole hunt from start to end even under my crabbing gloves when I’m setting up or picking up on cold days. 

2.) Midwest 330 extreme cold weather PVC coated with thinsulate

These are the best decoy glove I’ve ever owned. They don’t leak, they’re warm, and you can beat the living shit out of them. Not to mention, they are $25 on Amazon. 

Hat’s/ Neck Gaiters: 

On warm days, I’m in a baseball hat. On the other hand, on cold days, keeping the back of your neck and head warm are crucial to you being able to stick it out for more than an hour. You’re going to think I’m a Sitka Gear fanatic, I am, because the gear works, and I can trust it. 

1.) Sitka Blizzard GTX hat 

It’s waterproof and fleece lined. It also has ear flaps so if it warms up, you can simply roll em up. I wear this hat everyday as soon as the temperature drops below 30 and so should you.

2.) Sitka Neck Gaiter or any merino wool neck gaiter 

I really only break this out if it’s below 20. It’s that warm. Don’t get me wrong, you can go in a lot of directions for neck gaiters. Just make sure its merino wool lined. 

Calls

Everyone blows a call differently so the style of call you use should be based on what fits you the best. I’ve included some companies below that I rely on day in and day out or that I’ve used in the past and trust. TIP- for anyone learning to blow a call, learn to blow a goose call first. Goose calls demand proper air presentation to run them efficiently. Once you’ve gotten comfortable on a goose call, duck calls will be very easy for you to operate. 

Goose Calls: 

1.) DRC Calls: 

I use all DRC goose calls on my lanyard. I prefer the Cyco and the Squeaker Tweaker. Both are very different. I use the Cyco primarily when I’m hunting an “X” and I use the Tweaker when I’m running traffic. I’ve found that DRC’s guts fit my calling style really well. I especially love the differences between the two calls in tone and I love how easy they are to run. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the DRC crew. They’re very responsive and always willing to help out with any questions you may have. 

2.) Tim Grounds 

I used to run a G Force and I loved it. The call is pure goose and you wont go wrong with it. Some of the best competition callers in the world rely on Tim Grounds calls. They are versatile and clean. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either company. 

Duck Calls: 

1.) JJ Lares Championship Calls

These are my favorite duck calls ever made. I have a T1 and a T1 small bore on my lanyard. Maryland has some extreme weather changes that hunters experience throughout the season. Lares’s duck calls use a plastic wedge and a spit-proof technology making them almost impossible to stick. The T1 flat out rips. I use it for traffic hunts or when I want a loud ringing call. I primarily use the small bore late season or when I’m hunting an “X”. The small bore is a quieter call which requires more finesse, but holy shit is it pure duck. The reed I use is a 1.380 in both for reference.

2.) Polk Pattern Calls: 

This is my favorite “5&1” whistle on the market. If you don’t feel comfortable blowing a call, pick up a whistle. You can make every vocalization you need to. Also, nothing sounds better than a blind with multiple guys blowing calls and whistles. 

Guns: 

Benelli

As a kid from Maryland, after I moved on from my first 20 gauge pump, I bought a Benelli and I haven’t looked back. For those who aren’t familiar, Benelli’s are inertia driven. They are tough as nails. I have a 28, 20, and a 12 all in the SBE3 platform. I love my Benelli’s because of the durability, reliability, and ease of use. I know my gun won’t lock up if it gets wet, cold, or muddy. Buy a Benelli with the BEST treatment if you hunt anywhere near salt water. Another point on Benelli, the customer service is ridiculously good. I have never had a bad experience. The gunsmiths truly care about the product they produce and will help you with any issues that may arise.