chris schertz Guide & Outfitter • andersom, California

Waterfowl

Getting into waterfowl hunting can be overwhelming and seem expensive when first starting out. Below I will list a few must-have items that will get you started and hopefully become successful in the field.

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

A good pair of binoculars is an essential part of my waterfowl hunting gear. In fact, I never leave home without them. Scouting for birds before your hunt is a great way to put yourself where the birds want to be and some quality optics will let you see farther and more detail. I also use them when I am hunting to see if birds are using other areas around my location.

Binos

Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binoculars

Bino Harness

Leupold GO Afield Binocular Harness XF

Other

Leupold ‎58400 Window Mount

I use this for truck scouting.

Backpacks & Gear

You need a quality waterproof blind bag or small backpack for keeping ammo, calls, gloves, and other items organized and protected.

Backpack/ Pack Frame

SITKA Gear Men's Hunting Full Choke Pack

Knives

RazorLite™

Headlamp

Coast Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp

GPS

Elite Hunt Membership

Gear - Accessories

There is a ton of gear available for hunting ducks and geese nowadays. If you are just starting out it can seem overwhelming at first with all the options out there. You don't need to go out and buy the most expensive stuff there is but you also get what you pay for. Don't skimp on a good waterproof jacket as the longer you can stay dry the longer you will be able to stay in the field. Buy a decent call and practice, practice, and practice. There are lots of instructional videos out there on calling.

Calls

J.J. LARES CHAMPIONSHIP CALLS

Blinds

Tanglefree 360 Solo Blind

Decoys

I like Tanglefree Avery and Dive Bomb decoys.

Tanglefree Decoys

Dive Bomb Decoys

Food & Nutrition

High-quality snacks and hydration supplements will help you keep your strength and stay hydrated meaning you will be able to stay in the field longer.

Supplements

ENDURO

AMMO

Freeze Dried Meals

I like Heather's Choice. Here are a few options.

Mom's Spaghetti with Beef and Marinara (Single Pack)

Grass-Fed Beef Shepherd's Pie (Single Pack)

Blueberry Cinnamon Breakfast (Single Pack)

Sweet Coconut Packaroons® (Eight Pack)

Other

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

I use the Jetboil for heating water for meals and coffee.

Clothing

Quality clothing can make or break a hunt in nasty weather. The longer you can stay in the field the higher your chances of being successful. If you can afford it buy a good jacket to start, it will pay off in the long run.

Baselayers

SITKA Gear Men's Core Midweight Zip-T Long Sleeve Hunting Shirt

SITKA Gear Merino Core Light Weight Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

SITKA Gear Men's Grinder Half-Zip Insulated Waterfowl Concealing Hunting Pullover

SITKA Men's Grinder Insulated Waterfowl Concealing Hunting Pants

Outerwear/ Jackets

SITKA Gear Men's Hunting Windproof Dakota Hoody

Rain Gear

SITKA Gear Delta Wading Jacket

Footwear

SITKA Delta Zip Wader

Gloves

SITKA Gear Pantanal GTX Glove

Firearms

Shotgun Equipment

There are a lot of options for shotguns out there and prices can vary from one gun to the next. Lots of birds have taken for years with pump-action shotguns. They are popular because they are cheaper than autos, reliable, and multi-use. A lot of people choose autos because of recoil reduction and fast follow-up shots. You can always start at the base model pump and work your way up to a more expensive auto down the road.

Shotgun

Beretta Shotguns

I prefer the Beretta Xtrema.

Shotgun Shells

Boss Shot Shells

chris schertz Guide & Outfitter • andersom, California

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!