On Monday morning I’m heading up to Missouri for a duck hunt. I’m hunting with Shane and the crew at Semo Outfitters. I’ve hunted with them before and absolutely love their set up. It’s a fantastic experience, and it looks like the ducks are making their way down.
The weather is going to be a bit warmer than what you’d typically think of when hunting ducks. We’re looking at lows in the mid-30s and highs in the 60s. We won’t be breaking any ice this time, so packing is going to be a little lighter. I’m shooting my Beretta A300 12ga, and can’t wait to get it some work knocking down some waterfowl.
Besides the normal stuff, here are some of the items that I’ll be bringing:
From Top Left:
1. Poncho Outdoors Cimarron Flannel Shirt: The best flannel shirts on the market, and they just released flannel options. This is a definite for the trip – probably as a layer against my skin.
2. Blade + Bow Waxed Canvas Hat: JEP gave me this a while back, and I’ve been saving it for a trip such as this. Waxed is a good option in case it rains, but also because when else are you going to have a chance to wear it?
3. Duck Camp Barnburner Hoodie: These hoodies are incredible – one of my favorite pieces that Duck Camp produces. They are thick enough to provide plenty of warmth, but not so bulky that they get in the way. I’ll wear this over my Ponchos.
4. Petzl Headlamp: A must for setting up the blind before the hunt.
5. Orvis Pro Underwader Pants: I’ve got some super thick pants, but don’t believe I’ll need them this go-round. These underwader pants from Orvis are my favorite, especially when the air isn’t freezing. I’ll bring a pair of long underwear just in case, but I think these should be fine.
6. Tom Beckbe Camo Tensaw Coat: Gotta have a waxed coat for duck hunting. Might as well bring the best.
7. William Knife Co. Bird Knife: One of my favorite parts of the trip is after each hunt, we go breast ducks in the lodge’s garage. It’s a dirty task, but we all dig in, elbows deep. We cuss, we spit in the dirt, and we cut a lot of meat.
8. SmartWool PHD Wool Socks: Nothing worse than cold feet. I am extra precautious.
9. Yeti 26 oz Bottle: My morning coffee is a must, even when sitting in a duck blind.
10. LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots: These are the only boots I bring on the trip. On and off with my waders, and great for trudging around the farm or riding around town.
11. Wren & Ivy Heirloom Ditty Bag: BC talked me into this one, and I’m so glad he did. Not a detail was spared – they thought of everything. The perfect bag for waterfowling.
12. Duck Camp Large Mesh Gear Tote: Gotta carry it all around, and this bag is perfect. I’ll hose it out after I get back home, and it’ll be ready to go again.
What did I miss?
JRS, what is the wader situation these days? What are you going to bring on the trip?
The Duck Camp Barnburner Hoodies are on sale now for $125! I love these hoodies. The only change I would make is to add either hand warmer or a kangaroo pocket.