All I Want for Christmas
Emily Bosler for SPLIT REED
Waterfowl Hunters are often some of the most challenging folks to buy gifts for as most purchases are made out of pure necessity. Guns, ammo, gear- check, check, and check! While none of us would ever complain about a case of shells (or two) under the tree- Split Reed has taken many of our own wishes for Santa and compiled them into one list to satisfy that sportsman or woman in your life that seemingly “has everything.” Don’t worry, we won’t tell them that these ideas weren’t entirely your own! Happy Holidays and happy hunting!
For the wild game whipper-uppers, the grillmasters, the cast iron kings and queens, and all of the cooks on your list. This little fella is the perfect size for eliminating those stubborn little pinfeather hairs left behind after you pluck your ducks! If you aren’t plucking your ducks, this is the season to start!
2. Traeger’s Blackened Saskatchewan Rub
While we think ANY of the Traeger seasonings are gift-worthy, this is our resident recipe expert’s favorite blend! The fin and feather seasoning is a close second. Stick ‘em in a stocking and thank us later.
3. MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook and Techniques
This MeatEater Fish and Game cookbook is another instant win, both for your waterfowler and for yourself as they prepare your next meal! After collaborating with the gang at MeatEater for our Duck Camp Dinner series, we quickly learned that they prepare wild game like no one else.
For the gundog owners, puppy lovers, and man’s best friend’s best friends. If you’re buying for someone with a young pup, or an older dog who is due for a brushing up, the Retriever University program would serve them well. Rather than a material item, you’re essentially giving them years of fetched birds- something absolutely invaluable.
I’m sure you’re probably thinking “dog food? for Christmas?!” but this is SO much more than that. To give someone The Scoop 90-Day-Transformation offers them peace of mind that their furry pal will live and thrive for as long as possible.
An absolutely essential for any pet parent who spends time with their canine outdoors. Things can go wrong in an instant, and you can never be too prepared as it pertains to your retriever.
7. onX Maps
For the door-knocking, wing-chasing, road warriors An onX subscription is truly the gift that keeps on giving. The elite membership gives them nationwide access… yes, the ENTIRE nation, so no matter where they travel in the United States they will be well equipped.
Any of the bags in the Dive Bomb Dry-Line Collection would make one heck of a present for the always on the go hunter or huntress on your list. Knowing their gear is protected and NEVER soggy will serve as a season-long reminder that they were on Santa’s nice list.
9. Browning Shotgun Cleaning Kit
Somehow, our most used tool is frequently the most neglected. At the end of a long, cold day in the blind, taking the time to clean our shotguns can take a backseat. This kit by Browning makes it easy for even the most exhausted wingshooter. Throw in a bottle of Browning gun oil as a stocking stuffer that is sure to satisfy!
10. Buddy Heater
For the thermosensitive, forever freezing fowler. From the pit or the panel blind, you’ll get a thank you message on a frigid morning. I don’t know a single outdoorsy human who doesn’t appreciate a great quality portable heater!
11. Heated Socks
The second your toes get cold inside of your boots, you know the duration of your hunt is dwindling. These heated socks are rechargeable, and warm up in less than 60 seconds! A great tool for any late-season waterfowler.
12. Camoretro Gear
While of course, you could journey down to your local sporting goods store and purchase that straight off-the-rack camo, Camo Retro offers a unique alternative. Look back through Pawpaw’s old hunting photos and find a piece of vintage hunting apparel that will keep them warm for all of the seasons to come!
13. Makers Calls
For the shot-calling, duck talking, waterfowl guides. Makers calls were made for duck hunters by duck hunters. Trust us when we say these calls will earn a well-deserved spot on even the most seasoned of guide’s lanyards.
14. Tom Beckbe Gear
Tom Beckbe game straps are truly the most classic way to display and tote the spoils of your hunts. In a saturated market, they win for both aesthetics and functionality.
15. Duck Lanyards
Purchasing this lanyard by The Duck Huntress simultaneously supports a veteran-owned, female waterfowl brand, and holds up to 10 total calls.
Out of these 15 gift ideas, it is our hope that we have taken some of the guesswork out of the holiday season for some of your hardest to buy for humans! The Split Reed seal of approval is built into each and every link, so it is our hope that you trust our choices of presents as much as you do our choices of trusted waterfowl outfitters!
Click on Emily to find her on Instagram