Split Reed Holiday Gift Guide
William Gooch for SPLIT REED
So, someone almost seems to love waterfowl hunting more than they even love you? It’s a common problem among many duck widows and widowers across the country, particularly this time of year. But worry not, for there is a surefire way to show them your acceptance of this passion that occupies them from November to February every single year. And it’s a pretty simple method: buy them something! Michael Scott said it best when he described presents as the easiest way to say “Hey Man, I love you this many Dollars worth.”
But the ultimate question that many non-waterfowl enthusiasts have trouble answering is what on earth to buy, and where on earth to find it. And so, I present you with the Split Reed 2022 Gift Guide.
Following Scott’s aforementioned line of reasoning, I’ve decided to list these in decreasing price range, and so, first on the list is none other than… A shotgun.
1. Browning Firearms: Maxus II
Scattergun, Shottie, Boomstick, Blunderbuss -- Whatever you call it, every duck hunter has one, and most wish they had a better one. When deciding on a firearm brand, I always suggest Browning because of their consistently reliable products, top-tier customer service, and overall history and experience with providing unmatched tools to this industry since 1880. And on top of that, Browning has recently introduced what many are calling the best waterfowl shotgun on the market, the Maxus II. Designed specifically for the demanding needs of a waterfowl hunter, this firearm is at the top of the list for those who dare to brave the harsh conditions that are presented to a winter-time wingshooter. From its rubber grips to the Power Drive Gas System, the Maxus II is, without question, the shotgun to give your loved one this Christmas.
2. Chêne Gear: Waders
In the words of co-founder, John Strange, Chêne Gear has consistently prioritized Quality and Customer Service. He went on to make a compelling point that, “in today’s world, these two terms are overused, however, we challenge our customers to hold us accountable to these two principles. When it comes to our wader, Chene’s Flagship Product, we differentiated ourselves by custom making our boot, using a more durable material in Nylon, and applying technology to replace stitched seams found in traditional waders.” Ultimately, there is no doubt that this wader is not only built by duck hunters for duck hunters but further, that it was built to undeniably withstand the test that waterfowlers put their gear up against day in and day out. And after years of product research and development, they have presented duck hunters with what is, without question, the best wader money can buy. And although the price point may seem daunting to some, you will not only be paying for a wader you know to be trustworthy but also, for a lifetime warranty, ensuring that this will be the last pair of waders you ever buy.
3. TRED: GT Recovery Tracks
Third on our list is somewhat of an unlikely choice when searching for a duck hunter’s gift, but all the more necessary. Recovery Tracks are an arguably inevitable necessity, particularly for those of us who spend hours driving mile after mile in search of a huntable feed. As a result of this lifestyle, getting your vehicle stuck is something most can count on. However, TRED has provided a lightweight, packable, and reliable solution with its extremely durable and high-quality GT Recovery Tracks. This product will not only be easy to just throw in the bed of a truck, but it will also allow the waterfowler in your life to get out of a pinch quickly, whereas vehicle recovery used to be a day-wasting chore.
4. Divebomb Industries: F1 Canada Floaters
Adding what is known as “confidence” decoys is a very common practice among duck hunters, particularly those who hunt over flooded fields where a variety of waterfowl might feed. Further, it is no question that the most widely used confidence decoy is the Canada Goose, and for a pretty simple reason: ducks absolutely love geese. As such, I’ve chosen Divebomb’s Canada Floaters for the fourth item on the gift guide. These decoys really go above and beyond in quality, particularly relative to their price. Along with all of Divebomb’s products, these have been thoroughly field-tested and can absolutely be trusted in terms of durability. On top of that, the flocked heads add a significant improvement in realism, and the high-quality color scheme provides a decoy that can certainly last multiple seasons, unlike the industry standards. And to seal the deal, they are coming in at roughly 30 dollars per item which, for a decoy, this large, is an absolute steal.
5. Makers Call Company: Origin
You get what you pay for. This is arguably a truth that applies to nearly everything, but in duck hunting, there are few better examples than the duck call, and that is why, at lucky number five, I’ve chosen the Makers Origin. Makers Call Co, similar to other brands on this list, is really hard to beat when looking to do business with people who are truly waterfowlers at heart. Colton and Travis are without question, reliable, respectable, and beyond exceptional call makers, and there is really no reason not to trust them with providing you with your next duck call.
For this gift guide, I chose the Origin Call for a number of reasons. The first is really quite simple: Range. We look for it in every call we blow, but can’t always find it. Regardless, the Origin can and will provide everything you need in a call from breaking high flyers to finessing finishers. All in all, this is a product that is simply easy to love. It has just the right balance in tone and sounds ducky from top to bottom, and I can honestly recommend it to all.
6. OnX Hunt: Premium Subscription
If your loved one is a freelance or public land waterfowler, there is really no question that mapping software is immediately necessary, and there is no better place to go for this than OnX Hunt which is why their Premium Subscription has landed its spot at number 6 on the list. From the variety of included map layers that provide any and all information you could need about a property to the extremely user-friendly format, this app has changed the game for duck and goose hunters across the globe. I, for one, have been using OnX for two seasons and, having used Google Maps exclusively beforehand, I honestly don’t know what I was thinking. It really is all you could need and more and for only 30 dollars a month? I’ll take it.
Stocking Stuffers (of course)
Finally, what would a gift guide be without a list of cheap, small, wonderful items that we all lovingly call “Stocking Stuffers”
1. Split Reed Headwear
First and foremost, I couldn’t resist mentioning the PLETHORA of top-tier hats that we offer right here on the Split Reed website, especially the latest release: the 100% cotton Single Duck Cap. Its timeless design and highly practical construction are sure to make any waterfowler happy this Christmas.
2. Alpaca Wool Socks
Yes, it might sound shocking. Perhaps you’re like me and didn’t even really know what an alpaca was until you looked it up. But TRUST me. These socks are literally impossible to beat. They will not only keep your feet warm but also ensure that they remain completely dry all day. The properties of Alpaca Wool allow them to wick sweat better than anything else while also providing unmatched warmth throughout the season.
3. Carabiners
These are something that I find myself using remarkably often during duck season. I certainly like to have them for my decoy rigs but they can also come in handy when hanging gloves out to dry, putting duck straps on a tree hook, and on numerous occasions that I never see coming. They’re really just the kind of thing that you’d much rather have and not need than need and not have. They’re cheap and easy to find too. If you’re looking for something small, these are a great way to go.
4. Hand Warmers
I frankly don’t remember the last time I didn’t get a box of hand warmers for Christmas. They’re a classic. But, it’s for a very good reason. I would certainly consider these to be the “old standby” in this category, but if you are looking to spice things up a little bit, I have recently started using rechargeable hand warmers, and I highly recommend them. Not only do they do a little better for the environment, but you can also know that you won’t run out, a rare but plausible problem found with disposables. All in all, either way is a safe route, and there is really, in my opinion, no better way to end a stocking stuffer list than with your classic Hot Hands.
There ya have it, folks. A complete waterfowler’s gift guide. From a two thousand-dollar shotgun to a four-dollar carabiner, I feel confident that everyone has something to gain from this list. I hope it was helpful, maybe even enjoyable, but most of all, I hope everyone has a happy holiday and a great duck season.
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