ROAD HUNTER
Author Scott Haugen put High ’N Dry Breathable waders to the test in many conditions, including three weeks in Alaska, where he took these brant.
HO HO HO! FIELD-TESTED AND SANTA-APPROVED HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Wondering what to get the waterfowler in your life? Expert shares picks for hunters and their dogs. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
s a columnist for more than 20 years, when it comes to gear picks and suggesting items I think fellow hunters would appreciate, I don’t write about anything I’ve not personally used. Heading into my favorite time of year – Christmas and waterfowl season – here are some gifts to consider.
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BROWNING MAXUS II I shot the original Maxus for four seasons. I loved it. This year I went to the Browning Maxus II and loved it even more. I used the II in extreme conditions in Alaska, throughout the Pacific Northwest, on a winter hunt in Utah, and it’s going with me to Texas for sandhill cranes right after the New Year. The power drive gas system rocks, cycling all sizes and brands of loads I used, up to 3½ inches. It shoulders fast and the overall ergonomics make for
easy handling. Thanks to the rubber overmolding in multiple locations, it’s easy to grip in all conditions and it’s comfortable all-around. It’s easy to strip down and clean and it just keeps working. MSRP: $1,979.99; browning.com. BROWNING WICKED BLEND For a shotgun shell that gets it done in a range of conditions, on any waterfowl you want to hunt, Browning’s Wicked Blend is a solid pick. I’ve shot just about every type of duck and goose americanshootingjournal.com 83
