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ROADHUNTER: HO HO HO! FIELD-TESTED AND SANTA-APPROVED HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
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
As 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. 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
Haugen loves Browning’s Maxus II, along with the Wicked Blend load. The Slayer Duck Calls are worth checking out, as are the fully flocked Final Approach mallard decoys, which he’s still testing.
in the Pacific Flyway with it, save for eiders, which I wouldn’t hesitate using it on. The penetrating power of Browning shells have always pleased me, but the new Wicked Blend has taken my appreciation to another level.
Wicked Blend is a combination of 30-percent precision round bismuth stacked atop very meticulously rounded steel, which makes up the remaining 70 percent of the load. The bismuth not only increases the load’s pellet count, but it offers more energy downrange. The tight pattern and knockdown power of this load is consistent and impressive. Whether I’m hunting late-season puddle ducks, divers on the coast, geese in Alaska, or big honkers in the West, this is the load in my bag. It comes in a BB and size 1 bismuth for geese, and size 2 and 4 bismuth for ducks. Learn more at browningammo.com.
SLAYER DUCK CALLS For the past three months I’ve been using the Drake Slayer Double- and SingleReed acrylic duck calls. They’ve both performed flawlessly on multiple hunts in multiple states for a mix of species in a range of weather conditions.
Slayer duck calls are some of the easiest calls I’ve run, and beginners will love the Double-Reed. The SingleReed reaches high volumes, tones and pitches that seasoned hunters will appreciate. No matter where in the world you duck hunt, these calls are worth checking out. MSRP: $120; slayercalls.com.
FINAL APPROACH KNOCKOUT BLIND This is the most comfortable layout blind I’ve ever used, period. Not only that, it’s the quickest set-up-and-takedown layout blind I’ve seen, and the most durable. It’s roomy for a shell bag and a dog, and is easy to move around in.
I’ve had older hunters use the Knockout Blind and they all agree it’s the sturdiest, easiest layout blind to get in and out of. The durable frame and support bars of the Knockout Blind are designed so you can put pressure directly on them when getting in and out. There are no pin hinges, and the takedown and headrest bars add even more durability. I’m also a fan of the back mesh that offers concealment from circling birds. It features a waterproof floor and water-resistant outer fabric. MSRP: $250; fabrand.com.
HIGH ’N DRY BREATHABLE WADERS The first time I wore these waders was for 20 days straight in Alaska. Since then, they’ve been on multiple hunts in many places. They’ve held up great in saltwater, rivers, marshes and ponds. They’re comfortable and roomy, and the simple design offers ease of movement. The Neoprene-reinforced knees with external Kevlar protection worked great against the sand and volcanic rock beaches I hunted on. I’m
The best, sturdiest and roomiest layout blind the author has used. The Final Approach Knockout Blind is easy to transport and brush-in, too.
The Rambler is just one of many Yeti products Haugen has used and been pleased with.
a fan of the quality boot material and dependable suspender design. MSRP: $339; hndoutdoors.com.
YETI TUMBLER & RAMBLER Last season I got a 20-ounce Yeti Tumbler with the MagSlider lid, and love it. But I usually had my coffee downed by the time I started the hike to the duck blind. So I got the 26-ounce Rambler, which features a Chug Cap, meaning I could drink directly from it so I didn’t have to take my Tumbler afield. I liked it so much, my wife and I got the half-gallon Rambler Jug for hikes, snowshoeing trips and crosscountry skiing adventures. Then, of course, we had to get a couple 14-ounce Rambler Mugs with the MagSlider lids. Then our sons joined us on a hike and wanted their own mugs, so we picked up two 10-ounce Ramblers, also with the MagSlider lids; yes, the MagSlider lids are efficient and worth it.
We wouldn’t keep going back to Yeti drinkware if we didn’t like it. Every component is easy to clean, won’t leak, and is incredibly durable. The doublewall vacuum insulation keeps liquids hot, or cold, on those morning or afternoon outings. Learn more at yeti.com.
YETI DOG BED Since Christmas is a time of giving, who better to get gifts for than our best friends? Our dogs. So, while we’re on a Yeti fix, take a look at this!
Yeti’s Trailhead Dog Bed is the best dog bed I’ve used. Both of my dogs love it. After a hard day of hunting or a rigorous workout, it’s a race to see who gets the bed first. Thankfully the bed features a removable travel pad so each dog can enjoy it, but I bet they’ll be getting another one for Christmas so they don’t have to share.
We’ve had the bed almost a year, have washed the removable liners many times, and it’s still like new. The pillow bolster is sturdy and hasn’t broken down one bit. The tough bottom easily handles our 65-pound dog, and the waterproof outer cover is great for road trips. With a threeyear warranty, you can’t beat this bed. MSRP: $299; yeti.com.
DIRTY DOG DOORMAT We loved our Dirty Dog Doormat so much, we got a second one, then a third. Not only does this miracle mat collect water, mud, dirt, seeds, hair and drool, it’s so comfortable our dogs often curl up on it for a nap.
The microfiber technology of these mats allow them to absorb up to seven times their weight in water. Millions of soft microfiber strands feel and act like a soft sponge, keeping floors clean. We use them both inside and outside entryways, even in our truck on road trips; they’re great for human foot traffic, too. They work year-round, be it wet and snowy in the winter, or hot and dry with lots of grass and dust in the summer. The nonskid backing sets it apart from competitors and it works great on wood and vinyl floors. MSRP
When it comes to keeping your dog physically and mentally healthy, don’t skimp on food. The author has been thoroughly impressed with the performance his pudelpointers have shown while on NutriSource.
$39.95 for large; dgspetproducts.com.
PAW WATERPROOF THROW We ordered the 60-inch-by-50-inch throw, and a week later ordered a second one. Not only are these throws waterproof, they’re stylish and come in a range of sizes and designs to go with a range of home decor. The blanket is washable and dogs love laying on them.
Be it after a bath, coming in from the rain, or absorbing accidental potty leaks, the Waterproof Throw protects furniture, beds and car seats. Give it a good shake outside once a week and you’ll be amazed with how much dirt and hair it also collects. MSRP: $129; paw.com.
Paw also has a back seat dog car cover I love. It’s only $44, is easy to clean and simple to install and remove. The two handles on the underside tuck between the seats, ensuring the cover stays in place and remains safe for dogs. NUTRISOURCE DOG FOOD Every time I see a gun dog on a diet of cheap food, I cringe. That’s like feeding professional athletes junk food. Hunting dogs are high-level performers and providing them with high-quality food should be a top priority.
For 11 months I’ve been feeding my female pudelpointer, Echo, NutriSource’s new Element Series, and the results of this high-protein diet continue to amaze me in her daily performance and rapid recovery times following hard hunts and intense training sessions. Element has three times the protein of most foods (up to 90-percent animal protein) and it supports nitrogen and ammonia utilization, meaning there is no extra gas or diarrhea that can occur with other high-protein diets.
Kona, my 5-year-old male pudelpointer, eats Element during winter hunting season, as it makes an obvious difference in his recovery times on cold, wet-weather hunts. The rest of the year he’s on a diet of standard NutriSource food. Visit nutrisourcepetfoods.com to find a dealer near you.
And don’t forget those stocking stuffers for your pup. Yes, dogs love opening little gifts, too. Smoked cow bones that contain marrow, Benebone’s new salmon-flavored chew, Earth Animal’s No-Hide chews, and healthy treats – my dogs love NutriSource soft treats and jerky – are all excellent choices, as are sturdy balls and other toys.
The list goes on, but these are items we’ve put to extensive use and have been very pleased with. Have a joyous Christmas and great rest of the waterfowling season. Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott’s bestselling books, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
TOUGH • DURABLE • LIGHT
Easy Loader, Deuce & EZ-XL Models
• Easy Loader & Deuce accommodate 2 dogs up to 65 lbs each • EZ-XL accommodates 2 dogs over 65 lbs each • Made from High Density
Polyethylene with UV protection • Easy Loader fits most full size pickups, SUVs & large UTVs • Deuce fits smaller pickups, SUVs & UTVs • EZ-XL is for larger breed dogs & full size vehicles • Vents, cold weather door covers, insulated covers & custom kennel pads available
Introducing the EASY XL.
For large breed dogs.
EASY-LOADER
Dog Kennels
