GET Quacking for 2022
I know its hot out but know is the time to get ready for the upcoming waterfowl season. This preseason prep looks different for everyone. This varies depending on each hunter’s style of hunting and what equipment they have. As we all know waders are a constant investment due to the nature of our hunting they need replaced. We got 2 top wader brands to compare. Unique product to try for this upcoming season.
Two of the Best Waders
First up we have Chene Gear Waders coming in at $1,100 MRSP. I must hand it to Chene the amount of information they provide for their product is industry leading. These waders have an aqua seal main zipper. They are a four-layer nylon oxford fabric with mechanically bonded seams. These waders are incorporated Agion antimicrobial treatment to control odor.
All pockets are equipped with YKK Zippers. Four pockets total. Has high waist hand warmers. Adjustable suspension straps. Waist belt has textured nylon grip for added strength and gripping power. The boot is 5mm neoprene with rubber overlay includes a 3 sole design for comfort and durability. Chene goes above with the addition of boot covers. These boot covers cover the weak point of the seam and boot. They are quick vertical draining for seamless walking in and out of the water.
They have an industry leading warranty. This limited lifetime warranty valid for the original buyer. They will cover any defect deemed to be defect in materials and workmanship. The turn around time for repair or warranty is 7 to 10 days. This is unheard of and leading the way. These waders are American built. https://chenegear.com/collections/new-for-2022/products/chene-gear-wader-mossy-oak-original-bottomland
PROS-
- 7 to 10 days turn around on repairs and warranty repairs
- Very descriptive with materials and workmanship
- Bounded seams
- Nylon oxford 4-layer fabric
- 4 pockets
- Handwarmers
- American built
Cons-
- Price
- Website doesn’t mention labor rate
Second, we have Sitka Delta Sip Wader coming in at 999.99 MSRP. These waders are pro-laminate Gore-Tex. Main zipper is YKK Aqua seal. The boots are made by Lacrosse with 1200g of Thinsulate. Reinforced foam knee and shin area. Adjustable no buckle suspension shoulder straps. These waders have two pockets and hand warmers. This is all Sitka provides for information on the website.
Sitka has a warranty as well. Limited warranty only on manufacture defects. They state that you can have warranty and repairs done with them with a 4 to 8 week turn around. Sitka waders are imported. https://www.sitkagear.com/products/delta-zip-wader?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7KXBhCoARIsAPdPTfiJwwg6V1ncGWU83CcKcYtjQSN8mWY3ZpgISKenqvux5knS3Y8yjI8aAk1REALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Pros-
- Slightly cheaper
- Reinforced foam in the knee and shin
- Handwarmers
Cons-
- 4 to 8 weeks turnaround for warranty and repairs
- Only two pockets
- Imported
Must Try Waterfowl product
BB Waterfowl makes a unique product called duck poles. This product allows a hunter to utilize his floating water decoys in a field. This stand is constructed so you slide the keel of the duck into a slot that pinches the decoy. With two wire stakes. They added a nice touch of realistic feet. These stands come in at 48 dollars for dozen duck stands and 53 dollars for dozen floater decoys.
This product is a great way to maximize your investment on decoys. Instead of buying two sets of decoys one field and one water. These duck poles will allow you to utilize your water decoys not only in the fields but on the bank as well. Full body decoys can run anywhere from $218.00 dollars to $750.00 dollars. The duck poles are 48 dollars to 53 dollars that is a fraction of the investment.
The other upside to adding stands to your spread instead of dozens of full bodies with stands. It will lighten the load. Maximizing our time in the field leads to success. These stands will lessen the number of trips in and out of hunting locations. Saving the hunter time and energy to focus on the hunt.
Hunting Waterfowl must do for 2022
The most successful people are always two things. First, they are confident. They researched and studied learning as much as possible leads to confidence, but they are humble and know they don’t know everything. Second, they are prepared. They took the time to put all that learning into action.
Check list of preseason prep
-decoys
-blinds
-boat
-carts
-Atv’s
– little things like headlamps, cloves, hunting clothes
-guns, chokes, plugs
-shooting to regain muscle memory
-organizing gear
-check ammunition
Decoy preseason prep
Every veteran water fowler knows that decoys need to be taken care of. Cleaning our decoys with light soapy water and a toothbrush to remove dirt and mud from the decoy. Checking the line used to fasten they weight to the decoy is imperative. The line should be free of cuts, abrasions, kinks, cracks, and rot. Check the connection tie points are tight and not coming undone.
Blind and Cart preseason prep
Check pins are still there. Check all framing for cracks and bends. Check the seat suspension straps and buckles are not torn or broken. Identifying issues now will save frustration latter especially in the middle of a hunt. If you properly cleaned your blind for storage, you would also want to mud that thing back up and remove the shine before season starts.
Make sure the straps are not broken or torn. Check the frame for cracks or areas of concern. Check the bearings are greased. Check rims and tires. The tires are good with no cracks, tears, or leaks. Rims are not bent.
Boats, Trailers, and ATV’s preseason Prep
Inspect everything. The items have allot of moving parts. Trailers make sure all lights work. Check the axel or axels are not bent. Check wheel bearings are greased and smooth when rotating. Check tires and rims are in good order no damage and holding air. Check your hitch connections are greased up moving free and locking in place.
Boats are crucial in many hunts, and you don’t want to be stranded when the time comes. Go through the entire fuel system. Clean the old fuel out. Clean your carburetor. Replace your spark plugs. Clean or replace air filters. Check your prop and lower unit. Change your gearcase oil. Check or replaced the impeller in the lower unit. Check all lights are functional. Check batteries are holding good charge and don’t have bad cells.
ATV’S like boats have allot to look at. Check and clean fuel systems, replace sparkplugs, and clean carburetors. Check suspension springs and shocks for cracks and function. Check drive shafts and u-joints for broken components and play or seized bearings. Check tires and rims for damage and holding air. Check all lights are functional. Check battery is charged and holding.
Dont forget the little things
Check the little things like headlamps put fresh batteries in them. Check all your hunting clothes, gloves, facemasks, and headgear. Check your field supplies and first aid kit. Its always good to get out and shot some before season. Get that muscle memory going. Cheek down and follow through. Hit the range and pattern your shotgun especially if you changed ammo or chokes.
Thank you for reading if you liked this post check out our blog on hunting ethics and etiquette.
If Audio is more your thing check out Fowler and Friends podcast