As summer trudges on, duck hunters from across the country quietly prepare for the season ahead. Gear gets organized, decoys get cleaned up, and calls are tuned for the eventual return of duck season. While preparation at home can only go so far, the true road to duck season kicks off in Memphis with the DUX Expo. For many, this event provides an opportunity to preview the latest and greatest gear, foster discussion around conservation, reconnect with old friends, and build excitement for the return of the Fall season.
More than another stop on the calendar, DUX has become a tradition where hunters gather to celebrate the sport, strengthen the community, and sharpen their skills before the season begins. Whether that’s learning from Champion callers or getting a lesson on how to improve your duck dog for the upcoming season, here are just a few of our favorite highlights and some of what you can expect from this year’s DUX expo.
The Gear
If you’re the type who loves checking out new gear, DUX is hard to beat. Waterfowl and outdoor brands from across the country bring their latest and greatest products to Memphis, giving hunters the chance to see what’s new before the season gets underway. Whether it’s the newest decoys, improved guts in your favorite duck call, or gear from brands you already know and love, DUX has it all. Last year the Split Reed team was able to walk the showroom floors to highlight and get hands-on with new gear and apparel, as well as the latest on ammunition and firearms for waterfowl hunters.
This year we’re expecting to see a similar turnout for new and exciting gear for waterfowl hunters across a variety of brands. From decoys and ammo to technical apparel and calls, there’s plenty of buzz going around already about new products that hunters will see for the upcoming season. It’s also worth mentioning DUX is an excellent place to score on some great show deals on gear from your favorite brands.
The Waterfowl Community
One of the things we appreciate most about DUX is its focus on more than just gear. Through events like the DU Regional Duck Calling Contest and the World Cutdown Championship, the expo creates opportunities for hunters to learn, compete, and celebrate the traditions of waterfowling together. Calling competitions lie at the heart of duck hunting culture. Not only do they build upon generations of calling tradition, but these events provide opportunities for those outside the calling competition realm to catch a glimpse of the sport and the dedication and skill of callers from across the country. This year’s Regional calling competition will kick off at 9 am on Saturday, and this year’s Cutdown Championship will kick off at 1:30 pm at the Renasant Convention Center. In addition, for the first time, the Big Sky Regional will be at DUX this year on Sunday at 10 am.
Alongside this year’s calling competitions, experienced hunters and industry experts will share demonstrations packed with practical knowledge you can take straight to the blind. With speakers such as Jimbo Ronquest for insight on Duck Calling Dynamics and Tom Smith from Wildrose Kennels walking through the Three T’s of Canine Communication, this year’s DUX seminars aren’t something you’re going to want to miss.
A Worthwhile Trip
Beyond the gear, seminars, and calling competitions, DUX is ultimately about the people. It’s one of the few places each year where waterfowl hunters from across the country come together to swap stories, reconnect with old friends, meet new people who share the same passion, and spend time with the brands that help shape our seasons. That sense of community is what keeps so many hunters coming back year after year. And if you’re making the trip to Memphis, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the expo itself. Grab a meal at one of the city’s renowned barbecue joints, stop by the iconic Bass Pro Pyramid, and make sure you make time to visit the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center inside. With Ducks Unlimited headquartered in Memphis, the city has become a destination that celebrates waterfowl hunting and conservation long after the expo doors close.
Whether you’re walking the floor in Memphis or following along from home, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite moments throughout the weekend. Doors open at noon on Friday, July 31st! Make sure to check out the full event schedule and vendor list on the DUX website.