Every year, DUX, hosted by Ducks Unlimited, brings together the waterfowl community and showcases the latest and greatest gear. On day one, we focused on the best new guns and ammo for the season. The second day, we turned our sights on everything else. From new apparel, gear, calls, and more, this year’s show had a lot to offer. After a day of scouting for new goodies to add to our gear collection, here is what stood out to us.
New Apparel From DUX
AVES
AVES is a duck hunting apparel brand building premium technical gear at a reasonable price. This year at DUX, they debuted their new Dot.Air lineup. It features three pieces of apparel: a long-sleeve button-up, a short-sleeve button-up, and a hoodie. All three pieces are designed to be breathable, lightweight pieces for the early season. In addition, AVES released their new Scout Pant. These lightweight all-season pants feature side vents for hot days and a rugged design to get you through the season.
Chêne
Chêne, a mainstay in the waterfowl apparel space, made some noise at DUX with three new pieces of technical hunting gear. The first and our favorite is the Waxed Canvas Goose Down Jacket. Like their other waxed canvas products, you get the rugged and reliable outer shell. On the inside, however, is a warm and comfortable goose down inner layer. For late-season hunts, this is what you want. Chêne also debuted the Scout Jacket, a lightweight, water-resistant outer layer, and the Jac-Shirt, a versatile button-up.
Frogg Toggs
Frogg Toggs is taking a serious dive into waterfowl gear with its new Oxbow Jacket. This wading/rain jacket hybrid is lightweight and fully waterproof. The hood and neck are also insulated for added warmth. It’s also an affordable option for those wanting to get into waterfowl hunting.
Beretta
While known for its shotguns, Beretta also makes an extensive line of apparel. New for this year is the Beretta Suprema Jacket and Bib System. This system is designed for field hunters demanding the most out of their gear. With reinforced seams in key places and a non-insulated design, you can wear these from early season to late season with no worries that they will fail.
Waterfowl Gear and Accessories From DUX
Hella Dry
Hella Dry, known for its adjustable gun poles, has added several new additions to its lineup this season. The first piece of gear that caught our eyes is their new three-fingered mittens. They are waterproof and insulated, so you can pick up decoys and operate boats in comfort. Hella Dry also came out with Magnetic Goggles for driving boats. The lenses are magnetic and can be swapped from a traditional sun lens to a clear lens for early morning runs. Lastly, Hella Dry added water-resistant gun sleeves for hunters.
Excel Boats
Excel Boats make some of the best duck boats on the market. This year at DUX, they debuted their newest color addition and waterfowlers’ favorite, Mossy Oak Bottomland. For hunters looking for full concealment, this camo pattern blends into the woods, making it easier to hide your boat this season.
Gunner Kennels
Gunner Kennels is also expanding its lineup this year with two new dog-specific pieces of gear. Our favorite is the new Gunner dog vest. Built with no zippers and no velcro, this waterfowl dog vest is designed to maximize adjustability, ensuring a custom fit for any dog. On top of that, Gunner released its new dog beds. These feature a water-resistant upper and waterproof lower, as well as a removable interior for easy washing.
Blue-Bird Waterfowl
Blue-Bird Waterfowl debuted two new spinner wing offerings at DUX. The hi-vis wings are meant to draw maximum attention and pull birds from a distance. This is great for those hunting early-season birds. The next is a low-vis option with muted colors. This is great for late season, as birds wise up. These wings are designed to fit all types of spinning wing decoys.
RW Coolidge
If you want a premium blind bag, consider the RW Coolidge Jackson Blind Bag. Made with waxed canvas, it’s built to hold up in the elements. This classic-style bag also comes with a rear strap that hunters can hang on trees or in a blind to keep it up off the ground.
Fowler Hide Supply
Fowler Hide Supply is joining the dog market this year with three new products. These include a dog collar, a 2-foot training lead, and a 5-foot dog leash. All are made in the USA and feature premium leather. You can also customize them with name plates specific to your dog.
New Decoys from DUX
Dive Bomb Industries
Field hunters should rejoice at Dive Bomb’s newest decoy additions. The first is the Honker Full Bodies. These full-body decoys have realistic paint schemes, detailing, and flocked heads. You can also pair them with the new V3 Silos with the same paint scheme to have a mix of silos and full-bodies that match.
Lucky Duck
Lucky Duck’s swimming and agitating decoys have become staples in our decoy spreads. Movement in decoy spreads is key, and there is no doubt that these help finish more birds. This year, they released the 2.0 and 2.0 max versions of both, as well as added a pintail model. These improved motion decoys feature updated carvings, improved battery life, and an integrated module for easy repairs and replacements.
G&H Decoys
G&H Decoys unveiled new paint schemes at the show. These include a new pintail paint scheme, which emphasizes contrast to create a decoy that stands out and pulls birds. Unique to timber hunting, G&H also created the Timber Mallard. These oversize decoys have vibrant paint schemes that pop even in the shade of a timber stand.
Higdon
Higdon debuted its new premium decoy, the Legacy Mallard. This decoy is ultra-realistic with new carvings and paint schemes. They feature flocked heads and minute details you’d expect from a flagship model. The Legacy Mallard is also foam-filled, adding an extra level of durability in the blind.
New Calls From DUX
Makers Call Company
The new Axis from Makers Call Company debuted this off-season and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. It’s a versatile duck call that’s capable of delivering crisp notes throughout its range. If you find yourself looking for soft, subtle sounds while also needing high-end power, consider the Axis.
Pacific Calls
Pacific Calls came out with their new Solo Duck Call. This is a single reed call with a short tone board and ample power. It’s perfect for the hunter looking for a loud call and short and choppy notes. We tried at the show and will definitely be adding it to our lanyard.
Beau Brooks Signature Series
Many may know Beau Brooks for his impressive range of calling. Now, he’s joining the waterfowl market with his new Signature Series Waterfowl Call. It’s an easy-to-blow call that has plenty of high-end power.