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Duck hunting requires gear. Mountains of it. Sheds full of it. Trailers full of it. Hunters have to hide from ducks, call them, trick them, shoot them, clean them, and cook them. If you’re buying gifts for a duck hunter and you aren’t a duck hunter yourself, you probably don't know where to start. Don't worry, we’re here to help.
Our team of duck-obsessed gear junkies put together this list of the best gifts for duck hunters. We've got decoys, shotguns, ammo, jackets, books, apparel, and much more. And if your duck hunter is anything like us, they'll be putting these gifts to use as soon as they get them.
Winchester SX4
It’s not Christmas without a gun-shaped box under the tree, and any waterfowler should be happy with a new SX4. Winchester’s semiauto boasts a long track record of reliability and easy care, and it’s one of the best values in a gas gun on the market. The gun adjusts for drop, cast, and length of pull, so it should fit almost any duck hunter on your shopping list. There’s even a left-hand version available in 12-gauge, as well as scaled-down Compact models.
Descended from the SX2 and SX3, the X4 is built around a gas system that has been proven and tweaked for thirty years now. It is a very soft-kicking gun, too, which makes it easy to shoot. The last time I had an X4 in my hands, I shot six teal with seven shells. This has never happened before nor since, but when it did, I was shooting an SX4. The guns come in walnut, black, and camo, in 3- and 3 ½-inch 12 gauge and 3-inch 20 gauge. Pricing starts at $889. —Phil Bourjaily
Field & Stream Journal Membership
As cliché as it may sound, a Field & Stream membership is the gift that will just keep on giving. Not only will they receive the new print journal delivered to their doorstep twice a year, but they'll also gain access to a wealth of digital content, early notification of new products and launches, exclusive discounts on top hunting brands, and much more. If you're just looking for a one-time gift, the F&S Fall 2025 journal features a vintage duck hunting cover and is chock-full of great stories. You can pick up a copy on the Field & Stream website for $20. —R.C.
Benchmade Flyway Knife
The Benchmade Flyway is designed to do one thing—breast out game birds. And it does this task better than any other knife on the market. The 2.7-inch blade is perfect for maneuvering, cutting, and breasting out ducks and geese. Its best feature is the milled finger grip, which allows extreme precision to ensure you get every last bit of meat off the bird. I've cleaned hundreds of ducks with this knife, and it has never let me down. It is the perfect gift for a serious duck hunter, and the last knife they'll ever need. —Ryan Chelius
Chene Scout Jacket
The Scout jacket should be called the “Hunt” jacket, because it’s one you’ll pick for hunts in almost any but the worst and wettest conditions. Wear it alone on a mild day, or layer it over a vest or liner for added warmth. The 100 percent polyester shell is not waterproof, but it is tough, highly water- and wind-resistant, and it has a form-fitting, drawstring-adjustable hood to hold in warmth. The lining is grid fleece, with a soft fleece collar. The coat has two high handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and two zippered lower pockets. Inside each lower pocket is a smaller pocket for a handwarmer, keeping it away from your wet hands so it stays dry and continues to generate heat.
The coat comes in Cypress, Bottomland, and old-school Treestand and Bottomland, any of which should suit the timber hunter you’re shopping for, no matter whether they’re a small or a 3XL. And, since the rest of us like to dress as if we’re timber hunters, any duck hunter on your list will like this jacket. —P.B.
SuperStick KVD Telescopic Push Pole
Every duck boat needs a good push pole, and the SuperStick KVD is one of the best on the market. I got one this season, and it's the best pole I've ever had. The lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and the pole extends from 6 feet to 12 feet. Being able to collapse the pole is great for long runs, and the fully extended pole is more than long enough for any situation I find myself in on the water. It has a duck foot on one end for soft bottoms and a spike on the other for hard bottoms. SuperStick even offers additional attachments that turn the pole into a fishing net, boat hook, paddle, or brush. You can pick one up for $220 at Cabela's. —R.C.
Boss Steel Reserve
Holiday gifts don’t have to cost a ton of money to hit the mark, and neither do shotshells. Boss, best known for premium bismuth and tungsten ammo, introduced Steel Reserve last year, and the ammo performed very well for me on the pattern board. The options are few: you can choose among 1450 fps, 1 3/8-ounce 3-inch 12-gauge, 1500 fps, 1 1/8-ounce 3-inch 12-gauge, and 1500 fps, 7/8-ounce, 3-inch 20. Both gauges come in 3 shot for ducks and 1s for geese. They are sold in boxes of 20 shells for $24. —P.B.
Sitka Solids
The cool kids are switching from camo to solid colors these days. Do you really want your favorite duck hunter to feel unhip? Sitka has you covered, from head to toe. Most of Sitka’s waterfowling standbys come in green and brown solids now, from waders to ballcaps to beanies. And they’re versatile, too. My Jetstream vest in Lichen makes a great layer for duck hunting. It adds just the right amount of insulation under my upland vest, it’s been to the turkey woods a time or two, and it looks good around town on its own.
The Jetstream is a soft-shell vest with a Gore Windstopper lining and water-resistant finish. It has two handwarmer pockets and a small chest pocket, all with zipper closures. The fabric has a bit of give and a soft finish, so it’s comfortable no matter what you wear it for. Last season, I got a bunch of use out of the Duck Oven jacket in Earth, which has an insulated upper body and a compressible fleece lower half made to be worn under waders. —P.B.
Yeti Ducks Coffee Table Book
Flipping through the pages of the Yeti Ducks coffee table book is the next best thing to going hunting. This 160-page hardcover book features stunning photography and excellent storytelling. It is divided into the four major flyways and showcases the different species and styles of waterfowl hunting found across the country. The book is a tribute to the sport of waterfowling and is perfect for display on the coffee table. —R.C.
Hidgdon H-Frame
The H-frame makes a versatile hide. It’s a great solution for the problem of concealing one or two people in a marsh or at the edge of a pond. The six-panel blind works unfolded as a panel blind, but it’s best configured as a one or two-person blind. The panels wrap all around you, so there’s no need to buy a front and a back. You can make a very small one-hunter blind, or a bigger one for you and a dog (there’s a dog door), or you and a friend.
The blind has two mesh windows, a stake pocket with included stakes, and a dog door. You can set it up so the front and back are close enough that the grass you weave into the stubble straps forms overhead cover, keeping you concealed. The H-Frame folds up easily. You make sure the two Hidgdon logos face out and buckle it up. It has handles and a carry strap, and it’s light enough not to be a burden when you carry it, even when it’s grassed up. It is only available in a tan color.—P.B.
Avian Texas Rig Shoulder Loop
Texas rigs, for all their many advantages, can form snarls that take up important pre-dawn minutes to untangle. Texas-rigged decoys also rattle annoyingly as you carry them over your shoulder. The brilliantly conceived Avian Texas Rig Loops address both problems, as I found using them during our early duck season. A loop shaped like a pointed egg goes over your shoulder. There’s an eyelet at the pointed end where you hook a carabiner, then the line goes around the loop, held in place in two spots by tabs, and at the bottom by a spring-loaded hook. Bad news, good news on the tabs: they’re flimsy, and I broke one right away without even knowing I’d done it. So, I broke the rest out of the loop, too, and found that it works fine without them.
You can carry a dozen decoys without rattling or risking a tangle. It has a rubber insert to make it more comfortable to carry, and a foam float so you can’t lose it underwater. It is sold with a dozen four-foot, 350-pound test mono rigs with 6-ounce mushroom weights. —P.B.
Field & Stream Mallard Flight Cap
Obviously I am a little biased, but our new Field & Stream Mallard Flight Cap is the perfect gift for the duck hunter in your life. This stylish hat was just released last week as part of the Field & Stream x Tractor Supply collaboration. It features a flying greenhead on the front with a vintage camo lid. You can pick one up at a Tractor Supply store near you or on the Tractor Supply website. —R.C.
Chene Flyweigh Jac-Shirt
A shirt-jac, or, according to Chene, a “jac-shirt,” makes a very useful layering piece. Wear it alone on mild days, or underneath warmer and waterproof outerwear in the cold. Once the hunt is over, you can lounge around camp in it or wear it to town on grocery runs. Made of nylon-spandex, which allows total freedom of movement, the Flyweigh Jac-Shirt has 100 g of Primaloft to keep you warm without bulk. You’ll forget you have it on, except you’ll be warmer. Is it perfect? No. It lacks lower pockets, but when it’s layered under a coat with hand pockets of its own, this small oversight becomes moot.
Hidden buttons keep the collar in place, and the chest pockets have magnet closures. The left-side chest pocket has a zipper that makes a handy place to secure a key fob you don’t want to lose. It comes in Olive, Oak, New Bottomland, and Original Shadowgrass. —P.B.
Sitka Blizzard Pro Bibs
The coldest field hunts can be the best field hunts. It seems unfair, but it can be zero degrees out and still wet. I’ve been there, and if I were to go there again, I’d want to be wearing Sitka Blizzard Pro Bibs. They have a rugged shell and breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing. The insulation combines down and Primaloft for down-like warmth without all the bulk of down, and it won’t lose effectiveness when it’s wet. The insulation is mapped, too, heavier in the seat and thighs, lighter elsewhere, so these keep you warm without unnecessary bulk.
They have adjustable straps, a front chest pocket for your phone, and two big cargo pockets on the front of the thighs, all with waterproof zippers. The legs have two-way, full-length zippers, which are convenient both for getting these on and off over boots, and if you zip the top down just a bit, it makes a great place to warm your hands. They come in Open County, and Marsh camos, and in solid Earth. —P.B.
EZ Dekes Texas Rigs
I started using EZ Dekes Texas rigs this year, and I couldn't be happier with the system. They have everything from Texas rigs to timber rigs to long lines. They even make a custom decoy bag. Hunters can purchase the lines in stainless steel coated cable or mono. I'd splurge on the stainless steel coated cable, as they're built for harsh saltwater conditions and won't deteriorate over time. —R.C.
Duck Camp Green Waders
Duck Camp waders now come in Moss/Raven, good news if the duck hunter on your list insists on wearing trendy solid colors. Instantly identifiable by their angled side zipper, Duck Camp Zip Waders are the only chest waders offering both the convenience of a zipper and a full-sized front handwarmer pocket. The pocket is backed by a very convenient zip pocket where I can keep a phone, and it’s faced with Molle loops. I found a $10 Molle shotgun shell pouch for mine, and I run a carabiner through the loops as a D-ring. You can add those as stocking stuffers.
They have been my favorite waders since I started wearing them two years ago. I find them comfortable. The Tizip zipper running down the right front is convenient and totally waterproof. The body is uninsulated, and the boots have 1,000 grams of Thinsulate, which isn’t a ton, but it's enough. They have removable kneepads, which are a comfort on frozen, rocky sandbars. Besides Moss/Raven, the waders come in Duck Camp’s proprietary Wetland and Woodland patterns in a choice of sizes, including Talls and Shorts. —P.B.
She Outdoor Waterfowl Gloves
For the female hunter on your list, a pair of these decoy gloves from Cabela's women's line, She Outdoor, is a great idea. The insulated fleece lining is not only warm, it's also waterproof. Paired with the water-repellent exterior, it will keep your hands dry no matter the conditions. Bonus: The touchscreen index fingers allow you to use your phone without freezing your fingers off. In our testing, we loved how well these actually work—we didn't encounter any wetness inside the gloves, and we really liked the adjustable elastic cuff for trapping in warmth. —Amanda Oliver, Director of Commerce
Apex S3/TSS Ammo
Stacked loads combining two types of shot are popular these days, and these Apex steel/TSS blends give you some of the advantages of TSS at a more steel-like price. I like the 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1 5/16-ounce 2/7 ½ loads. An ounce and a sixteenth of steel is enough for decoying ducks on its own, but when you add a quarter ounce of TSS 7 1/2s (about 50 pellets), you get a pattern no duck can fly through. These aren’t made for long-range shooting. They are deadly up close, and the loads you want if you hunt anywhere that you need to kill ducks dead in the air, so they don’t vanish in the weeds or flooded corn. They come in 2 or 4/7 ½ blends, and the 12-gauge is also available as a BB/5. Apex S3/TSS ammo sells for $469 per 10-box case of 25-round boxes. —P.B.
onX Hunt Membership
Every duck hunter needs an onX subscription. It's the ultimate tool for finding access, monitoring water levels, marking waypoints, and scouting new areas to hunt. I've been an onX user for a long time, but it wasn't until the last couple of years that I really started to maximize the app's tools. If you aren't sure how onX can help your duck hunter be more successful, read this article. Hunters can get a premium subscription (one state) for $34.99, a premium two-state subscription for $49.99, or an elite subscription (every state) for $99.99. —R.C.
Kuiu Paragon Hand Muff
Having a cozy refuge for your hands helps keep you happy and in the field. A good muff lets you skip gloves, which I prefer for shooting and calling, and still keeps your hands warm. Kuiu's Paragon hand muff puts exterior layers of windproof, waterproof, and 3DeFX+ material between your hands and the elements. Inside, it coddles them in thick, high-loft Sherpa fleece, and it has pouches for handwarmers inside, too. It has fitted waterproof wrist closures to shut out the cold and wet. There’s a small outside pocket for your phone or an extra shell or two, and a full-length zipper so that you can open the whole thing, turn it inside out, clean it out, and dry it for the next day’s hunt. It comes with an adjustable waist belt and your choice of Valo camo or Arctic Shadow. —P.B.
Plano Rustrictor All Weather Gun Case
Waterfowlers are passionate about their shotguns and often invest a significant amount of money in their setup. This case from Plano will help protect that investment from the elements. Plano builds these cases with a perforated pluck foam interior. That means the foam can be custom-fitted to the exact shape of a specific shotgun. It helps keep the firearm more secure during a long transport. This case is TSA-approved, making it ideal for the traveling waterfowler. These cases are built to withstand the elements and prevent rusting. It makes them suitable for transporting them in and out of the field in inclement weather. —T.S.
Meat! External Vacuum Sealer
Every duck hunter needs a way to preserve the excess meat they harvest for later. Meat! builds quality vacuum sealers that preserve different cuts of duck easily. It features a handy cutter for the bags that allows for customizable sizes. This sealer is easy to use and will likely be used beyond hunting seasons. It’s also compact and easy to store. As a bonus, Meat! products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. —T.S.
Chêne Slough Boot
This boot combines the best of both worlds: a rubber muck boot and waders. I’ve been using these boots for a couple of years and remain impressed by their versatility. They feature an EVA midsole that functions like a standard boot. However, they also have a 12” nylon extension that securely cinches around the leg. Think of it as a downsized pair of knee-high waders, only without the excess weight. These boots are ideal for low-standing water scenarios in early teal season. The quality of the construction is also exceptionally high. —T.S.
Avian-X A-Frame Collapsible Hunting Blind
Duck blinds and portability haven’t traditionally gone hand in hand. The Avian-X blind solves that by being a lightweight concealment solution for four hunters. However, it’s also easy to set up for a solo hunter. It utilizes a 600-denier fabric shell in a classic Mossy Oak Shadowgrass pattern. Avian-X also added outside pockets and straps to brush this blind in for wary birds. It’s hard to find another duck blind solution that’s this easy to set up and transport. —T.S.
Northern Flight Duck Decoy Bag
Ducks tend to require more decoys than other types of hunting. These blind bags made it much easier to tote six to twelve decoys into the field. Northern Flight builds these bags with a highly durable 600-denier PVC. The rugged construction helps it withstand being banged around a boat or slammed on rocks on the shoreline. The rubber mesh at the bottom allows water to drain after pulling decoys from the water. We also like the wide, padded shoulder straps for long walks back to the hunting area. —T.S.
Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Canoe
Many hunters are getting back to basics with kayak and canoe hunting. The Discovery 119 Solo only weighs 50 pounds yet holds an impressive amount of gear. The nylon web seat makes it highly comfortable for long paddles to remote areas. Additionally, the shallow draft allows access to places other waterfowlers can’t reach. Old Town builds their watercraft much more ruggedly than the competition. There are no worries about hitting rocks or stumps with this boat. We’re also fans of the fact that Old Town builds all their watercraft here in the USA. —T.S.
Magellan Outdoors Pro 92 L Waterproof Gear Box
I’ve had this gear box for a few years and love everything about it. It came with dividers and several trays for smaller items. The pockets in the lid are ideal for knives, duck calls, and other small items. One brilliant feature of this box is the four pressure latches. They allow the box to open from either side. They also keep water and other elements out. I use this box to store all my camo gear during the offseason. It’s ideal for hunters who take long road trips and need to keep everything organized. —T.S.
Duck Camp Dog Leash
Every hunter needs a quality leash for their dogs. It’s hard to go wrong with Duck Camp’s offering. While it’s a little more expensive than other leashes, it’s also built more ruggedly. It should withstand chewing from the most problematic canines. This is also the rare leash that’s still made here in the USA. —T.S.
Gerber Vital Take-A-Part Shears
While a good knife is a must for duck hunters, a quality pair of shears is equally helpful. Gerber’s Take-A-Part will help slice thick feathers and make precision cuts that knives cannot. They have a serrated edge that’s great for cracking through stubborn wing bones. These shears feature an ergonomically designed handle that provides comfort during extended cleaning sessions. The bright orange color is also hard to lose in the field. These shears are an inexpensive gift that will prove incredibly valuable to any dedicated waterfowler. —T.S.
MOJO Outdoors Choke Tube
Choke tubes are an easy upgrade for almost any hunting shotgun. The MOJO Outdoors choke tube instantly improves patterning over stock tubes. Best of all, it requires no gunsmithing knowledge or tools. Unscrew the old tube and install this new one. It’s as easy as that. MOJO offers this tube in configurations for short, medium, and long ranges to fit each hunter’s preferences. They also manufacture tubes that fit all the most popular shotgun brands for waterfowlers, including Mossberg, Beretta, Benelli, Browning, and Remington. —T.S.
ALPS Outdoorz Floating Deluxe Blind Bag
This bag will keep shells, duck calls, snacks, drinks, and other items neatly organized on the way to the blind. A waterproof membrane protects the contents, and the entire bag floats. That’s some nice peace of mind if the bag happens to fall overboard. We love the variety of pockets and customizable interior dividers. The clear pocket on the inside of the main lid is the perfect spot for hunting licenses and duck stamps. —T.S.
Coast WPH34R 2000 Lumen Headlamp
A quality headlamp is a necessity for hunters when putting out their decoy spread in the pre-dawn hours. This 2000-lumen headlamp from Coast was our choice for best overall headlamp, and our opinion remains unchanged. This headlamp is incredibly bright and has a waterproof IP68 rating. No worries about dropping it in the water. It runs on alkaline or rechargeable batteries for even more versatility. The red light mode is dynamite for preserving night vision for those first light birds. In short, it’s like this light was purpose-built specifically for duck hunters. —T.S.
