Duck season has been under way for about a month now, and most coastal hunters have had a fair amount of success.  The season is currently closed for the “split” but will be opening soon and will run until the end of January.

One thing that is certain about duck hunters is that they have and need lots of gear.

With just over a month until Christmas, I have compiled a Christmas shopping list that is sure to please the duck hunter in your life:

1. Sure Shot ‘Yentzen’ duck call
Every duck hunter needs a duck call and this one is a classic.  It has been around since 1959 and has surely stood the test of time. This call is easy to blow, has a great sound, and has been the demise of many a duck.  Yentzen calls are made right here in Groves, so when you buy one you are helping our local economy. Price: $69.98

2. Mojo spinning wing decoy
These decoys come in many different models and range in price from $40-$150. Be sure to get the one that is battery powered for those windless days.  The Mojo attracts ducks by the flash of the spinning wings and has been so effective that some states have made them illegal.  They are total within the law in Texas and are a must have for the serious duck hunter. My favorite is the teal and it costs $65.

3. Remington V3 shotgun
I have been testing this gun for a few months now and I am really impressed.  I have had near flawless function in the blind in extreme conditions. This Gun is a smaller, lighter version of the Versa-max and is a dream to shoot. The recoil is light and it shoulders great.  It reminds me of the 870 I grew up shooting.  This gun is on the low end of pricing for auto loaders and can be had for around $600.

4. Custom leather bird strap

Once a duck hunter has a limit of ducks, he needs a way to haul them. A custom strap from birdstrap.com is just the solution. For $70 you can get the original strap and it come with free personalization of up to three letters.

My wife bought me one year ago and it has been one of my favorite gifts of all time.   This is a local company located in Winnie. Since this item requires customization I recommend not waiting until the last minute to order for Christmas.

5. Go-devil long shaft mud motor
If you have someone on your list who has been especially good this year, reward them with four-wheel drive of duck hunting. Go-devil is the gold standard in shallow water mud motors. They are made in the swamps of Louisiana where mud abounds.  This motor will help your duck hunter get to where the ducks are long after traditional outboard motors are bogged down.

The most popular model is the 23 vanguard. This is a lightweight model that is equipped with an electric and pull start just in case the battery goes dead. This model is refuge legal as long as the prop is no larger than 9 inches in diameter.

Heritage Marine in Beaumont is our local dealer and Rick Rodgers, the owner, is an avid duck hunter as well. Rick has been selling these motors for years and can have you ready to hit the marsh before the second split opens. Cost for the 23 hp starts around $3,700.

6. Floating Shotgun Case
Many of the places I duck hunt require that a gun be in a case when traveling in the vehicle, as well as to and from the blind.  Since duck hunting involves water, it only makes sense to use a floating gun case. In fact, I once sunk my boat and was glad my gun floated to the top where I could recover it with ease.

There are several different brands and the price ranges based on additional features.  We picked up a game winner version from Academy for around $40.  This is a small price to pay to protect your shotgun that could range from $300 to $2,000 in some cases.

7. Labrador Puppy

Who wouldn’t want a puppy for Christmas?

Every duck hunter knows that a dog is man’s best friend.  This is especially true when it comes to fetching ducks.

There is just something about a great retriever that takes duck hunting to a higher level.  If you decide to buy a pup, I encourage you to do your homework.  Plan to use a reputable breeder and if you can, pick a pup from a proven repeat breeding.

Make sure your dog comes with a health guarantee and a clean bill of health upon purchase.  While a great pedigree isn’t necessary, it sure increases the likelihood that your dog will be trainable. For a good pup expect to pay $1,500-$2,000.

While this may seem high, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.  The initial investment is just a fraction of what you will spend over the life of your pet, so get a great one!

There are so many things tha a duck hunter “needs”, and the list could go on and on. These seven suggestions should give you a place to start.

I encourage you to remember that Christmas is about much more than the gifts that we give and receive. However, if you are going to spend your hard on money on a gift, then it only makes sense to give one that the recipient will like.

These items above are sure to make any waterfowl enthusiast grin from ear to ear on Christmas morning.  If not just give me a call and I’ll help you put them to use!  Happy hunting and Merry Christmas.

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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and the outdoors writer for The News.