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Early Season Essential Gear

The top upland gear picks for you.

Early Season Essential Gear

As summer training approaches, it's time to start getting dogs and gear ready for next season. (Photo courtesy of Kali Parmley)

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GARMIN - ALPHA 300I & TT 25/T 20 COLLARS

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Garmin Alpha 300i & TT25 collar

The new Alpha 300 series is perfect for both dog training and hunting. The rechargeable lithium-ion handheld battery provides up to 55 hours of battery life so you can hunt longer in remote country without having to take the time to recharge. The 300i also comes with inReach technology, a safety-net communication system for emergencies when you are off the beaten path (subscription required). While both thinner and lighter than full-size Garmin TT collars, the new Alpha TT 25 and T 20 collars are more powerful. They provide tracking up to 9 miles away and 68 hours of battery life with the standard battery pack.

300i: $850; TT 25: $350; T 20: $200; View

INUKSHUK - 30/25 FORMULA

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Inukshuk 30/25 performance dog food

Six out of the top ten teams at this year’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race were feeding Inukshuk. This company under- stands what it takes to feed premium dog athletes and the nutritional demands for peak performance. Their 30/25 formula is a great balance of protein and fat for working dogs with an ultra-dense 578 calories/cup, which reduces clean up and cost without sacrificing an ounce of quality.


$73/33-lbs. bag; inukshukpro.com

GUNNER - FOOD CRATE 30

gunner-foodcrate
Gunner Food Crate, food carrier

The new smaller version of the Gunner Food Crate is the perfect accessory for a weekend bird hunt this fall. Made to hold 30 pounds of food compared to its 50-pound brother, the food storage container’s rotomolded construction and airtight seal protects dog food from moisture, UV-light, and mold. The crate is made to be easily thrown in your truck bed thanks to a carrying handle and rubber feet to prevent sliding on those back roads. A wide mouth opening with U-Pour lid is perfect for scooping food and cleaning.

From $225; gunner.com

GERBER – CENTER-DRIVE PLUS

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Gerber center-drive plus multitool

There are a few tools I always make sure I have on me while bird hunting. One of which (especially with a German dog) is a good multi-tool, and Gerber makes one of the best. From fixing loose screws to picking porcupine quills, the Center-Drive Plus can handle it all. The center-axis driver opens to align like a screwdriver, which gives you real torque and rotational performance. Plus, it comes with scissors, a bottle opener, and over ten other tools with a nice leather sheath for storage.


$155; gerbergear.com or view here

KUIU - PRO BRUSH PANT

kuiu-brush-pant
Kuiu Pro Brush Pant

These ultra-light brush pants from KUIU provide a much- needed technical design for those of us who hit thick cover in the fall. The athletic fit gives excellent comfort all day and the zippered hip and inner-thigh vents help release moisture and heat in damp grouse covers. The PRO Brush pant features reinforced panels made of densely woven and highly puncture resistant Primeflex fabric. Additional features include removeable suspenders and wraparound gaiter cuffs to keep debris out, plus much more.

$200; kuiu.com 

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