Just curious where UK fowlers are buying waders these days?

I'm looking for a set to take to south america with me next week as I figured my nice fishing waders might get wrecked, and I'm not sure that wading boots are a good idea for duck shooting.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kiri

Have you tried Cabelas

For ducks in the U.S. I have both hip waders and chest waders. The hip waders are what I use unless absolutely forced to use chest waders. I consider those a real pain. And, if you're in a duck boat and there's an accident, you're probably done with having on chest waders.

I'd contact the guide and ask if you even need them and if so which kind. They should know. It'll be based on how deep the water you're hunting in.

I'd also ask if you can buy them locally or if they have a pair you can borrow.

Can't assist with UK shopping, but I'm hoping this helps a little.

Kiri:

If you are going with Argentina Outfitters,they usually have a number of pairs available to use.

What you need will largely depend on water conditions. Is this a high water year or a low water year? If it is a low water year, hip boots may work well. I used them my first year down there.

They recommend against neoprene waders.

Personally, we use the Guide Series waders from Gander Mountain. They are light and are designed well. I love the pouch with Velcro to keep it closed. It is extremely useful. They aren't overly expensive. They are also very durable.

One year, my bags were lost. I got there with only my gun. I shot ducks in jeans and leather street shoes. Many blinds are on dry ground.

Good luck!

Hiya Larry,

Yes I'm with AO, initially but then heading down to Patagonia in Chile to hunt geese and ducks for a week.

I think it will be significantly colder in Patagonia so thought neoprene might be best, but I have always found them. Comfortable in the past especially with hunting clothes under them.

Shack,

I agree on the danger of chest waders. A good friend of mine got swept under a few years back while salmon fishing in Ireland and got pulled out unconscious. Thankfully he survived but it I always remember how the danger of chest waders should not be underestimated.

K

Yes, I used to worry about it whenever in a duck boat on the frigid river waters at night on the long ride to the hunting area.

And I had this old friend who carried a razor knife and claimed if he fell in he could cut the chest waders off in a few seconds. I doubted that was the case.

Another friend said he intended one day to test his ability swimming with them in a pool, but said he really thought you've had it.

For me, I always held the floating seat cushion in my hands instead of sitting on it and kept note of how far the shore...and the waders we called "body condoms".

But I doubt you'll need those down there if it's field hunting. Hip waders were always OK for that.

And oh, whatever you do don't forget to try them on wearing your heaviest thickest winter socks. For obvious reasons. I found that out the hard way once. Damned hard to get those things on, especially after still wet from the day before.

Good luck. Shoot 'um up real good for us...and post lots of pictures.

Shack,

Pictures and perhaps some video for sure!!

Thanks,
K

Kiri:

I went down there with AO for 9 consecutive years. During those 9 years, I cannot recall using a boat.

There were a few places where the water was deep. Very few places. Most of the areas were less than waist deep, often more like knee deep.

I only took hip boots the first trip in 2005. While they often work well, the problem comes when you kneel down with incoming birds. I prefer to keep my rear end dry.

Regardless, it is important to be careful and observe some basic safety precautions. A couple of year ago, I was perhaps 600-700 yards from the bank while picking up dead ducks. It was COLD, well below freezing. Water was waist deep. I stumbled over either a stump or pole and fell into the water. Fortunately, I was able to get up quickly. This could have been a total disaster given how far away I was.

I would wear a belt around the waders to help keep water out of the waders should you fall. Also watch the water. There are a few places where there are holes. I saw a guide step into one and disappear.

Good luck brother. I wish I was going this year.

Cabelas foe chest waders

Depending, maybe a "mud seat" - you can always ship ahead

Cheers!