“The Fowl Life” follows Belding as he travels across North America in search of the best waterfowl hunting available. (Photo courtesy of "The Fowl Life")
November 28, 2024
By Greg Duncan
When people think of watching waterfowl hunting on TV, they usually think of Chad Belding. After all, he is the host of one of the most popular waterfowl hunting shows. "The Fowl Life" follows Belding as he travels across North America in search of the best waterfowl hunting available. From Basswood Lodge in New York to visiting their friends from the Merlo Waterfowl group and California Waterfowl Association in California, this season of "The Fowl Life" promises to bring the beauty, captivation and adrenaline of waterfowl hunting right into viewers’ living rooms.
As a lifelong hunter and angler, Belding leans on this extensive experience to narrow down the gear that helps him be the most successful waterfowl hunter he can be. Here's a quick look at the gear that gets it done no matter the circumstances.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (Photo courtesy of Benelli) It's no surprise that Belding leans on the venerable Benelli SBE3 . The company has spent the past 30-plus years refining and almost perfecting a shotgun that takes care of business, regardless of conditions. Known for its super clean Inertia Driven technology that keeps the shotgun cleaner and reliably cycles light field loads up to 3 1/2-inch magnum loads, the shotgun will function consistently in the worst situations.
"When it comes to firearms, there is no better choice than the Benelli SBE3, left-handed," Belding said. "This is a shooting system that gives me confidence day in and day out. The reliability and consistency in patterning and in the field are everything in creating a successful hunt. From the Inertia Driven system to the lightweight feel of the gun to the cycling system, nothing can outperform a Benelli. They are committed to the waterfowl hunter and build the best waterfowl guns out there."
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Waterfowl Calls (Photos courtesy of Jargon Game Calls) As a former competitive duck and goose caller, Belding knows a thing or two about calling birds into shotgun range. Belding relies on Jargon duck and goose calls and cites its true-to-life sounds for his in-field successes.
"I never go into the blind without my Jargon duck and goose calls," Belding said. "Calling is one of the most important aspects of the hunt for me because I have always been captivated by the vocabulary of waterfowl and wild game. Jargon produces the most realistic and authentic sounds on the market. My personal favorite duck calls specifically are The Live Duck , Small Talk and The Megaphor . When it comes to geese, I think the Wreckin' Ball is the best goose call ever made."
Hunting Apparel (Photo courtesy of Banded) Waterfowlers experience some of the most treacherous weather conditions imaginable. When most deer hunters are headed to their warm truck cabs, waterfowl hunters can be found hunkered down, waiting for the next wave of birds. To overcome the difficult situations he often finds himself in, Belding depends on Banded apparel to keep him warm, dry and comfortable.
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"When it comes to apparel, Banded’s gear is second to none," Belding said. "Through all seasons, from waders, jackets, and bibs to boots, shirts, and pants, Banded is my only choice for clothing on a hunt. Whether it's early, mid, or late season, chasing waterfowl, turkeys, big game, or predators, they are the only brand I can trust to hold up and do what it's supposed to do. Paired with Realtree camo in Legacy and Max-7 patterns, Banded is the only choice for blending in. From toughness and dependability to waterproofing, insulation, zippers, and being tear-resistant, they are the best in the league."
To watch Outdoor Channel’s “The Fowl Life,” please visit outdoorchannel.com .
