If you are in a hurry, then I would recommend the Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler glove for duck hunting. It is flexible, completely waterproof, has a soft internal liner, and can be used with a gun.
Most hunters do not take care of their hands while hunting, which is one of the essential body parts used in hunting. From using gadgets and pulling the trigger, your hands will surely determine whether you have a successful hunt or not.
Today, I will give you a list of seven gloves that were the best for duck hunting. I looked at gloves that were durable, waterproof, and will keep your hands warm and dry. I have chosen various gloves that consist of gloves that are best used for shooting, while others are more adapted to planting decoys.
Here is a short list of some of the gloves:
- Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler (Best Overall)
- DecoyPro Decoy Gloves
- Redneck Convent Trapping Gauntlet (Longest Decoy Gloves)
- Kryptek Krypton Gloves
- Drake Waterfowl MST Refuge (Best Gauntlet)
But first, let me explain to you why wearing duck hunting gloves are so important.
Why you should wear duck hunting gloves
There are many reasons why duck hunting gloves are sought after by some of the best and most experienced hunters.
The gloves help to keep your hands warm
Waterfowl hunting season tends to be during the winter that can be too cold for most people. The last problem that you want to come across is your hands getting cold. This problem will lead to a loss of sensitivity that can result in multiple misses.
You need to be very quick with your trigger finger because you have a minimal amount of time to take the shot. Waterfowl are also very small that only adds to the problem.
Decoy gloves keep your hands dry
Most duck hunters will use decoys, which they put into the water to attract the animals. This technique tends to be a wet experience that requires a glove that will keep your hands dry. Some of the gloves will also protect your hands and forearms from water.
Protects wounds from infection
Most water sources where waterfowl are present tend to be full of bacteria that can cause an infection if exposed to an open wound. Duck hunting gloves tend to protect your hands from the water in which the bacteria is present.
Duck hunting gloves can reduce odor
Some gloves are infused with silver salts that are a natural anti-microbial to bacteria that causes odor. Birds do not have a very good sense of smell and taste, but it is good to know that you have that aspect covered as well.
Hunting gloves boost shooting performance
This benefit comes back to the part where they help to keep your hands warm. Gloves help to improve the blood circulation in your hands, which is also related to sensitivity. In some duck hunting gloves, the liner is not that thick, which will not hinder your performance.
The gloves provide some camo
It is good to know that most of the hunting gloves available today come in several types of camo patterns and colors. If your entire body is covered in camo, it will take your concealment to the next level.
Better overall hunting experience
You only have one hunting season per year, making it essential to have the right gear fitted for the job. If you are an avid hunter who plans to hunt the entire season, it is imperative to get gloves that will last longer and keep you comfy during the whole season.
#1 Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler (Best Overall)
Size: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
This duck hunting glove is the most versatile glove, which is why it is my favorite. You can use it with your shotgun, smartphone and dip it into the water without getting wet. It has all the features that you want. The neoprene is also insulated to the point where you can wear it throughout the entire season.
The 2mm neoprene layer makes it completely waterproof, and it is also thin enough so that it does not compromise performance. The neoprene is also layered with fleece on the inside and outside to keep you warm.
It uses touchrite technology on the fingertips, which enables you to use it on a touch screen. This feature is handy and prevents you from continually taking the glove off to use your smartphone.
The palm area also does not have any seams. The palm area takes the most punishment, which is why a seamless palm is more durable. The fingers use blind stitching, a different type of stitching that is more durable and waterproof.
The gloves are also more comfortable to wear because it uses a curved finger design. This glove also uses the Max 5 camo pattern, ideal for waterfowl hunting in between reeds and tall grass.
Cons: Does not have any.
#2 DecoyPro Decoy Gloves
Size: Universal
This glove from DecoyPro is best used for waterfowl hunters that plant decoys in the water. This glove is entirely waterproof and covers your arm up to your elbow area. This glove enables you to plant and retrieve decoys from the water without getting your hands wet.
It is a very long glove that covers your hands and your forearms completely. This feature allows you to dip your hands deeper into the water without worrying about getting your hands wet. It has a specially designed grip surface that will enable you to grab and carry wet decoys without them slipping out of your hands.
This glove uses a 5mm thick and soft neoprene layer that is completely waterproof and insulated. This product is also easy to put on or take off with the large cuff opening’s help. The inside is soft, which makes it more comfortable to wear.
It uses a camo pattern that resembles reeds and narrow leaves that are suited for waterfowl hunting. The sizing is also universal, which means it will fit most hand sizes ranging from Medium to X-Large.
Cons: It might be too thick and not best suited for shooting.
#3 Redneck Convent Trapping Gauntlet (Longest Decoy Gloves)
Size: Universal
For some people, elbow-length gloves are not enough. Some gloves can go even further and reach up to your shoulder. These gloves from Redneck Convent will do just that. They are 38” long from the middle finger’s tip up to the shoulder, making it full length.
This product also uses a 7” connector strap that goes behind your back, connecting the two gloves. The strap allows for the two gloves to stay in place and not slip off your hands. The inner lining is made from cotton fleece, which is soft and comfortable. The lining also helps to keep your hands warm.
The gloves are coated on the outside with PVC, which is a rubber-like material that is waterproof. PVC is also durable, waterproof, and a good insulator. This glove only comes in the color green.
Cons: You need to take this product off before shooting.
#4 Kryptek Krypton Gloves
Size: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
This glove is best suited for the duck hunter that wants high-performance gloves. This glove is stretchable, and that material is durable. It will work very well with shooting as the material is not that thick.
The material consist of a combination of polyester and spandex. Polyester is very durable, lightweight, and is water-resistant. Spandex is also durable but can stretch up to six times its normal length. This combination of materials allows for a durable, comfortable glove but with limited waterproof capabilities.
The inner layer is treated to give you fleece, which is soft and warm. This material will make it more comfortable to wear and cozy. The index finger and thumb are also touch screen compatible, which is useful if you like to be on your smartphone a lot.
The gloves also use a velcro closure at the wrist area to tighten after putting the gloves on. This product comes in several color schemes that include Black, Highlander, and Mandrake. The best suitable color scheme for duck hunting is Highlander.
The only drawback of this glove is the durability of the stitching. The materials are suitable and high quality but not that much can be said for the craftsmanship.
Cons: Seams might not be that durable and waterproof.
#5 Drake Waterfowl MST Refuge (Best Gauntlet)
Size: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
These are gauntlet sized gloves that are also decoy gloves. These gloves are not as long as ordinary decoy gloves and only stops short below the elbow. This product is best suited for hunters who only want a long enough glove to go over their sleeves.
This glove has many features that make it suitable for waterfowl hunting. It has a good grip, is waterproof, and a large variety of camo patterns. This product makes use of a Gore-Tex membrane that is windproof, waterproof, and also breathable. The fabric is also treated with a durable water repellant to make it even more effective.
The palm area is also reinforced with digitized goat-leather. Now the gloves will be more durable, and your grip will also improve significantly. There is also a wrist buckle that can be tightened to give the glove a more secure fit.
The sleeve openings of the gloves are also wide and come with drawstrings. You can tighten up the drawstrings to prevent any bugs from entering. You also have four camo patterns to choose from that include Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max 5, Timber, and Blades Habitat.
Cons: The glove lining might be too thick for shooting.
#6 Glacier Decoy Glove
Size: Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large
If you like my #1 recommended duck hunting glove, but you want a decoy version of it, I would recommend this pair of gloves. This glove is long and will reach your elbow area to prevent water from leaking into the glove. It is also lined with 2mm neoprene, which is the ideal material to use that is waterproof.
What I also liked about these gloves is that the lining is not too thick, which means you can still shoot with them on. The neoprene layer is also lined on the inside with fleece, keeping your hands warm and cozy. The palm area also does not have any seams, which is useful if you want a glove that will last for years.
A seam tends to be the weakest link when it comes to durability, while the palm area also takes the most beating. The palm area is even textured to improve your grip. This glove also comes in the camo pattern called Realtree MAX-5 that works well with waterfowl hunting.
Cons: none
#7 Sitka Gear Gradient Glove (Best For Shooting)
Size: Medium, Large and X-Large
If you plan to use a glove only for shooting and not for retrieving decoys, then this glove from Sitka is for you. It does offer some insulation and waterproofing but should not be submerged into the water. These gloves are best for performance in shooting. It is also best to use these gloves during the early and midseason.
These gloves are purely made from polyester and are lined with fleece on the inside. Polyester is a good material that is durable, breathable, and has some waterproof capabilities. This product also uses silver salts as an antimicrobial treatment in limiting body odors from reaching the animal.
The index finger and thumb are also constructed with conductive synthetic leather that makes it easier to use your smartphone. These gloves also make use of Optifade Waterfowl and Optivade Timber.
Cons: It is only suitable for early to midseason.
Types Of Hunting Gloves
There are three main types of duck hunting gloves that are important.
Open or fingerless
Some hunters only want a glove that will protect their hands and improve their performance, which is why open gloves exist. Open gloves will only cover the palm area and up to your fingers’ first joint. Most duck hunting gloves in this section will be closed.
Closed or fully fingered glove
When a glove is fully closed, then it means that the glove protects the palm area and all the fingers. These gloves are suitable for insulation and to keep your hands dry and warm. The material around the trigger finger also needs to be thin enough so that the glove does not compromise your shooting performance.
Decoy gloves
These gloves are fully waterproof and cover your hands and entire forearm. These gloves are used to plant or retrieve decoys from the water without making your hands wet. Some of them are very thick and needs to be taken off when you want to use your shotgun.
How To Choose The Best Hunting Glove (Buying Guide)
It is vital to know what to look for when buying a waterfowl hunting glove. Some duck hunting gloves are not the usual gloves that you can buy from any outdoor store. You get gloves that are specialized at retrieving and shooting that you do not want to miss. Below are some of the factors that you need to consider.
Durability
Make sure to choose a glove that will not break or tear apart after the first couple of uses. You want a glove that is made from a durable material such as neoprene or polyester. It is also essential to make sure that the seams are strong and reinforced. A seamless glove is even better.
You should also try to get a glove that is reinforced in the palm area. The reinforcement can be made from leather or even rubber. Palm reinforcement is vital because the palm is the glove area that will take the most beating.
Insulation
You do not want your hands to get cold during the hunting season as it will have a negative impact on your shooting performance, and it is pleasant. Some gloves will also offer some degree of insulation, so they will only be suited for early to mid hunting season.
The materials used, the number of layers, and the layer thickness will play a role in how well it will be insulated. Neoprene is also a good option that divers use to make their suits, and sometimes, they only wear the suit underwater with nothing underneath.
Some gloves also come with a soft internal fleece layer, which is excellent at capturing the much-needed heat to keep your hands warm and cozy.
Waterproof
For some hunters, their gloves do not need to be that waterproof. If you are considering using decoys, then I would highly recommend using a pair of decoy gloves. The last thing you need is to dip your hands in ice cold water to retrieve the decoys.
Decoy gloves are mostly made from neoprene or PVC, which is entirely waterproof. Gore-Tex is also a good material that is waterproof and suitable for duck hunting gloves. The video below will discuss Gore-Tex in more detail.
The glove also needs to cover the area in which the water is most likely to leak. You also need to make sure that zero weak links will compromise the glove. One such weak link is seams that are not waterproof or adequately treated.
Weight
You do not want to carry yourself to death while wearing gloves. It is ideal for getting a lightweight glove. Sometimes lightweight gloves are better suited for shooting, but they come at a cost. Heavier gloves are thicker but are more insulated. You need to find the ideal balance between comfort and weight.
Size
Duck hunting gloves come in several sizes that can range from Small to XX-Large. Some gloves are also universal in their size, meaning that they come in one size that will fit most people. There is also a FAQ section where I will guide you on measuring your hand to get to the right size.
Flexibility
You want a glove that will not restrict the movement of your fingers, especially your trigger finger. The glove needs to be the right size, and the material needs to have at least some stretchability. In some cases, spandex will be added to polyester to make the glove better at flexibility.
See Also
- Best bowhunting gloves
- Best cold weather gloves
- Best waterproof gloves
- Best heated gloves
- Best tactical gloves
FAQ
Q: What should you wear with the duck hunting gloves?
Waterfowl hunting is a big industry where many companies have developed duck hunting gear & apparel that goes well with the gloves. First, you need a decent duck hunting wader that will keep your feet and legs warm and dry when going into the water.
Now that your lower body is warm and cozy, we need to take care of your upper body as well. You can also add in a duck hunting jacket that will keep your upper body warm and dry. You can also learn more about gloves that are best suited for hunting.
Q: How to choose the right hunting glove size?
To hunt comfortably, you need a glove that fits just right. To choose the best size glove, you need a measuring tape. Gloves come in sizes that range from small to XX-Large. Some people think that these sizes will correlate with that of their shirt sizes, which is why some don’t get the correct fit.
The video above will show you how to take the circumference of your hand. Once you have the measurement, you can compare it with the table below to find the right size.
| Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Small | 6.75” to 7.25” |
| Medium | 7.5” to 8” |
| Large | 8.25” to 9” |
| X-Large | 9.25” to 10” |
| XX-Large | 10.25” to 11” |
Q: How to wash your gloves?
Start by shaking out the glove so that all the dirt and grit inside the glove and fingers fall out. Hand wash it in lukewarm water and only apply small amounts of soap. Do not use a machine washer as it can be too tough on the glove. Do not use any bleach.
Hang your gloves outside with laundry pins’ help so that the wrist area is pointing down and the fingers up. Wait for it to dry, and do NOT iron the glove. It is always best to follow the instructions that the manufacturer sent with the product as each pair of gloves can vary.
The Verdict
There were many hunting gloves online, but many did not make the cut. You want a glove that will keep your hands and fingers warm. There are few things worse than not feeling the trigger with your finger, which is not ideal.
You also want gloves that are waterproof to keep your hands and forearms dry. Have you ever dipped your hands in cold water during the winter? You want gloves that are durable and tear-resistant.
The Glacier Glove Pro Waterfowler is a glove that will solve all of these problems. It is durable, insulated, and completely waterproof. It is also thin enough so that you can use it for shooting.
Happy hunting.
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