The Gauges Gazette

The Silent Spring: Why Our Gobblers are Vanishing (and How to Bring Them Back)

If you’ve spent any time in the timber lately, you might have noticed something unsettling: the...

The Wood Duck Landlord: A Weekend Project to Save the “Hollywood” of Waterfowl

If there were a red-carpet event for ducks, the Wood Duck would be the headliner. With their...

The May Grind: Mastering the Art of Late-Season Turkey Hunting

By the time the calendar flips to the final weeks of the season, the “easy” birds are...

From “Piano Wires” to Perfection: The Wild Turkey Gumbo Guide

Let’s be honest: after the photos are taken and the breast meat is safely in the freezer, a lot...

Back to the Basic’s: Why Lead Shot is Just As Effective for Turkeys

While Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has dominated the turkey hunting conversation for the last few...

The Nashville Hot Wild Turkey Sandwich

We’ve all been there. You spent three days sleeping in a humid ground blind, smelling like a mix...

Turkey Hunting “Old School” Tricks that Still Work

In an era of $15 tungsten shells, gps mapping on your smart phone and decoys so realistic they...

The Language of the Woods: A Guide to Turkey Calls and Tactics

In the spring woods, success often comes down to a conversation. Turkey calling is less about...

The Nest Raider: Why Spring Trapping is a Game Changer for Turkeys

If you followed my last post on building turkey habitat, you’ve already done the hard work of...

The Ultimate “Longbeard” Comfort: Wild Turkey Noodle Soup

If you have fresh turkey legs or breasts leftover from last turkey season, you’re going to want...

From Scarcity to Strutters: How to Build a Turkey Paradise

There is no sound in the spring woods quite like a thunderous gobble shaking the dew off the...

Shotgun Pattern Testing for Success in the Spring

Spring turkey season is one of the most exciting times of the year for hunters nationwide. Seasons...

Jan 21, 2026

The RETAY ACE series is expanding

The RETAY ACE series is expanding and officially launching at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas....

Jan 17, 2026

Cooking Rabbit: A Guide to Creamy Braised Rabbit

Winter can be the longest time of the year for some people. Between the endless snow, cold...

Jan 17, 2026

Shotgunning Winter Rabbits

As youngsters, we watched Elmer Fudd chase ol Bugs Bunny Winter time after time with no success....

Jan 17, 2026

The Gordion – Gamekeeper Edition

This spring, RETAY will be officially launching the Gordion Gamekeeper shotgun. This highly...

The Premier Turkey Single Shot: The Gamelander

Brand new for 2026 and officially launching at the SHOT Show is the RETAY Gamelander. This is the...

Quack the Halls! Christmas Smoked Duck

Alright, my festive foodies, gather ’round, because this year, we’re not just having a...

The Unspoken Rules of the Welfare Woods

Written by Hunter Helms When people hear the mention of flooded timber duck hunting in Arkansas...

Upland

White Gold: Finding and Hunting Pheasants in the Snow

The opening weeks of pheasant season are often characterized by mild weather and abundant cover....

Nov 6, 2025

Goose Calling Tactics: Adjusting Your Strategy for Pressure and Migration

Goose hunting has certainly changed over the years and so have goose calling tactics. Back in the...

Nov 6, 2025

A-Frame Blinds – Concealment is Key

BY PHIL BOURJAILY November 6, 2025 Sometimes the best way to avoid the eyes of waterfowl is to hide...

Nov 5, 2025

Wild Goose Pastrami

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent years making the same ol few recipes with your...

Nov 5, 2025

Patterning Your Gun – Don’t Skip This Step!

If you’re hunting ducks, pheasants or any type of bird for that matter, and not patterning your...

Oct 24, 2025

Beyond the Water’s Edge: Mastering the Field Duck Decoy Spread

1. Know Your Target: Why Are They Here? First things first: you’re hunting their feeding...

Oct 24, 2025

Public Land Waterfowl: The Heartbeat of the Hunt

There’s something raw and honest about public land waterfowl hunting. No private leases, no...

Oct 15, 2025

Honey Spatchcock Teal

You’ve braved the wetlands, you’ve survived the mosquitoes, and now you have some...

Sep 22, 2025

The Versatile 20 Gauge RETAY Gordion: A Shotgun for Every Season

The 20 gauge was once a relic that sat in the back of most gun cabinets. Reserved for youth and...

Sep 15, 2025

Looking for a Stand Out 20-Gauge Waterfowl Shotgun? The Breda Icaro 20 Gauge is Your Answer

The debate between gas and inertia systems is a long-standing one. Each has its devotees and its...

Shooting Sports

Sep 15, 2025

The Versatile ACE: Why the Retay ACE 20 Gauge is a Triple Threat for Waterfowl, Upland, and Trap Shooting

Finding a single firearm that excels in multiple disciplines can be a challenge. Shooters often...

Aug 19, 2025

Beyond the Clay Pigeon: The Breda 930i Sporting – A Double Threat

For the discerning shotgun enthusiast, finding a firearm that excels in one discipline is...

Aug 18, 2025

The RETAY ACE Shotgun: The New Kid on the Block

In the world of semi-automatic shotguns, a new player has been turning heads and earning rave...

Aug 18, 2025

A Culinary Experiment: The Surprisingly Delicious Guide to Making Dishwasher Salmon

Let’s be honest, cooking can feel like a chore. The prep, the mess, the constant...

Jul 20, 2025

The Retay RXP 22: The Gateway to More Enjoyable, Economical, Handgun Practice

In the world of handgun ownership, consistent practice is the cornerstone of proficiency. However,...

Jul 20, 2025

The Breda Icaro: A Treasured Workhorse

The Breda Icaro is a premium, Italian-crafted shotgun built for extreme hunting performance,...

Shooting Sports

Jul 20, 2025

Compact but Mighty – The Gordion Compact is a Gun to Grow With

The Retay Gordion Compact offers precision, reliability, and a customizable fit—designed for...

Jul 2, 2025

Crispy Critter Delights: Deep-Fried Squirrel (A Southern Comfort Classic)

Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s a true taste of the wild, a comfort food for...

Jun 12, 2025

How to Properly Smoke a Wild Turkey Breast

Smoking a wild turkey breast is a fantastic way to infuse it with incredible flavor and keep it...

Jun 11, 2025

The Unseen Engine: A Look into the Breda Inertia System and Its Rich History

The world of semi-automatic shotguns is dominated by two primary operating systems: gas and...

Jun 10, 2025

The RETAY RXP22: A Game-Changer 22 Pistol for Your Tactical Training

In a time when ammunition costs are soaring, the RETAY RXP22 offers a budget-friendly,...

Jan 26, 2024

Duck Hunting Success: 5 Basic Scouting Tips

A born and bred Texan, Dennis Loosier spent his youth hunting ducks, squirrels, and hogs. As his...

Shooting Sports

Jul 14, 2023

The Rising Popularity of Youth Shotgun Sports: A Look at Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays

Moreover, the nurturing environment of shotgun sports, where experienced shooters and coaches...

Jul 7, 2023

Off-Season Training for Duck Hunters: Staying Sharp When the Ducks Fly South

Duck hunting is often considered a seasonal pursuit, bound by the migratory habits of the waterfowl...

Jun 16, 2023

Best Waterfowl Hunting Locations Across the U.S.: Ultimate Guide for Hunters

Waterfowl hunting is a time-honored tradition in the United States, with enthusiasts flocking to...

Feb 24, 2023

Optics for a Turkey Gun- Shotgun Scope or Shotgun Red Dot

Should you use a scope for your shotgun when turkey hunting? Yes, but Shotgun Scope or Shotgun Red...

Feb 17, 2023

Turkey Shells What shells Should You Chase Toms With This Spring

What makes a Turkey Load different? You don’t need to lead a turkey, so with plated lead shot and...

Feb 10, 2023

Turkey Guns – Features for Taking Toms

Let’s take a look at some modern must haves in the turkey woods. What makes the “best turkey...

Feb 3, 2023

Whistlers- Hunting Golden Eyes

Getting on the X is tough. The X is usually a place where the birds can’t be targeted in most of...

Jan 27, 2023

Should I Hunt Turkeys From a Blind?

Toms and Hens alike seem to not give a hoot about a pop up blind suddenly appearing in a spot it...

Jan 20, 2023

Hunting Season Prep: The Physical

What are some ways to make hunting season easier? Do you have to be Cameron Haynes? How about...

Jan 13, 2023

Waterfowl Gear You Need

What should you buy now to get ready for next year? Also most of this will have reviews from the...

Jan 6, 2023

Retay’s Top 5 Youtube Channels for Waterfowl

Check out some Youtube channels that we have found so valuable that Retay USA has made an...

Dec 30, 2022

Tools of The Trade

This is a list of innovative tools for waterfowl hunting that have taken place in the last thirty...

Dec 23, 2022

I Ain’t Got The Words

Now we are into the tough ones, Your hunting buddies and your dog. Which are basically one in the...

Dec 16, 2022

The Best Duck Decoy tips and Tricks for Pressured Birds

More times than not though decoys are the money maker in the equation that is duck hunting. Here...

Dec 9, 2022

2 is the Magic Number- What Shot Size Should You be Using for Waterfowl Hunting

I’m going to stick my neck out here and give you a truth that I and a few of my friends cling to,...

Dec 2, 2022

What Shotgun Shells Should You Use for Goose Hunting

Don’t get too caught up in this process unless it’s something you really enjoy doing. You...

Nov 25, 2022

Doing God’s Work: The Roots of Modern Waterfowl Hunting

With modern repeating shotguns, rubber waders and mostly weatherproof shells a hunter from the...

Nov 17, 2022

It’s supposed to be fun: How to Avoid Hunting Season Burn Out

During the beginning of hunting season I try to creep my alarm to go off fifteen minutes earlier...

Nov 11, 2022

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed on Your Next Hunting Trip

Remember, these trips are supposed to be fun, and this list lines up with that. Most of the...

Nov 4, 2022

Motion in the Ocean: Adding Movement in Your Decoys While Duck Hunting

The what, where, why, and how model lines up with adding motion to your set up. So let’s take a...

Oct 28, 2022

Initial Impressions: How to Keep Your Gun Operating by Setting Yourself Up for Success

This comes directly out of the maintenance section of the Retay USA Owner’s Manual. Basically...

Oct 21, 2022

Nerd Alert: What Gear Guys Bring to the Woods

Anyone I reached out to spends at least two to three weeks camping a year. I cherry picked the...

Oct 14, 2022

Wool something Your Grandpa was Right About : Why You Should Be Wearing Wool for Hunting Season

If you go far and hard, you work up a sweat even if you’re trying not to. Wool will help you keep...

Oct 7, 2022

Don’t Be That Guy: Why the Anti Hunting Movement is Winning

We often hear people say the thing they enjoy the most about hunting is the comradery, we sure pick...

Sep 30, 2022

The Modern Pirogue : What Do You Need to Duck Hunt From a Kayak

So, what do you need to start waterfowl hunting from a kayak? Let’s start by assuming you have...

Sep 23, 2022

To the Break of Jawn: Top 4 Ways to Figure Out Hunting Access in a New Area

We hear about the three R’s in the hunting community a lot these days. Recruitment, Retention,...

Sep 16, 2022

Advanced Beginner: What are Some Semi Advanced Needs and Techniques in Duck Hunting?

While in your first few hunts you probably didn’t realize that there are only a few conditions a...

Sep 9, 2022

So You Wanna Be a Diver Hunter: An Introduction to the World of Hunting Diving Ducks on Big Water

I learned a lot of stuff the hard way. I don’t think you should necessarily, so I’m going to...

Sep 2, 2022

The Weight of a Snowflake : Traveling to Seattle and Hiking Mount Rainier

At the end of the day, finding Rainier isn’t hard, planning this was one of the easier hikes...

Aug 26, 2022

Shotgun Wedding: When Does a Shotgun Make a Perfect Tool for Hunting ?

I have found when certain styles of hunting turn into more of a “Job” than an “Adventure”...

Aug 19, 2022

Limiting out on Small Water: How to Duck Hunt Secondary Creeks

I have moved around the eastern seaboard, and when it comes to finding new waterfowl hunting this...

Aug 12, 2022

An Argument for Sub Gauges: Why you should hunt with a 20

Sub gauges are a great way to expand your experience in both realms of shooting sports and hunting....

Aug 5, 2022

A Waterfowlers Preseason Checklist

Check your gear. Make sure it’s still in good shape. If you have a pair of waders make sure you...

Jul 29, 2022

A Moment

I let down my gun as it gets too dark to see, even through the scope. The deer nervously walks...

Jul 22, 2022

Afternoon is for the Birds Turkey Hunting Tactics for the Afternoon

I leave my blind at home as well. These midday hunts aren’t the place for a black hoodie and hub...

Jul 15, 2022

Interloper- High Pressure Fishing in the LOC Derby

Over an IPA in his kitchen Craig said “You’ll meet Paul the Captain, Matt who lives fishing and...

Jul 8, 2022

Should I Buy a Wall Tent?

If you plan for a few people to stay in one tent, there needs to be rules. One of our big rules was...

Jul 1, 2022

Kitchen Craft: What Do You Need for the Best Wild Game Recipes?

These are five tools I use to add some pizzazz to my field to table cooking. Yes, I can be very...

Jun 24, 2022

Hunting Buddies: What Makes a Good Hunting Partnership

These bonds are forged in the first embers of the human spirit and continue to burn no matter how...

Jun 17, 2022

Guided Hunts and Being a Good Client

If you’ve made it this far you’ve seen that a guided hunt is an interactive experience and...

Jun 10, 2022

Midlife Flyway: What Do I Need to Start Waterfowl Hunting as an Adult?

These hunter’s have taken on the moniker of “Adult Onset Hunters” and they can often afford...

Jun 3, 2022

What Shells are Best for Waterfowl Hunting Pt 2

The tradeoff for more powder and heavier pay loads is more recoil. Recoil affects your ability to...

May 27, 2022

The Evolution of Shot Shell Performance Part 1

These elements are what have brought us back around full circle. They get us close to some of...

May 20, 2022

Hunting Deer with Dogs : A Yankee Hunting in the Shadows of a Southern Racetrack

As I grow older I find that I better understand the ins and outs of different and wrong. We often...

May 13, 2022

What to Carry for Waterfowl Hunting: Make Your Blind Bag Work For You

Most public land hunters walk in or are limited to what they can carry in their boat. One time of a...

May 6, 2022

A Final Hunt: The Beaver Flow

And I hope one of them has enough reprobate left in them, with a bit of rue for authority, to sneak...

Apr 29, 2022

High Pressure Waterfowl Hunting: Why the Details Matter

The easy days are long gone. This is when the details start to matter. When hunting pressured...

Apr 22, 2022

All Around Shotgun: What does a Do All shotgun look like?

But we are talking about one gun versatility here, and there is no answer other than 12 gauge for...

Apr 15, 2022

We Love to Watch Them Strut

In the rock concert of spring, don't forget, if you're not there for the visuals there will be no...