For waterfowlers who want leather from strap to drop, the Gadwall II leather duck carrier is the Chambless Game Totes design to look at. It uses a stitched English bridle leather strap with solid brass D rings and six detachable leather drops on each side, for 12 in total. Each drop holds two to five birds, and the maker says it will carry all the ducks and geese you can physically pick up.
Gadwall II vs. the original Gadwall
The names are close, so here is the difference. The original Gadwall duck carrier uses 12 drops made of 550 paracord with brass cinch rings, and you choose an Olive Drab or Coyote cord color. The Gadwall II replaces those cords with leather drops, attached with solid brass detachable snap rings and fitted with solid brass cinch rings. On the Gadwall II, the option you choose is the hardware finish: Solid Brass or Antique Brass.
Leather drops give the tote a more traditional look that matches the strap, and they age right along with it. Paracord drops are lighter and dry faster. Both carry 12 drops, so the choice mostly comes down to the look and feel you prefer.
Key features
- Stitched English bridle leather strap with solid brass D rings
- Six detachable leather drops on each side (12 total)
- Solid brass detachable snap rings and solid brass cinch rings
- Each drop holds two to five birds
- An additional connector in the middle of the strap
- Hardware finish in Solid Brass or Antique Brass
- Handmade and American made
Who the Gadwall II duck tote suits
At two to five birds per drop across 12 drops, the Gadwall II is built for big days and shared carries: group hunts where one person hauls the birds to the truck, goose hunts in open fields and guided trips. Detachable drops also mean you can take a few off for a lighter load on a slow day and add them back when the birds are flying. It also makes a strong gift for a waterfowler who appreciates handmade leather goods.
Using and caring for a leather duck carrier
- Load evenly. Work birds onto drops on both sides so the strap sits balanced on your shoulder.
- Snug the cinch rings. Slide each brass cinch ring down on the bird's neck so it stays put on the walk out.
- Detach for cleaning. The snap rings let you remove drops to rinse off blood and mud and dry them separately.
- Dry slowly. Let wet leather air dry at room temperature away from heaters, then apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple.
- Store dry. Hang the tote somewhere with airflow in the off-season instead of leaving it in a closed bag.
Pairs well with
Complete the set with a leather duck call lanyard in matching bridle leather and brass. If you like the 12-drop leather layout, the Guide II duck carrier is a related model worth comparing. Browse every option in the Chambless game totes collection, or choose your brass finish on the Gadwall II product page.
Frequently asked questions
How many birds does the Gadwall II leather duck carrier hold?
It has 12 leather drops, six on each side, and each drop holds two to five birds.
Are the leather drops removable?
Yes. The drops are detachable using solid brass snap rings, and the strap also has an additional connector in the middle.
What hardware options are available?
The Gadwall II is offered in Solid Brass or Antique Brass hardware.
Bring your birds out in style with the Chambless Gadwall II leather duck carrier, handmade in America. For more waterfowl gear guides, visit the Hunterworks Outdoors blog. Questions? Contact us.