I’m a firm believer of the adage, ”If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” As a kid I wrote my letter to Santa every December and for the most part the Jolly Old Elf left a lot of my gift list under the tree. All these years later I still compile a wish list every holiday season for family and friends; some items I need, others I just want.
Every Yule shopper needs a few ideas and some direction when buying presents, and why end up with something you don’t really need? Thus my personal wish list as well as my annual gift idea article for sportsmen continues for this Christmas. Topping my list each year is a combination hunting/fishing license with duck stamp, crossbow, muzzleloader and bear permit addendums. Every cast and blast enthusiast needs one, especially if you plan on ice fishing in January. They are available at the town office or through the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Winter evenings get a bit long when the sun sets a 4 p.m., so I tend to fill those prolonged dark spells with fly tying, reloading shells and reading. There are plenty of hunting and fishing magazines available and a subscription to one lasts all year long. For duck and goose hunters there’s a fairly new publication called Wildfowl that’s super informative and entertaining. The annual diverse and fact filled Gun Digest is also a great gift.
If the sportsman you’re seeking a gift for is into murder mysteries, check out the Joe Pickett series by novelist C.J. Box. Joe Pickett is a game warden who gets into all kinds of exciting situations above and beyond his normal duties. There are also lots of “how to” books on most types of hunting and fishing to pass a few hours and make you think of next season rather than the current cold and snow.
A couple of years ago I received a Cabela’s Big Game Hunting video game which comes with a plastic simulated rifle/shotgun and a handgun. Along with target and skeet shooting there are lots of big game animals to pursue with extremely scenic and vivid graphics for realistic hunting scenarios. Friends can join for team hunts or competitions and it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a stormy, cold afternoon. There are some great fishing games available as well, I’ve got a fly fishing game that allows the player to select rods, baits, and flies as well as specific rivers across the U.S. and certain species to cast for. The game even changes weather and water conditions.
Gift-givers can always go back to basics; rare is the sportsman who can‘t use another box of rifle cartridges or shotgun shells. Sneak a peek in the gun safe or cabinet to see what he’s low on, and to assure the correct caliber and shell size and types.
Anglers need leader material, flies, lures, bass plugs and a wide variety of other inexpensive but necessary essentials. Ice fishing is at hand already, perhaps a few chemical hand warmers would be appreciated.
While we are on the subject of keeping warm (and dry), few things are more miserable than cold, wet feet, and the situation can shorten or end any outdoor venture. Muck Boots offer a wide selection from ankle high to knee high models with various levels of insulation to withstand the coldest conditions for an all day snowmobiling or ice fishing excursion. Check out Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle for a variety of sizes, shapes and styles.
In the past, I’ve touted the effectiveness of Thermacell’s small, inexpensive butane insect repellant device for the tree stand, fishing boat or back porch. Now Thermacell has created heated innersoles for hunting boots, fishing waders or any other winter footwear. These padded liners have minute lithium-ion, rechargeable batteries built in that last up to 6 hours and a small remote control to turn them on, off or set heat levels. They can be changed quickly from one set of boots to another, last for years and offer warm constant comfort in the coldest conditions. They come in all sizes and run about a hundred dollars for the insoles, wireless remote, global charger and carry bag.
If there’s a duck or goose hunter in your family they can always use a few more decoys. Avian X produces a line so realistic that if a bird lands in the spread you have to wait for it to move to discern it from the fake fowl. Life size or larger the waterfowl come in packs of six and are in various poses. My personal favorite are fully-flocked AFX series in feeder, walker or sentry pack with durable construction, motion stakes and feather detail and color like a live bird regardless of light or weather conditions.
Ranging from $50 to $250 per six-pack, these may just be the best and last decoys a hunter will ever need. Check Avian X out on line, check your local sporting goods stores or the Cabela’s, Macks Prairie Wing or Redhead catalogs.
If your favorite sportsman or outdoor woman deserves a really special gift this Christmas, consider one of the go-anywhere, do-everything Go-Pro cameras. Available in white, silver and black editions ranging from $200 to $400, this small lexan housed unit takes videos and photos manually or via remote control. The images can be transferred to computer by cable or Wi-Fi and be edited into multiple venues.
If all else fails, a gift certificate from one the area’s hunt and fish stores, L.L. Bean in Freeport, Cabela’s in Scarborough or Orvis or Bass Pro catalogs might do nicely. While it may not seem very personal it does allow the recipient to select whatever gift whenever it’s convenient. Christmas is mere weeks away and shopping days dwindle quickly, especially if shipping is involved. I hope my annual list of ideas sparks a gift for someone on your Secret Santa list, or perhaps even for yourself. Have a happy, healthy holiday season and here’s hoping the reindeer find your rooftop.
