I just know there’s some kind of mistake. It can’t be Christmas again — already! I mean, I see all the lights and decorations; I hear the holiday music, and my dear, devoted wife is grumbling because I don’t have a “wish list” started, but didn’t we just celebrate the Yule a few short months ago?
Apparently what everyone says is true, once you hit the half century mark days speed up, weeks fly by and months turn into years way faster than they used to in our 20s and 30s. It is what it is, I guess, so rather than complain, it’s time to contemplate what to buy family and friends to put under their tree. Christmas shopping for outdoor-oriented men and women can sometimes be a chore.
My spouse had stated loud and long that since I have one of every piece of hunting or fishing gear made, and two of many, I’m a pain to shop for; thus the annual “wish list!” I decided years ago it’s simpler and more enjoyable for everyone involved if a person makes a list of what they really want and need in a variety of price ranges and then let the ribbon and wrapping paper fall where it may.
Let me offer a few examples for shop weary wives, children and friends of area sportsmen. The New Year is just around the corner so every rod and gun enthusiast needs a new hunting or fishing license. A combination license with bear, waterfowl, muzzleloader and crossbow additions tops my list every Christmas.
Fly fishermen always appreciate a half dozen dry or wet flies and a couple of tapered leaders. A package or two of plastic worms, a top-water popper or two or a shallow-running rattle plug will bring a smile to any bass caster.
Bird hunters always need shotgun shells and big and small game gunners need rifle shells, just sneak a look in the gun case or shell cabinet to ascertain what type, brand, and size they’re short on.
Books or DVDs on favorite outdoor pastimes help winter nights pass quicker, and a year’s subscription to a sporting magazine offers reading enjoyment as well. Fly tiers, rod builders, shell re-loaders and decoy carvers always need a few items to enjoy their cold weather pastimes. If you’re really in a bind to select a specific gift, purchase a gift certificate from one of the local rod and gun shops or sporting good stores. The recipient will be able to buy exactly what they need.
How about a four- or five-gun wall rack or fishing rod rack hand-built and exquisitely finished by a local company? Allagash Wood can probably accommodate your needs for rifle, bow, or rod racks.
Small portable ThermaCELL insect repellent devices have been the rage for campers, bear hunters, turkey hunters or even for the back deck at home. ThermaCELL has gone a “step” further, (pun intended) with remote-controlled heated insoles. Ice fishermen, late-season deer hunters, snowmobilers or anyone working outside in winter weather can now do so without discomfort.
If you have a waterfowl hunter in the clan, Hevi-Shot has a new Speed Ball load that’s fantastic. These heavier than steel loads offer blazing speed and penetration at low pressure and reduced recoil thanks to the Speedball technology. Any goose, sea duck, or puddle duck gunner would appreciate a box or two of Hevi-Shot Speedball shells in BB, 1, 3 or 5 shot size.
Another great gift for goose hunters would be 6- or 12-Greenhead Gear (GHG), fully flocked Canada goose decoys with motion stakes made by Avery. There are feeder, alert, resting, and harvester packs of half a dozen varied body positions. How good are they? When real geese land in the decoy spread, hunters have to wait for them to take off so as not to shoot the decoys!
Finally, if someone has been a really good boy or girl and is high up on the “nice list,” head over to Theriault’s Equipment in Presque Isle, Caribou or Houlton and check out the new Gator. A top-of-the-line UTV seating two or four with a myriad of features, this rugged machine goes from trail riding fun to yard work in a flash. Now this is a great gift for an outdoor Dad that actually means fun for the entire family.
There you have it, an idea or two for any sportsman in every shopper’s budget range. Check local businesses first and enjoy the giving spirit. Above all, revel in the holiday spirit with friends and family. Merry Christmas!
