12/13/07
Making a list and checking it twice? Ideas for the outdoorsman
By Terry Madewell
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| A trail camera for the deer hunter is just one of many great gift ideas. If a deer hunter knows a big buck is out there, it makes the hunting much more interesting. |
The number of shopping days is winding down, but you’ve still got time to get those special gifts for those special outdoors folks in your life. Perhaps just as importantly, you still have time to give some good hints to friends and family about what you’d really like to have under the Christmas tree.
While most outdoorsmen have a lot of good stuff already in use, each year there are plenty of new ideas which will enhance the fishing, hunting or other outdoor adventures of our family and friends. This year is certainly no exception.
First you can consider the simple, but significant, stuff. These gifts include new fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes. Often a subtle hint or two will lead someone in the right direction. These are items that you can seldom go wrong with, as we all want more than we could possibly ever use. If in doubt about what specific rods, reels or lures, then a gift card to a local store would be an excellent idea. You can always state that a condition of the gift is to go to that store and buy “outdoor stuff.” That always makes me happy with a gift.
From my personal experience this year, there is one thing I think would make an outstanding gift. For any guy or gal that travels, the map-ready, travel-oriented GPS units for taking trips of any sort are awesome. Sometimes I accept that I am technologically challenged but I eventually get there in terms of technology. I do go to a lot of out-of-the-way places to fish and hunt. This year, Drew let me borrow his Garmin GPS to help guide me on a long 10-day trip to the northeast. I know Tom-Tom also makes a similar unit.
I don’t think could have been more shocked at how accurate and detailed this gizmo is. These things are awesome. It is now near the top of my “need” list to own one. We traveled all the way up into Maine (yes, I went to L.L. Bean) and the Garmin GPS helped me make every turn and took me right to the front door. It’s an awesome gift.
While deer season is about done for 2007, there’s spring turkey hunting season just around the corner. How about a few new turkey calls for the gobbler-getter in the family? Also, most hunters (well, at least me) complain about the gizmos I needed this season that would have helped me get a big buck.
Fine tune your listening and you can get some great ideas from those around you. One great idea is to get the deer hunter a trail camera. These cameras allow you to see the deer in your area and you’ll have an idea of what’s out there. They are a great gift idea.
How about quail, squirrel and rabbit hunting gear? Squirrel calls are popular now and the sport of squirrel hunting is seeing a real revitalization now, especially here in our area. Both dog and still-hunting for squirrels become very popular right after deer season ends. There’s a host of potential ideas for this sport. Same goes for rabbit and quail hunting; a new briar-resistant game coat with big game bag attached is a great idea for quail or rabbit hunters. I think a scope for the .22 rifle for the squirrel hunter or an over-under shotgun that works great for squirrel or rabbits is a “can’t miss” idea as well. (I also need one of those … hint.)
An often overlooked item is reading material for the sportsman. Of course, a continued subscription to The Manning Times may be the best investment ever (well, what would you expect me to say) but there are several magazines which have excellent outdoor information.
Two are local in terms of statewide coverage in South Carolina. The South Carolina Sportsman Magazine and the South Carolina Game & Fish Publication magazine are good choices as gift subscription for the outdoors-oriented folks. These magazine deals with specific where and how to catch and harvest fish and game species throughout the state. Contact the S.C. Sportsman at 252-206-1633 and the S.C. Game & Fish at 770-953-9222. Of course, the award-winning South Carolina Wildlife Magazine published by the SCDNR is a quality magazine with a diversity of information that would please almost anyone interested in any facet of the outdoor world. Contact the SCDNR in Columbia for information on this magazine.
There are many, many, good books on the market on a wide variety of outdoor sports. These are available in bookstores or through mail order in magazines. You know the mainstream pursuits of the outdoorsman you’re seeking a gift for, so look for something specific for that person.
Other items that make great holiday ideas are outdoor cooking gifts. It’s hard for anyone to go wrong when looking for a gift for me by getting stuff for my grills, smokers or outdoor cooking. Almost as much as the actual hunting and fishing, I enjoy the relaxing time spent cooking game and fish. I live to experiment in outdoor cooking so new seasonings, spices and just good recipes are welcome gifts for me. Accessories and supplements for cookers, smokers or grills are great gift ideas. Of course, if the person doesn’t have the grill or smoker, then there’s a real champion of an idea.
Another item that is popular for outdoorsmen are the quality multi-tools. I always mention these because they are so functional and if an outdoorsman doesn’t have one, they will appreciate it. Get a quality product and expect to spend a few bucks on it. A quality product, such as a Leatherman or Gerber is a welcome addition to any outdoorsman. These holstered tools have everything from locking-blade knife blades to screwdrivers, can openers, and even saw blades.
Of course, warm clothing for these cold winter days on the lake as well as new lines of camouflage for deer and turkey hunting are a must. Wool socks, down jackets and insulated rain suits are all possibilities. Waterproof gloves and insulated boots are good ideas as well.
Again, one gift I always recommend is to book a trip with one of our great, local fishing guides. This will ensure a good fishing trip, but also enable the outdoorsman to learn the how, when and where, may be an outstanding choice. We have fishermen come to the Santee Cooper lakes from around the world to sample our fantastic fishing with our local guides. We’ve got some of the best fishing in the world right here in our backyard and the cost of the trip, compared to what we spend on accessories, and the potential benefit to learn how to properly fish our lakes, make this one of the most cost-effective, and potentially fun, gifts of all.
Best of all, you can find just about everything you want or need right here at home in Clarendon County. Except for the magazines that you can do by phone or mail, you can visit our local stores, marinas, or call one of our guides to get most of these products. Now is the time to finish off those stocking stuffers and give the gift of better outdoor enjoyment to your favorite outdoors person or persons.
Merry Christmas and happy gift hunting.
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