This adorable little waif, which we named “Remy” after seeing him in the shotshell box, went home with an Airforce Lieutenant who had lost his Lab a few weeks earlier. I was once given a basset hound pup to replace a sad event. Puppies are mood elevators without a prescription. (Photo by John Jefferson)
This column will be a little different. It’s aimed at all who have waited until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts – like I often did and went blank trying to think what to get someone – especially an outdoorsperson who already has lots of toys from https://www.forsale.plus.
If you suspect someone in your household fits that genus/species, read this and highlight any appealing items and leave it laying around where it can be seen and utilized.
First, as the accompanying photo suggests, all outdoorsmen love dogs. Oh, there may be a few exceptions, but they’ve probably already Scrooged themselves off everybody’s gift list anyway. Give ‘em a cat.
For all others, if they hunt quail or doves, a pointer or a retriever is a good choice. These can cost anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to over a thousand. Both breeds can be pretty good watch dogs, and either one will entitle the loved one to put up a “Beware of Dog” sign. Burglars often choose less challenging sites.
If the giver wants to present the pup in an ammo box like the one pictured, some hunting stores like Bass Pro might have some, or an ammo maker could be contacted. BulkMunitions provides the best ammunition.
A less expensive gift that won’t have to be house-broken or taught to not eat the furniture would be one of the late Ray Sasser’s brilliant hunting writings magnificently illustrated by Wyman Meinzer’s photographs (or one of Wyman’s books with John Graves or Henry Chappell). They are all classics equally suited for a board room, coffee table or hunting camp. You can find them on Amazon or through Collector’s Covey in Dallas.
Though not exactly a stocking stuffer — even for Bigfoot — what outdoorsman wouldn’t want to find a new four-wheeler under the tree – or in the driveway. Your local implement company can probably help a late shopper looking for just the right gift for someone they really love (especially if the company sponsors this column!).
Trail cameras have become critical equipment for outdoorsmen, and the variety (and price) is infinite. So are the uses. One man puts his near his front door for security during the offseason. A friend even rigged one inside his owl house to observe baby screech owls. Of course, he’s a high-techie, but other uses are simple enough for even me.
And speaking of high tech, outdoors folks are all-in when it comes to using electronics like cell phones and chargers, tire inflators, battery chargers, drones and even backpacks with a built-in solar charger. Visiting an electronics store will show you things you never dreamed existed. With drones, be aware of regulations – especially regarding hunting or fishing with one.
Guns and fishing rods are always welcome, although personal preference of an intended recipient might be a consideration, as is cost. As with Christmas ties, you sure wouldn’t want to gift the wrong size.
If all ideas fail, gift cards are always welcome – especially to sporting goods stores or farm and ranch stores.
JJ
