Gift ideas for the outdoorsman

Although it seems that Thanksgiving has just passed, you don't have an excuse to be one of those last-minute Christmas shoppers, especially if you are shopping for an outdoorsman or woman.

Sarah Thompson, who had just come out of Cabela's, said, "It used to be hard to shop for an outdoorsman, but today it's hard to decide just what to get him there are so many choices."

However, a gift to make a fisherman wince is to receive a rod and reel he will never use. Bob Hawkins, Independence, received a nice muskie rod and reel last year and it has never been used. "I have never fished for muskie and don't think I ever will. But I have a great outfit. Being a crappie fisherman, I could have used a nice ultra-light outfit."

Don't splurge on a rod and reel unless you absolutely know what the fisherman wants and will use. There are hundreds of possible combinations so don't get get a muskie outfit for a crappie angler. It would be much better to purchase a gift certificate from a tackle shop and let the recipient choose what he really wants.

Top fishing, hunting, camping or boating gear is specialized equipment today. Don't pick out a paddle for a seasoned canoeist. He fits a paddle to his skills and challenges. The same goes for electronic fishing gear, arctic sleeping bags and just about anything except beginner equipment.

How do we know to wrap something that implies we not only care, but know a thing or two as well? Well, some items transcend specialty.

Here are a few trinkets outdoorsmen wouldn't mind seeing in Santa's sack: a quart of thick, dark maple syrup -- the kind that hasn't had all the good things strained out. A mixed box of fruitwood and nutwood chips for the smoker and any of those boxed smoked salmon, wild turkey and other game goodies you will find in major catalogs would be nice. Maybe another hand-carved duck call and chest waders that don't leak.

For the young angler you might consider one of those fun themed pre-packaged combos that are made for little hands that comes decorated with popular cartoon characters.

Hunters can always use another duck, goose, crow and other type calls.

If you are looking for a gift for a fisherman, things like lures, fishing pliers, line clippers and fishing scales make good and thoughtful items.

Another popular gift for the outdoorsman or anyone else, is the Missouri Conservation Department's Natural Events Calendar. There are plenty of other gift ideas including great videos and books on outdoor subjects.

There are also plenty of new books on outdoor subjects to fill the local library as well as plenty of "toys" to keep an outdoorsman happy this winter. Christmas shopping has never been easier for outdoor minded people.

Today's Christmas shopper has a wider selection of gifts including the hunting and fishing games and better hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and camping gear.

One thing about shopping for a hunter, angler, camper, hiker or boater is that there are plenty of things that make them all happy. Even if you think they have about everything, you will find just about anything that helps make their favorite sport the least bit more enjoyable, will please them and it's not too early to start shopping.