A wish list for your outdoorsman
ByDave bates
Contributing writer
Let’s be honest from the get go. This is nothing more than a personal shopping list of items I’d choose to receive for Christmas if I were to go shopping for myself. That being said, if anyone can get a copy of this into my wife’s hands before Christmas Eve, I’d greatly appreciate it.
The following gifts are in order of big-ticket items, average-sized items and stocking stuffers.
Big-ticket items
Gun safe – The bigger the better. They don’t make gun safes too big. Trade secret … don’t try to move it yourself. Pay extra for delivery.
Truck bed drawer – My top vote for things not going under our tree this year. Great way to keep things organized for the field or stream.
Guns – Always a great gift idea. Gun gift certificates are even better unless you know stock measurements. If you’re really wanting to shoot the moon, spring for an all-expense trip to the English or Spanish shotgun factory of your choice for an in-person stock-fitting session. I’m happy to accompany your spouse to take care of all the arrangements if you don’t feel that you’re up to it.
Standard items
Heated vest/jacket – The older I get, the more I love the idea. I do not own one but if you are able to have a conversation with my wife, work this item into the discussion.
Axes – Big, small, in between, hatchets, single bit, double bit, even machetes. One can never have too many axes.
Binoculars – These could fall under big ticket, but unless you are looking to spend a grand or more we’ll not go there. Buy the best glass you can afford.
Tote bag – I am a fan of the canvas sail cloth variety from L.L. Bean. Filson makes some really nice ones too but you might have to choose between it and college for your youngest. Also, consider a waterproof dry bag if your sportsman likes to kayak, canoe or duck hunt.
Wheeled duffle bag – Suitcase for the traveling sportsman/woman.
Barn/chore coat – No more manly outerwear made.
Rain coat – Forget about waterproof/breathable; it is like unicorns and rainbows, they do not exist. If it is waterproof it is not breathable. And vice versa. There is only waterproof for now. Go with waterproof. Green, black and tan are preferred colors.
Folding Chairs, camp chairs, stools, etc. – I’m a fan of the little wooden nesting scissor beach chairs. Rocking chairs are the apex because, well, they rock.
Flannel shirts – Again, you can never go wrong with the classic old L.L. Bean variety. Also, a pair of flannel-lined jeans of the same make are killer.
Cast iron skillet – Whether brand new or a DIY project refurbished one, nothing says love like a cast iron skillet.
Moose hide moccasins – Although I have always been a fan, I think these have been replaced by the modern day shearling-lined slipper. My age might be starting to show.
Multi-tool – Find the tool that is most important to your recipient. Mine would be pliers for pulling porcupine quills from my bird dog.
Truck seat covers – Nuff said. Stock or custom depending on how much you want to spend.
Rubber boots – Lacrosse Grange boot is the pinnacle – simple, basic. Look for the yellow stripe on top. A close second is Muck brand neoprene boots but they are not nearly as durable in the briar patch. They are not breathable but they are most definitely waterproof.
Gloves – All gloves are fine but in my opinion, the only glove in the universe necessary for daily survival is the yellow, deer skin, work glove. Simply my prejudiced opinion.
Stocking stuffers
Wool socks – Need I say more? Merino is better. Alpaca is the pinnacle.
Mini cell phone camera tripod – Great for taking trophy photos in the woods. Doesn’t have to be expensive. Many come with a remote switch that as an outdoor writer, I find incredibly useful.
Old school bandanna/handkerchiefs – I prefer basic red and blue but have grown fond of the safety orange ones for hunting. Word of caution, wash them a dozen times before using.
Lighters – Cheapo, top shelf, disposable, refillable. All are useful and have their place. If you really want to complete the gift, make it a fire-building kit. Candles, waterproof matches, flint and steel are all festive. While most of us will never need such gear, I carry an emergency fire building kit when bird hunting, just in case. I have not needed it … yet.
Leather rifle cartridge wallet – Find their caliber of choice.
Rope – 25 feet length or longer, three-eighths-inch diameter. Also, flat rappel harness webbing. What outdoor enthusiast doesn’t like a good chunk of cording? Add a carabiner or two.
Hand warmers – Disposable or reusable. Also, body warmer and toe warmers (with adhesive) are super useful. By the case is even better.
Flashlight – My personal favorite is a single cell AA battery LED style with a rear toggle switch. Batteries last a long time. Great for emergencies.
Gift wrapping ideas
Cigar boxes – A novel way to package special gift items.
Plastic tubs – Practical and usable down the road.
Canvas totes – Used in the same spirit as plastic tubs.
Lastly, a word of caution on buying knives for others. Simply put, unless they ask for a particular one, DON’T.
Good luck and I hope this eases your holiday shopping chores this season.
Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com