Gift ideas for outdoorsmen becoming more abundant

While at the grocery store this week, I ran into several hunters who had just ended the 2009 firearm season last weekend. Now that the deer season has ended, the discussion turned to the fact that Christmas is fast approaching. "I'm not going to be one of those last-minute shoppers," one hunter said, while another commented that shopping for an outdoor enthusiast is easy today with all the items available.

If you have an outdoor person on your list, by starting early, it should be easy. From an angler, hunter, boater, camper, hiker or a birdwatcher, there are plenty of things to make that outdoor fan happy. A visit to one of the many sporting goods establishment will give you an idea of what to get that outdoorsman or woman.

One word of caution according to a veteran outdoorsman, Carl Andrews, Springfield, is to avoid splurging on something like a fishing rod and reel unless you know what kind of fishing that angler does. Don't buy an ultra-light fishing outfit for a catfisherman or a spoonbill snagging outfit far a crappie angler. It would be much better to purchase a gift certificate from a tackle store and let the recipient choose what they really crave.

John Garner, who already has finished his Christmas shopping, said, "There are plenty of places to find a gift for any of the outdoor minded people on your list. My only problem was which of the many items available would be best. Last year my wife came up with a good idea, a guided fishing trip and it was great. There are an unlimited number of things available for any of the outdoorsman on your list today."

Top fishing, hunting, camping or boating gear is specialized. Don't pick up a paddle for a seasoned canoeist because he fits a paddle to his skills and challenges. The same goes for electronic fishing gear and... well, you get the idea.

Here are a few items that an outdoorsman wouldn't mind seeing in Santa's sack. One or more of items from the Missouri Department Conservation including an Natural Events Calendar or one of the many books on the state's outdoors. A gift of clothing to help anyone on your list to stay warm would be nice. Items for an angler would include things like lures, fish weighing scales for that lunker, tackle box, line clippers and fishing pliers all are good and thoughtful items.

For the very young angler, you might consider one of those little rod and reel combos that are made for little hands and comes decorated with popular cartoon characters like Snoopy or Mickey Mouse. All these kid combos are simple to use, but still functional. Lasy year Jack Clark, Boliver, said, "I got my son one of those Snoopy outfits thinking it might be fun for him. On the first fishing trip to a farm pond, he caughta two-pound bass and several bluegill by hinself. It might have mad him a fisherman for life." For older youths and adults, good spinning outfits make a great gift and should fit most any price range.

Hunters can always use another duck, turkey, crow goose or other type calls and there are enough new books on outdoor subjects to keep a hunter or fisherman 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 new hunting and fishing games and better specialized gear than ever before.

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

One of the deer hunters we visited with said, "We got out first Christmas card this week and it reminded me that I had better get busy shopping and not wait until the last minute like I did last year."