Some last-minute ideas for Christmas
By Hookemharry

Posted: December 18, 2003

With just seven days left before Christmas, if you haven’t bought a gift for the sportsman or sportswoman on your list, you are probably looking for a little guidance.

Let me throw out some ideas to help guide you through the shopping process, so you can spend a little more time outdoors yourself.

We have added some new items to the list this year — items that are sure to please anybody who loves the outdoors. We of course also have the list of items that can be used all year round.

Here we go:

— A book entitled “Ultimate Montana Encyclopedia and Atlas” This book is packed with information about Montana. Plus, it is a great guide to hotels and resorts with easy reference phone numbers. Cost $29.95.

— A book entitled “Fly Fishing Montana’s Missouri River”. This book is written by Trapper Badovinac, a longtime guide. Badovinac also supplies all the photos for the book. It is an excellent book for the fly fisher in your family who would enjoy learning more about the Mighty Mo.

— A day hunting Seldom Seen Shooting Preserve for pheasants. This would be a great present for the sportsman and his or her dog. Three pheasants are just $75. Call 406-288-3402. The shooting preserve season is open in Montana till March 31, 2004.

— A duck or goose call. Waterfowl season runs into the first part of January and the Canada goose hunting has been good in Western Montana.

— A robo duck or goose decoy for the waterfowl hunter on your list. Shop around you should be able to pick one up for under $100.

— A portable blind either in the “coffin ” or “hay-bale” style. The waterfowl hunter on your list will appreciate the easy set-up for about $200.

— A bucket with a nice swivel seat, good for a waterfowl blind or for ice fishing.

— A membership in a wildlife conservation group like Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or Trout Unlimited. The Western Montana Fish and Game Association membership comes with privileges at the Deep Creek Shooting Range.

— A powered auger for ice fishing. The ice angler on your list will never forget you for this present.

— A fish-finder for the Ice angler on your list.

— A sled for hauling game or ice fishing gear.

— A stainless steel Thermos to keep drinks warm or icy cold.

— A Little Joe Smoker or a Turkey deep fat fryer.

— A cookbook from Chef Vince on how to cook that wild game the hunter on your list has in the freezer. The local Chef Vince just came our with his second edition a few months back. “Great Cookbook Two” – just $12.95.

— A gift certificate from a local sporting good store or hardware store. My wife gave me one last year and I enjoyed every minute shopping with it.

— A pair of binoculars or a spotting scope or a GPS unit. Chances are they don’t have them all.

— A gift certificate from a local restaurant. I never met an outdoor person who didn’t like to have meals cooked for them.

— A gift certificate from a wild game processor or a taxidermist.

— A dozen trout flies for the fly fisherman or a few crankbaits or spinners for the spin or boat fisherman.

— Wool gloves, fingerless gloves, neoprene gloves or waterproof skiing gloves. Depending on the sport they enjoy, they never have enough of them.

— A fleece vest. They’re perfect all by themselves or as added insulation under an outer coat when it’s really cold.

— A box of dog biscuits for a hunter to give his favorite hunting dog. The way to a hunter’s heart is through his dog and both will thank you for it.

— A long distance phone card. They always comes in handy. You never know when you might have to call and convince your better half for another day on the water or out in the field. Cards run for as little as 2.9 cents a minute, so you can talk long and cheap.

I hope this helps you out. Most of these gifts are under $100 and many are in $10 to $50 range. If you are having a hard time locating any of these just e-mail me at captain@montanaoutdoor.com or call me at 406-728-0516, ext 2. I will do my best to help you out.

From all of us at the Montana Outdoor Radio Show have a Merry Christmas.

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing