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Monday, December 12, 2005
Need A Few Gift Ideas? Try These
As of today, there are 13 shopping days left till Christmas, and I know if you are like me, the pressure is on to find the perfect or last-minute gift for your favorite outdoors enthusiast. This year, I've listed a few stocking stuffers that will put a smile on any sportsman's face on Christmas.
"Muzzleloader Hunting: Then and Now"
If you want your favorite hunters to expand their firearms hunting season with traditional firearms or just want to get into hunting deer or other game with a muzzleloader firearm, then this book is appropriate.
"Muzzleloader Hunting: Then and Now" provides a fast-reading, down-to-earth look at hunting for big and small game with a variety of muzzleloaders. You'll get expert advice on loading and maintaining your firearms in the field, plus complete coverage of all the different muzzleloading rifles, pistols and shotguns available. With each chapter divided into "Then" and "Now," this book is a complete education on the history, benefits and techniques of using a front loader.
In order for today's muzzleloading hunter to fully appreciate the equipment he or she is using, it's important to know how it was developed and why. With the recent boom in popularity of muzzleloader hunting, many have discovered that most states allow the use of a muzzleloader during the shotgun season. With a distinct advantage over hunting with a shotgun, muzzleloader hunters enjoy shooting with greater accuracy, longer distances, less recoil and the satisfaction of using a traditional firearm.
Suggested retail: $24.95 with $3.80 for shipping and handling. Available from the publisher Woods N' Water Inc., P.O. Box 550, Florida, NY 10921. Credit-card orders can be made by phone (1-800-652-7527). For all other inquires, call 1-845-986-0326.
"Wild Game — Field Care & Cooking"
This is a great gift for those who enjoy big-game hunting and cooking. This 225 minute DVD will show how to make the most of a big-game animal by creating mouth-watering meals your favorite sportsman will be proud to serve friends and family.
Beginning with expert tips on field dressing and transporting a big-game animal, chef Milos Cihelka provides plenty of information on preparing classic stews, roasts and chops, as well as how to make Polish sausage, salami and hot sticks.
There are no recipe cards to get lost — all recipes are on the screen. Viewers can freeze-frame the DVD to copy instructions and/or ingredients without harming the disc.
The new "Wild Game Field Care & Cooking" state-of-the-art DVD is available at www.wildharvestvideos.com for $19.99 plus $2 for shipping and handling.
"Building an Adirondack Guideboat: Wood Strip Reproductions of the Virginia"
An American original, the guideboat is the fastest fixed-seat traditional rowboat in the world. Noted for its graceful lines, elegant curves, maneuverability and speed, its form and function are unique to the Adirondacks of the 19th century. It was a workboat light enough for one person to carry between the Adirondacks' many lakes, big enough to haul the gear of the hired guide and his sportsmen, and quiet enough to stalk game on the edge of a lake.
The authors — John D. Michne, a retired chemist and gamma ray spectroscopist who lives in Clifton Park, and Michael J. Olivette, who holds a doctorate and is a professor of sport management at Syracuse University, base their instructions on the only known set of detailed plans of an actual Adirondack guideboat, the drawings of the Virginia by the small-boat historian, designer, and builder, John Gardner. The Virginia, built in 1905 by the Grant boat shop in Boonville, is currently featured in the guideboat exhibit at the Adirondack Museum.
The book includes 260 photographs and 16 drawings of the work in progress. The authors emphasize economy, obtaining the best materials and tools for the best price. Readers will find that constructing their own guideboat is much less expensive than buying a commercially built one.
To order, call toll free (1-866-738-1890). Price: $29.95.
Under Armour LooseGear
During last winter at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, I had the opportunity to visit with the folks at the Under Armour booth. The company, whose signature garments have been worn by professional athletes across all spectrums of the sporting world, has now ventured into the outdoors. ColdGear, LooseGear and HeatGear are now being marketed in a popular camouflage pattern for sportsmen who hunt in all temperature extremes.
This summer, prior to bow season, I bought a long-sleeve LooseGear shirt. The high-tech shirt is made of a unique, microfiber blend that will keep you cool, dry and light under your outerwear. I wore this shirt under my camo leafy wear during our very warm bow season. At the store, they didn't have the camouflage version so I purchased the black shirt. Surprisingly, I found it not only cool but, when worn as a first layer during late-season waterfowling, the shirt provided a blend of perfect comfort and warmth.
Gift Certificate
Probably one of the most safest and pleasurable gifts you can give to your favorite sportsman is a gift certificate from your local sporting goods store. It's simple — and it says it! It's the gift that he or she will look forward to spending.
Whether you are buying for a big-or small-game hunter, angler, camper, hiker or trapper, a gift certificate of any value is a most welcomed sight on Christmas morning.
Socks
Finally, as always, I want to stress the importance of giving socks — especially socks with high-tech fibers — to your favorite sportsman. There are good socks, and there are great socks, and it's the great sock that can make or break a cold-weather deer hunt, a long, upland bird hike or a cold morning wading a trout stream.
