A
lot of outdoor writers prepare an annual Christmas-shopping column
to help family members plan to please outdoor enthusiasts.
Many
times, I've done the same thing, listing some of the new products
on the market and maybe pointing out why a hunter, fisherman, hiker,
boater, dog-trainer or whatever might find the new item better than
the old.
Maybe
the most important point that needs to be made in such a column
is to try to find out what the outdoor enthusiast really wants or
needs. There is no point buying a 7-foot baitcasting rod for a person
who never uses anything but a 5-footer and isn't likely to change
the habit.
There
is no point investing in a full-choke shotgun for a person who hunts
quail or even for a duck hunter since the steel shot required for
waterfowl shooting patterns better out of a modified or improved-cylinder
choke.
Sometimes
a person who routinely shops for bargain ammunition or fishing lures
may be thrilled to get the high-dollar stuff as a gift. On the other
hand, some bargain-shoppers consider paying more than necessary
an inexcusable waste.Gloves, flashlights, rainwear, wool socks and
similar necessities are always likely to be needed. Having extras
of certain types of outdoor gear is always nice.
To
figure out what to buy, try asking such questions as the following:
Why do you use neoprene gloves? Aren't Gore-Tex gloves better? The
person's answer may help you decide whether to buy the person an
extra pair of identical gloves or choose something the person has
never tried.
Another
question might focus on the outdoor enthusiasts' favorite conservation
organizations: Are you a member of Ducks Unlimited? The Arkansas
Wildlife Federation? The Sierra Club? The Ozark Society?You may
learn that the person would like to donate to some groups, but simply
has found it impossible to donate to all. A one-year membership
to most such groups costs relatively little and most provide magazines
and such that will cause your friend or loved one to remember your
gift all year long. Even more important, you may cause the recipient
to become a regular contributor to such a group, effectively multiplying
the value of your gift.
Mother
Earth, of course, will be the main recipient of any conservation-club
memberships you buy as gifts for outdoor enthusiasts on your list.The
easiest gifts for the earth, of course, cost nothing. Choosing not
to clear brush or grass or timber from land is one way to help the
earth without lifting a finger. Cutting your mowing in half next
summer could provide a similar benefit to the environment. Saving
gasoline, of course, saves you money while preventing pollution
from burning the fuel as well as from the petroleum-production process.
Recycling,
of course, has finally become popular. Many people would use a can
crusher if given one. Many would sort their recylable materials
from worthless garbage and trash if given a set of matching containers
for cans, bottles, paper, plastic and other recyclable items.
What
not to buy? A puppy, unless you honestly know the recipient will
want it, love it, care for it and train it.Maybe the best gift a
non-outdoor enthusiast can give an outdoor-loving family member
or friend is a day outdoors. No, I don't mean an all-expense-paid
trip to a luxury hunting club. Give your friend or loved one your
time. Make the effort to go outdoors with that person and try to
learn what a particular outdoor sport involves. Let yourself enjoy
another person's excitement and enthusiasm. You may find you too
can't live without the outdoors.
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