While it can be difficult to find a gift for someone who seems to have everything, it's much different when it comes to those who to love to hunt and fish. With so much gear and equipment to choose from, there's something at any sporting goods, department store or online shop that will fit under the Christmas tree. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
BB gun for starters
At the top of the list for pint-sized cowgirls and cowboys is the Daisy Red Ryder Carbine. This cute little lever gun is a hoot to shoot and holds 650 BBs. Price is $39.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods, which is located at Brier Creek Commons, Triangle Creek Commons and other locations at Apex, Durham, Cary, Garner and Knightdale. (www.dickssportinggoods.com).
Theme accessories
Miansai by Michael Saiger offers a full line of nautical and fishing theme accessories, including bracelets, key chains, necklaces, tie bars cufflinks and rings. These handcrafted items for men or women are made from fish hooks, boat lines, leather and enamel. Price ranges from $60 to $140 (www.miansai.com).
Gun care case
Any shooter will appreciate a Winchester Gun 62-piece Universal Gun Care Case, with cleaning accessories for .17-.30 caliber rifles, .22-.45/10mm pistols, .410-bore and 28-, 20-, 12- and 10-gauge shotguns and .50-.54-caliber muzzleloading rifles. Everything comes inside a durable aluminum carrying case. Cost is $34.97 at Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com).
Propane lantern
Coleman's Quick Pack Lantern is fueled by propane. It solves the problem of simple, quick, dependable storage by using a hinged plastic case that fits like a sleeve around the glass to prevent breakage. It provides bright, consistent performance, even at high elevations, in cold weather conditions or when the fuel supply is getting low. It costs $29.99 at Dick's.
Cap light
The Cyclops Tilt 5-Bulb Cap Light is the latest rendition of the light-that-clips-onto-a-cap-bill illumination theme. It comes with two light modules (green and clear) and the unit rotates up or down so you don't have to tilt your head to shine the light where you need it. Great for rigging decoys or walking through the woods to a deer stand. It's available for $19.99 at Dick's (www.cyclopssolutions.com).
Ammunition for waterfowl
Winchester Blind Side ammunition uses diamond-shaped shot to achieve a greater number of projectiles in a non-toxic shell than a typical steel shotshell used for waterfowl hunting. The shape of the projectiles also makes them more lethal than spherical pellets. Three-inch, 12-gauge Blind Side ammo is $23.95 at Dick's Sporting Goods. Another good choice for less expensive waterfowl ammo is Winchester Super X High Velocity Steel. In 3-inch, 12-gauge size it is priced at $11.97 at Wal-Mart.
Tackle for all
Shakespeare offers a complete line of fishing tackle, including fishing kits with a rod, reel and tackle for children. Girls will enjoy a Barbie or Disney Princess rod kit and boys' spider senses will like the Spider Man rod kit. Price is $14.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
14-foot canoe with features
The Old Town Sportsman Canoe drops from the plastic mould impregnated with hunter green pigment. This 14-foot wonder is one of the most popular canoes among hunters and fishermen because it also features a covered seat compartment that can be used as cooler, integral bottle holders, rod holders and a dry storage compartment with a screw-in cover. It's available at Dick's and if you catch it on sale, costs $399. Regular price is $499 (www.oldtowncanoe.com).
Folding stove
Coghlan's Folding Stove uses canned fuel (solidified alcohol) to heat up tea, coffee and meals in the field. It weighs mere ounces and packs into a flat, compact square for easy carrying or dropping behind a car seat or into a toolbox. Cost is $9.99 at Dick's (www.coghlans.com).
Comfy gloves
Mossy Oak Gloves come in youth and adult sizes. Nothing ruins a day outdoors faster than cold-numbed fingers. Thickly insulated, yet very flexible for comfort in all climate conditions, these gloves are available for $8.97 from Wal-Mart.
'Surf and Saltwater'
Long-time angler, first-time book author Jeffrey Weeks has written a new book, "Surf and Saltwater Fishing in the Carolinas," that's a perfect stocking-stuffer for the coastal inshore fisherman on your list. Weeks lived in Brunswick County for decades and now resides in Denver, N.C., but still bases his coastal fishing trips out of Ocean Isle Beach. He has written extensively about outdoor-related issues and fishing for newspapers for many years and shares his knowledge of southern North Carolina coastal fishing. Cost is $10.08 (www.surfandsalt.com).
