Made in North Carolina

Or, if not made, at least born in the Old North State. A variety of companies cater to hunting and fishing enthusiasts. We have included a few in the this gift guide. Given the trying economic time we find ourselves struggling with, why not patronize a N.C.-based company? It's a toned-down holiday season for many Tar Heel outdoors enthusiasts, but think local if you can.

Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit

The Whisker Biscuit now is a Trophy Ridge product (a subsidiary of Evansville, Ind.-based Bear Archery), but it was born in Hillsborough. Carolina Archery Products was founded there in 1998, and the Whisker Biscuit quickly became popular with bow hunters. Bear Archery purchased Carolina Archery Products in May 2006.

The Whisker Biscuit is a "capture" arrow rest, which eliminates arrow shaft movement off the rest and helps with accuracy. The Whisker Biscuit comes in six models, and all but one (the Sure Shot Pro) work on either left- or right-handed bows. The Sure Shot is pictured. The higher-end models have windage and elevation marks, and a bow-fishing model uses fletchless arrows. Prices run $39.99 to $84. For more information, go to www.trophyridge.com.

Got-Cha Lures

Pluggin' for blues and Spanish off piers is a time-honored tradition for saltwater anglers in coastal North Carolina, and their top lure choice has to be the original Got-Cha Lure.

Allen Brinson of Wilmington originally made Got-Cha Lures in 1957. Finding it difficult to market the lure from his retail store, Allen made a deal in the 1970s with Dick Henry of Henry's Tackle Co. in Morehead City to make Henry the sole distributor of Got-Cha Lures.

Before he died, Brinson gave the Got-Cha business to Henry. Got-Cha Lures now are a part of Sea Striker, the manufacturing division of Henry's Tackle Co.

The Got-Cha comes in a variety of color combinations and styles, including plastic or metal bodies with gold, silver, or "bleeding" hooks dressed with a bucktail or plain.

Simply start with one that has a white body and a red head. If the fish are around, you'll catch some.

Retails for about $3.99. Learn more at www.seastriker.com/gotcha.

Custom Lures Unlimited Turbine Pro

Established in 2003, Custom Lures Unlimited is a Raleigh company that offers premium, hand-crafted lures. The company also offers custom painting for lures. Pro staffers include Jeffrey Thomas, Randy Howell and Michael Iaconelli.

The Turbine Pro is a good example of CLU's work. This surface bait with a bluegill look features two stainless steel propellers and hardware. Check the facial detail in the mouth, eyes and gills. The Turbine Pro is a deadly when bass are feeding on top during and after the spawn. Nine colors include Homer, Lemon Splatterback and Berry Crush. Price is about $28. Learn more at www.customluresunlimited.com.

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Lifetime Licenses

This may be the best gift to give someone (including yourself) because it is truly the gift that keeps on giving. The Lifetime License program started in 1981. The fees from the license are put in the Wildlife Endowment Fund, and only the interest -- not the principal -- is used to fund projects that benefit fish and wildlife. Since then, $47.4 million has been spent on game and non-game projects as well as well as on buying equipment for wildlife enforcement officers.

There are many lifetime licenses available, including saltwater and universal (saltwater, freshwater and hunting). A lifetime Sportsman's License (pictured) can be purchased for a child younger than a year old for $200. An adult license costs $500. A Unified Adult Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing runs $675. For more information or to buy a license, go to www.ncwildlife.org.