Christmas is the perfect time to give a gift to your favorite fishing buddies, family, and friends. We can all use some extra ammo, lures, gear, or snacks for the big outing. Whatever gift you plan to give, make” IT” the best!
BAKE IT If you have skills in the kitchen, make some outdoor trek treats. My brother always enjoyed Poppy Seed Rolls. Our grandmother was the best baker and now I use her recipe to share the treat. Cookies, buns, cakes, and… Make you friends favorites. I have never had a friend turn down a sack of fudge, cookies, snacks, or a homemade pie.
GRILL IT Smoked fish and jerky are a great gift. Meat sticks, sausages, bologna, and other snacks from the harvest are the best.
SPICE IT Make up your favorite rub, meat or fish spice, or seafood blend. Most of my spices include Old Bay spices. There are lots of recipes you can find and enjoy.
TIE IT Flies and Jigs make wonderful gifts. The average trout fly can cost $3 or more. Tie and toss a dozen of your favorite ties into a fly box and that becomes an expensive and fun gift.
RELOAD IT Reloading ammo or shotshells can be a great way to give thanks. More firepower makes for better marksmen and keeps everyone on target.
GAME FARM HUNT If you have a local bird hunting game farm nearby, maybe schedule a date. You get to share the gift. These game farms are often open from August to March and offer great fun and training for the dogs and new hunting buddies.
GO ON A HEAD IT No outdoorsman has enough hats. We have lucky hats, going out hats, fishing hats, hunting hats, work hats, etc. As hats get sweaty and worn out, they need replacements.
DIY GEAR IT Gifts that we make are special. Make your buddy a walking stick, rod holders, shooting sticks, or whatever they need that you have skills to make. Brand them with your logo and share your gifts.
CRAFT IT A handmade chair, garden decoration, or custom craft is always appreciated.
PICTURE IT With today’s technology, you can make a photo album, videos, posters, framed pictures, or other fun visuals for your friends. These memories are personal and priceless.
BUILD IT and they will fish! One great gift is a custom-made fishing rod. Rod holders, gunracks, shooting cleaning stations, fly tying benches, and/or… Things are better and more personal when made by you.
BREW IT If you are a distiller or brewer, maybe make some holiday cheer in a bottle. Cider, coffee, teas, and other beverages can also be homemade and shared.
SHARE IT Gift some wild game or fish to friends. Include recipes and advice on how to cook it up.
KIT IT Make a complete dinner for a friend. This may include a frozen steak, potato, bag o salad, dessert, and… One of my friends loves my Biscuits and Gravy. His gift was a tub of gravy, homemade biscuits, and some wild game sausage patties. You can do the same with fish, fowl, or…
WEAR IT If you or someone you know can sew, make some garments for your friends. Maybe a new vest, knit some socks, create a scarf, or… Every sport can always use a new something to wear.
PARTY IT Plan a special event and invite your outdoor friends over. Each needs to bring a snack or… Have a grab bag event or games to win special gifts. Cook up some fish or wild game. There will be no leftovers. Watch some videos and share the memories together.
Merry Christmas IT!
Montana Grant
