At right: The Signature Hooded Jacket which can be found at Dickies.

Looking for some ideas for gift giving this year? I have a few items I have been holding back on for just this story.

Under $30
Hunting
One of the newest items I have seen is the Gun Grabber (www.gungrab.com). A hunter who had a few close calls in the duck blind with shotguns sliding and falling designed the Gun Grabber. This product is so simple to mount with a few screws and a screwdriver. It will mount in treestands, duck blinds, homes, garages and even in vehicles. The shotgun model will work with most bows, muzzleloaders and shotguns 20-12 gauge. It has a solid grip, holds firearms securely and is quiet and yet durable in just about any situation.

Dickies Outdoor Apparel is really into hunting nowadays. One of my favorite newer items they make is a Signature Microfleece Henley shirt. I simply love the feel and the warmth of this shirt. Missy has one too and she has threatened me to get my own. Luckily I had my own. The 100% poly lining has 8 ounces of microfleece. It is long sleeve and has side vents too. The fit is very comfortable. It comes in Realtree Hardwoods and Hardwoods Green. This shirt is classy yet definitely a hunting shirt as well. It comes in 3XL too.

Fishing
The angler in your family will appreciate a few new items this year.

The Terminator fishing lure company has a Super Stainless Steel Model out that has 47% more vibration than titanium, and 30% less likely to bend. That means you can use the lure longer. Bass Tournament angler in the Wal Mart BFL Trail, Clark Smith, recently caught 14 of 15 keepers to win the Regional Championship in Augusta Georgia. He said the spinnerbait continues to run true without any adjustments after those fourteen fish.

Check out www.terminatorlures.com.
Mann's Hard Nose baits are just what bass anglers have been looking for. The new Hard Nose baits eliminate the need to "peg" your plastics. These baits withstand pulling, or pecking by small fish. They will not slide down a hook when worked through brush, nor will they "ball up" on the hook. They come in a variety of colors and are injected with SPICE and salt. Go to www.mannsbait.com.

Above: A GPS that can be used for hunting, driving, hiking or even fishing.

Under $100
Fishing
The Cardinal 100 series reel- specifically the 106 model is a six ball bearing reel with an aluminum spool, 5.5:1 ratio, instant anti reverse, oversized line roller and a spare spool. Its applications include just about any fishing during the summer months. You can use it for bass angler, catfish, panfish, croaker, spot and whatever else up to about 25 pounds. I think it could be the best all around reel out there. It retails for around $40.

A well-matched rod would be the Series One by Berkley. It is an IM 7-graphite layer up with great sensitivity for jigging or bait fishing. The guides are tough and smooth too. The skeletal reel seat is lightweight yet locks down securely. The rods come in lengths and actions from 5'6" -7' with light to medium heavy actions. I put the SOS 601 with the Cardinal reel to match it up for all applications I can put it to test with. A great setup!

The rod retails for right at $100.

Hunting
For those in your family in need of warm hunting clothes I wholeheartedly point you to Dickies for your needs. They make a new kid's line of clothes just like mom and dad's now too!

The Signature Hooded Jacket comes in a variety of patterns to include Realtree Hardwoods, Hardwoods Green, Advantage Max 4 and Blaze Orange. In the Youth Line it comes in Realtree Hardwoods. The jacket has a nice hood, is made of 100% Cotton and has a Weatherguard finish on it. A four-ounce polyester fill keeps you warm on chilly mornings, during a stalk or for spring gobbler, a hike around to scout or a ride to the store. The cuffs and waistband have rib knitting.

The Signature lined Bib Overall is also 100% cotton, comes in the same patterns, comes in a youth line, has 6 ounces of polyester fill, made of 10 ounces of canvas, has a two way zipper, adjustable straps, reach in chest pockets, a zippered back pocket and one reach in back pocket. The two-way zippers are awesome for getting your boots on and off. It also has utility pockets for storage. I love the zippers, especially the legs and back pocket. No more lost wallet or license! The youth model is pretty much the same. The bibs are really well made and I know they will go right through a bramble patch to roust a rabbit or deer without any problems. Dickies makes great stuff for hard working or hard hunting people.

One final item I just had to include was for those out there with a little more money or generosity for their loved one. Perhaps you are saving your money for a nice item for yourself. This item is a GPS that can be used for hunting, driving, hiking or even fishing. Lowrance is the company I featured for a fish finder last year and again this season with their new mapping software. Well, these guys just never quit. Now they hav e an iFinder Hunt GPS system that is incredible. Now, keep in mind that I am an old fashioned guy who prefers a compass and a map to get to where I am going while hunting. When I was asked about GPS units I knew I had to do a review. I contacted another well-known brand to get some specs on their unit and found the customer service was just terrible. In short they did not have time for my questions. So, I heard about the iHUNT and tried one out. Customer service is GREAT, the unit is SO easy to learn and it actually has so many features that I was blown away. The features are easy to access and use too, not buried in the unit so deep you will never find them. It has a compass, navigation tool, severe weather alert displays and addresses, phone numbers, lat and longs for for nearest restaurants, public hunt lands, and airports, cities, landmarks, waterways etc… You can even see how far away they are. PLUS, the restaurants are grouped by type of food! I was stunned.

The FIND feature allows you to navigate right to them. No more bad turns on trips to the fishing hole, hunting camp or vacation! Put the cursor over a spot and if an address exists it will show it and tell you how far it is to that location. Technology has really made things so easy. Lowrance has harnessed this and made things easy for hunters. You can navigate new ground and see where that saddle is and where that upcoming gully is to peek into or set up stand. Want to know where the swamp is or the creek bottom is? Just look at the GPS and see. Get a map card for your state to go with it. The unit comes with a cigarrette lighter adaptor to use while in the truck. There are simply too many features to list. Look at one in your local sporting goods store. I promise you will be impressed. www.lowrance.com

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a great new year. Remember the true meaning of Christmas and give thanks to our Savior for coming to this earth.