Dec 16, 2017 5 min read

I know the hunters Christmas has just passed and now we face that celebration enjoyed by the rest of the family. But seriously, we must admit that while the big day is the opening of buck season we do like to receive a gift now and then. I am a book person, so I enjoy getting a good book for Christmas. This is even better when the book relates to hunting or fishing. To recommend a gift in that category all I need to do is look at the ones I own and have almost worn out.

While the non-hunting remainder of the family might be in a mental blank as to what book to purchase, one only needs to review what the recipient enjoys in the hunting or fishing activities. Does the hunter attend the gun shows in the area? These shows are very popular and there are days when I think every gun owner is in the building at the Arden Fairgrounds. Any person who collects firearms – and there are quite a few of us – should have a blue book of gun values. While it gives a potential buyer an idea of what a firearm is worth, the values in the blue book are not etched in stone. These books can be found in most local sports stores. They make a good gift that lasts for two or three years and sometimes beyond. Along with values, this book also informs this buyer of the years of manufacture and, in some instances, serial numbers.

If the gift is for a shooter who reloads, why not a new reloading manual? The major information on reloads in print come from Nosler, Speers, Hornady and Sierra. Each is useful but the buyer would be wise in checking which one he owns and buy one of the others. Powders and bullets change over the year and new cartridges are introduced. A new one can be a blessing.

Lucky is the fellow whose wife buys him a new rifle or shotgun. Of course, the same could be said for the lady who receives one, if she hunts and is so inclined. This is a bit of an expensive gift but there are lower-priced guns from Ruger in the All American Series. These guns, like all the others from Ruger, are dependable and in my experience accurate. They offer reliability at a good price.

Another company offering a great lever rifle is Henry. It is manufactured here by Lesleh Precision Incorporated in Westmoreland County. That line is only partially true for they now produce a survival rifle in .22 that is easily taken apart and the whole shebang is stored in the hollow but-stock. It is great for in the motor home or keeping handy in case of emergencies. There also is a single barrel shotgun that is a renewal of an old idea. Lesleh Precision makes most of the parts for the center fire and is a modern plant. It makes a great locally made gift.

A new scope sight makes for a great gift but I must admit a prejudice when scopes are concerned. Today’s hunter-shooter is lucky in having so many scope products to choose from. Nikon is good and offers scopes that are low-priced and some in the high-priced category. Vortex is fairly new on the market so the jury is still out. Remember, there is more to a scope than just clarity. While I do agree clarity is very important, the scope must be reliable and the adjustments move as stated. If the hunter is in the wilds of Montana and the scope fails, then he doesn’t just go around the corner to get it fixed.

There is one scope manufacturer that has a history of dependability and that is Leupold. I have seen very few bad Leipolds, and the ones that were bad usually were abused. Leupold guarantees their scopes. Dropped off a cliff or found in a garbage can, they are still guaranteed. Not only that, they are fixed or replaced in a short time. Some manufacturers guarantee their products but take months to repair them. As I said, I am partial to Leupold and prefer them over the others.

You can buy the outdoorsperson a new shirt or jacket but I bet you will see them smile if you skip such gifts and instead buy him one of the gifts I’ve mentioned.

• Don’t forget, there isn’t much time left to send in an application for the George Block Conservation Scholarship. Time runs out the end of the month, so if you know someone 18 years or younger who did something special in the field of conservation, hunting or fishing, and is from Washington County, get an application. Contact me through this newspaper or call Mike Weber at 724-945-6707.