Gifts For The Outdoors Person
Gary Moore
December 11, 2025
What do you get that hunter, angler, hiker or x-c skier that they will actually use is often a difficult decision, especially if the gift giver does not participate in the sport.
Let me make a few suggestions. First of all, a gift certificate for a hunting or fishing license will definitely be appreciated and needed unless they have a lifetime license.
For something really special, a trip to one of the countless fishing or hunting lodges will be appreciated and long remembered. They range from two days to weeks and may be close by or in distant places. Don't simply pick one from an advertisement. Rely on a reputable travel agent and the experiences of those who have used the outfitter or lodge.
Does the angler fly fish or want to? There are many good fly fishing schools in northern New England that will provide valuable instruction. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont and L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine are two of the biggest and most famous, but there are others close by. Ask at the local tackle shop for information.
Hunting and fishing gear is very specialized and highly personal. If you do not hunt or fish, it is a good idea to ask a hunting or fishing partner of the person for whom you are buying a gift to help you. The partner will know exactly what the hunter or angler wants as desires for gear are what we sports often talk about when with friends with whom we hunt and fish.
A gift certificate at a sporting goods store is a safe bet and your favorite outdoorsman can then purchase what he or she wants.
Delorme Gazatteers for Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine or New York make excellent gifts and help with the planning for future adventures during those long winter nights.
Lightweight binoculars can make being on the water, in the field or on a mountain more enjoyable and many makes and models today are quite inexpensive for their quality.
Don’t forget, a good quality compass and a headlamp should be in everyone’s possession when afield.
For those who hike, a membership to one of the hiking organizations is a good gift. I am a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Green Mountain Club and the Dartmouth Outing Club for the simple reason I hike their trails and want to help pay for the maintenance. Each also has programs and events that I enjoy and often find educational.
A subscription to a magazine that features their favorite sports is always welcome. The Northwoods Sporting Journal covers hunting, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling in this region and beyond. You can order a print edition or a digital edition at, https://www.sportingjournal.com/subscribe/, or you can call 207-732-4880.
Bits and Pieces
A license gift certificate for Vermont hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased on the department website at https: www.vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries/gift-certificates.
The person who receives the certificate must go to the website to redeem their certificate and purchase their licenses.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is asking the public to help document flocks of wild turkeys this winter by participating in the 2025-26 Winter Turkey Flock Survey. The survey runs from December 1 through March 31. Information regarding the status of wintering wild turkeys is important because severe weather and limited natural food supplies can present serious challenges for turkeys. It’s fun and easy to participate by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/wild-turkeys-new-hampshire/turkey-surveys.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let’s Go Fishing Program is currently seeking new volunteer fishing instructors to take part in ice fishing programs around the state. All levels of fishing experience are welcomed. The next training event will be held on Saturday, January 3, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at NH Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord. All materials and lunch will be provided for participants.
To sign up for this training session, simply email Lisa Collins at lisa.collins@wildlife.nh.gov to reserve your spot, and complete and return a Let’s Go Fishing Program application form by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt746/files/documents/lgf-application.pdf.
To request a form by mail or email, contact 603-271-3212 or aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov.
The training will cover teaching techniques and presentation skills, along with ice safety, ethics, fish identification, ecology, fishing regulations, and more. Once instructors have completed the training, there will be an opportunity to take part in programs and join an existing group of volunteer fishing instructors statewide. These programs are offered in partnership with schools, camps, scout groups, and community centers all over the state.
This is a great way to share your love of ice fishing with those who want to learn.
Parting Shots
I know winter doesn’t officially arrive until December 21 but, If you haven’t noticed winter weather has arrived. It is time for me to once again warn people to prepare for safe winter driving.
It scares me that so many people put cement blocks or other heavy items in the trunk of their car to help with traction. If you ever saw what happened after a head-on collision when the blocks tore through the back seat striking persons in the vehicle, you would think twice about doing so.
A much safer way to add weight is to keep the fuel tank above half at all times. A gallon of gas weighs 6.3 pounds. Ten gallons equals 63 pounds, which is as much weight as many put in the trunk.
An added benefit is reducing condensation which can cause your engine to be less efficient. The lower the fuel level, the more condensation can accumulate.
At the end of the winter season, the cost to keep the tank full is the same as to keep it at a quarter. You will burn the same amount.
The second bit of advice is to run four winter tires, not so much for traction as for stopping. Yes, that can be expensive. However, stopping one inch from a guardrail or inanimate object versus hitting it will more than pay for the tires.
Keep a gallon of windshield washer fluid in the trunk. Driving home late at night one of those times the roads are wet and salty causing your windshield to be covered is no time to find out you are out of fluid.
It is a good idea to keep a warm hat and gloves in the vehicle as well as a blanket in case you get stuck and have to await help.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
Let me make a few suggestions. First of all, a gift certificate for a hunting or fishing license will definitely be appreciated and needed unless they have a lifetime license.
For something really special, a trip to one of the countless fishing or hunting lodges will be appreciated and long remembered. They range from two days to weeks and may be close by or in distant places. Don't simply pick one from an advertisement. Rely on a reputable travel agent and the experiences of those who have used the outfitter or lodge.
Does the angler fly fish or want to? There are many good fly fishing schools in northern New England that will provide valuable instruction. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont and L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine are two of the biggest and most famous, but there are others close by. Ask at the local tackle shop for information.
Hunting and fishing gear is very specialized and highly personal. If you do not hunt or fish, it is a good idea to ask a hunting or fishing partner of the person for whom you are buying a gift to help you. The partner will know exactly what the hunter or angler wants as desires for gear are what we sports often talk about when with friends with whom we hunt and fish.
A gift certificate at a sporting goods store is a safe bet and your favorite outdoorsman can then purchase what he or she wants.
Delorme Gazatteers for Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine or New York make excellent gifts and help with the planning for future adventures during those long winter nights.
Lightweight binoculars can make being on the water, in the field or on a mountain more enjoyable and many makes and models today are quite inexpensive for their quality.
Don’t forget, a good quality compass and a headlamp should be in everyone’s possession when afield.
For those who hike, a membership to one of the hiking organizations is a good gift. I am a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Green Mountain Club and the Dartmouth Outing Club for the simple reason I hike their trails and want to help pay for the maintenance. Each also has programs and events that I enjoy and often find educational.
A subscription to a magazine that features their favorite sports is always welcome. The Northwoods Sporting Journal covers hunting, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling in this region and beyond. You can order a print edition or a digital edition at, https://www.sportingjournal.com/subscribe/, or you can call 207-732-4880.
Bits and Pieces
A license gift certificate for Vermont hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased on the department website at https: www.vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries/gift-certificates.
The person who receives the certificate must go to the website to redeem their certificate and purchase their licenses.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is asking the public to help document flocks of wild turkeys this winter by participating in the 2025-26 Winter Turkey Flock Survey. The survey runs from December 1 through March 31. Information regarding the status of wintering wild turkeys is important because severe weather and limited natural food supplies can present serious challenges for turkeys. It’s fun and easy to participate by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/wild-turkeys-new-hampshire/turkey-surveys.
***
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let’s Go Fishing Program is currently seeking new volunteer fishing instructors to take part in ice fishing programs around the state. All levels of fishing experience are welcomed. The next training event will be held on Saturday, January 3, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at NH Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord. All materials and lunch will be provided for participants.
To sign up for this training session, simply email Lisa Collins at lisa.collins@wildlife.nh.gov to reserve your spot, and complete and return a Let’s Go Fishing Program application form by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt746/files/documents/lgf-application.pdf.
To request a form by mail or email, contact 603-271-3212 or aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov.
The training will cover teaching techniques and presentation skills, along with ice safety, ethics, fish identification, ecology, fishing regulations, and more. Once instructors have completed the training, there will be an opportunity to take part in programs and join an existing group of volunteer fishing instructors statewide. These programs are offered in partnership with schools, camps, scout groups, and community centers all over the state.
This is a great way to share your love of ice fishing with those who want to learn.
Parting Shots
I know winter doesn’t officially arrive until December 21 but, If you haven’t noticed winter weather has arrived. It is time for me to once again warn people to prepare for safe winter driving.
It scares me that so many people put cement blocks or other heavy items in the trunk of their car to help with traction. If you ever saw what happened after a head-on collision when the blocks tore through the back seat striking persons in the vehicle, you would think twice about doing so.
A much safer way to add weight is to keep the fuel tank above half at all times. A gallon of gas weighs 6.3 pounds. Ten gallons equals 63 pounds, which is as much weight as many put in the trunk.
An added benefit is reducing condensation which can cause your engine to be less efficient. The lower the fuel level, the more condensation can accumulate.
At the end of the winter season, the cost to keep the tank full is the same as to keep it at a quarter. You will burn the same amount.
The second bit of advice is to run four winter tires, not so much for traction as for stopping. Yes, that can be expensive. However, stopping one inch from a guardrail or inanimate object versus hitting it will more than pay for the tires.
Keep a gallon of windshield washer fluid in the trunk. Driving home late at night one of those times the roads are wet and salty causing your windshield to be covered is no time to find out you are out of fluid.
It is a good idea to keep a warm hat and gloves in the vehicle as well as a blanket in case you get stuck and have to await help.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
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