Last minute gift ideas for outdoor-minded people

OK, we are right down to the nitty-gritty of last-minute Christmas gift purchases, with only today and tomorrow available. Here are some suggestions.

Firearm

Scenario: The parents of a 14-year-old decide to give her a 20-guage shotgun at the last minute. The make and model desired is not available locally. It is too late to order one before Christmas.

Solution: Order the shotgun through your favorite sporting goods store. Next, print a photo of the shotgun and place it in an envelope. Wrap a box, as a Christmas present, with the envelope inside.

Now, here is a chance for some Christmas fun: The parents have the ability to be creative at this point. Begin with the size of the box. Make it long and narrow, the approximate size of a shotgun. Place a few pebbles in whatever-size box is picked, along with the envelope. This will certainly be a source of curiously for the young person.

Knife

A knife is always a great gift idea, no matter the occasion. However, having it etched is impossible before Christmas, no time. A note in the package could indicate the etching will take place early next year, along with a tour of the Buck Knife factory.

The factory is in Post Falls, Idaho, so a tour is well within reach. The tours are held Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 800-326-2825, Ext: 172.

Remember, a knife is a gift which will last a lifetime and is capable of be handed down from generation to generation.

More Christmas fun: Here is a chance to have some more fun. Wrap a box, inside a box, inside a box and go on as long as desired. Guess this depends upon as much time and energy a person has to conduct all the wrapping.

Rangefinder

This tool has become a must-have item for all hunters and is easily purchased at a local sporting goods store. A rangefinder will take the guesswork out of distances for hunters.

Most hunters estimate the distance to a target as longer than is real. When a friend was asked how far is it to the base of a cliff, the answer was 600 yards. A rangefinder verified to distance was actually 300 yards.

Even though this seems an excessive distance to be off, it is a true story. The difference between hitting a target at the two ranges requires completely altered aiming points. The longer shot should not be attempted, depending upon the hunter.

These days, a hunter without a rangefinder is at a disadvantage.

Tomorrow: Last minute gift ideas continued.