It was Christmas day 1990. Or ’91. Más o menos. I was in my PJ’s and I was rocking some mean bedhead. I probably hadn’t slept much that night in anticipation of the delights under the Christmas tree waiting for me. The smell of Douglas fir and tamales was in the air. As was tradition, Christmas with the Chipmunks was playing over the massive speakers of the home entertainment center.
My fingers scratched and clawed away Christmas wrapping paper from toys and the occasional new bundle of socks and clothes. My father and mother came from simple means but they went out of their way to give me and my brothers and sister the best they could with what they had. Something better than they had, growing up dirt poor. I look back at these Christmas days as an adult and I really appreciate them. All my dads hard work and my moms planning to make these days special. It wasn’t just the stuff. It was the experience. It was their love that I always look back to.
There were a few presents over the years that just kept on giving, however. By the early 1990’s I was already a few years in to tagging along with my dad out deer hunting. There were already talks about me getting a gun soon. But I never saw it coming. It was so far from mind and unreal.
The final present in my hands that morning was a Crosman American Classic target pistol. Not many gifts are looked back on as much as this special gift. I remember unwrapping and unboxing it. I remember as soon as it was in my hands I knew it was mine and immediately all the stuff my dad taught me about gun safety came to mind. There was a click. An immediate sense of responsibility came over me. In my head, I was going to take loads of small game with this ol’ peashooter and I was going to protect my home with this little pneumatic pump air gun if I had to (head shots only!). Never mind that it could barely punch a hole through a soda can, of which I shot up hundreds of anyway!
That little gun taught me so much about marksmanship and hunting. No lizard or sparrow was safe in my backyard for years. I had many adventures with that gun. There were other cool guns that I received over the years as presents. A Marlin .22 rifle. A Steven’s single shot shotgun. There was even a replica Mosin Nagant sniper rifle. But the most memorable was that old air gun. It was truly the first gun I carried in the field. My dad bought me the optional shoulder stock for my Crosman and he used to let me carry it when out deer hunting with him so I could used to carrying a real gun. I became a young man with that gun. It solidified that I wanted to hunt for the rest of my life. Certain gifts have the power to create beautiful memories and passions. It was probably the best gift I ever received.
Well. Here’s your Gift Guide for that special upland hunter in your life! Amid the woes of Covid-19 this year, I was really conscious to highlight products from as many small businesses as possible. With closures and other hardships, small businesses have been greatly impacted by Covid-19 and they could really use your support and I encourage you to give them a look before considering the big retail options! Without further delay, here’s your gift guide for 2020!
1). Bota’s Jerky (Starting at $8)
Bota’s Jerky is a small local business that makes jerky with some HUGE flavor! These make great stocking stuffers that any self respecting upland hunter would be happy to take to the field! These are great snacks for when you’re out hunting… but BEWARE! Chances are you will finish the bag before you get to the field! Better buy two bags! They have 1/4lb. and 1/2lb. bags available! Two delicious flavors are available (Teriyaki and SPICY Teriyaki… and I mean SPICY!). Rumor has it they are working on a Jalapeño flavor! Get it here!
2). Smile Outside Children’s Books – Conservations Series 1 ($34.99)
These books are great gifts for kids age 5 and under! Written and illustrated to keep kids engaged and to teach them a little about North American Wildlife and Conservation! These are great educational tools for families that have young budding hunters in the household and buy purchasing these books, a portion goes to conservation! Get it here!
3). Ranger – Caliber Gloves ($27.95)
These Ranger Caliber gloves are designed with the most technologically advanced materials and features, allowing maximum dexterity and comfort when hitting the clays or chasing after wild birds! Perfect gloves for competition or the field! Get it here!
4). McKenna Quinn Women’s Sweater ($240)
McKenna Quinn has combined both function and style with their Shooting Sweater! Perfect for use in the field or out in town! It features integrated shoulder patches and an inside pocket for the addition of a recoil for added protection! 100% Made in Texas! Multiple colors are available! Guys! Treat yo’ lady and pick up one of these sweaters! Get it here!
5). Hunting Dog Confidential Subscription (Starting at $54.99)
The guys and gals over at Northwoods Collective (the same team who brought you Project Upland) have knocked it out of the park with a new Bi-Annual periodical dedicated to the hunting dog and the people who train them and love them. Filled with brilliant photography and articles from the best modern day writers, these magazines are destined to become a classic on any coffee table! Get it here!
6). Braeval – Artemis Shooting Shirt ($215)
Braeval is ahead of the curve when it comes to their proprietary fabric and attention to detail features in their Artemis Shooting Shirts! The merino wool/cotton blend makes this one of the most comfortable hunting/shooting shirts, yet is durable enough for the toughest terrain! A ton of features like reinforced stitching, vented back, accessory loop, and hidden pocket will make you wonder why you ever wore a different shirt! Multiple colors available! Get it here!
7). Chief Upland – Over/Under Vest ($149)
The days of your granddaddy’s old upland vest are over. Enter Chief Upland who brings a modern solution to the upland hunting vest that allows nearly limitless customization for your specific needs out in the field! Numerous MOLLE attachment points allow you to add accessories and additional cargo space for ammo, water, and electronics, etc. Get it here!
8). UPLND Outfitters – Relentless Pants ($190)
Designed by hunter who was fed up with inadequate pants and their inferior design and materials, these pants are durable enough to go through the nastiest terrain you can throw at them! They are truly RELENTLESS! But don’t let that fool you into thinking these pants are not comfortable, because they are also designed to give all hunters a breathable free range of motion and protection! As of today, these pants are a pre-order item but my readers can take advantage of a 15% discount by using promo code – launch15 Get it here!
9). Ruffed Grouse Society membership (Starting at $35)
One of the best gifts that you can give any upland hunter is a membership to one of the few conservation organizations that are out there ensuring that our passion and traditions and the birds will be there for others to enjoy! Give the gift of conservation and at the same time support one of the hardest working orgs out there, dedicated to the Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock! Get it here!
10). Daisy – Buck Model 105 Youth Air Rifle ($29.99)
You can’t go wrong with a classic! This gun has probably been the first gun that many hunters started off with! Give the gift that your kids will never forget! And maybe reenact a few scenes from A Christmas Story. This model is scaled for kids and allows for improved marksmanship development. Get it here!
11). Orvis – Premium Fly-Tying Kit ($148)
All upland hunters need a productive hobby when the shotguns get stowed away until the next season! Spend your “off-season” tying flies with this fully loaded Premium Fly-Tying Kit from Orvis. This kit includes pretty much everything you need to start tying flies! You’ll just need to pick up a rod and reel if you plan to use them! Get it here!
12). Postfly – monthly subscription (Starting at $24)
I started fly-fishing this year but was pretty lost about what flies I should pick up and use. Postfly is a great subscription box that delivers new flies to you on a monthly basis. The flies are hand selected based upon your region and target species and takes the guesswork out of what flies you should use. This is a great gift for the novice fly angler that needs help building an inventory for their fly box! Subscriptions also include tips, gear, leaders and don’t forget the stickers! Get it here!
13). CZ Sharp Tail shotgun (Starting at $1,072 MSRP)
CZ’s Sharp-Tail is on my shortlist of coveted modern side-by-side shotguns. It looks good and is a reliable enough to take the role of your everyday and anywhere shotgun. Available in 12ga, 16ga, 20ga, 28ga, and 410, the CZ Sharp-Tail also comes with five chokes. Get it here!
14). Browning – Citori White Lightning (Starting at $2,669.99 MSRP)
Browning continues to solidify the legacy of their Citori line with their White Lightning, new for 2020! Featuring a “white” receiver and intricate engraving, the Citori White Lightning also comes with the dependability that previous iterations came with! Get it here!
15). Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company – Superbird Competition Shotgun (Base Price $4,995)
Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company has outdone themselves yet again with their new target model shotgun! Though a true a work of art, this gun is purpose built for competition but I wouldn’t mind taking it out into the field for some quail or dove! Currently only available in 12ga with 26″ to 32″ barrel options and comes with five choke tubes! This is truly a shotgun that can be passed down as an heirloom! Get it here!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! But most of all, I wish you great and memorable experiences this holiday season with your loved ones. May you be inspired to start new traditions and carry on with your old ones with all your family and friends this season.
God Bless & Happy Hunting!
– J.R.
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