Got a hard to buy for hunter in the family? Think he has got all the gear a guy could possibly need to go out in hunting? Here are a few ideas for things he probably doesn’t have, or could use another of. I am an experienced hunter with a fair amount of gear myself, but I would be very pleased to receive any of these items as a gift:

Binocular/Digital Camera Combinations  -- Barska and Famous Trails both make binocular/camera combination units that take photographs  at at least 640x480 and can be purchased for under $100. Galileo’s  trio of 8x22 digital camera binoculars comes in 3 separate resolutions, the .3 megapixel model GR-BC-1 sells for about $70, the 1.3 megapixel model GR-BC-2 sells for about $100 and the 2.0 megapixel model GR-BC-3 sells for about $130. Typically all these models will come with a carrying case and neck strap included, and will occasionally you will get a cleaning kit thrown in.

Scouting Cameras – Even if your hunter already has one of these, or two or three, you can rest assured that he will be able to think of another place to put one. Check out the Moultrie Game Spy series for quality products. Also the Wildview brand receives favorable reviews in many online forums and industry leader Stealth Cam offers some very nice, feature packed cameras for more than fair prices. Check out the Stealth Cam 5.0 MP Model STC-I540IR. With 40 foot no flash illumination feature and an up to nine picture burst per activation, it is a bargain compared to many if its competitors.

Cold Weather Wear – Nothing will make your hunter think warmly of you any more than if he is warm himself. Check out the Under Armour Coldgear lineup for stylish, warm and quiet skin level apparel that will be his last line of defense when the mercury starts to drop and his buddies are all shivering. Another factor to consider, especially if you live in a colder climate, is wool or wool blend socks. Some people swear by fleece or other materials in their stockings, but, take it from a guy with a lot of experience in very, very cold weather, wool is the only way to go. If you are going to go with a wool blend, avoid cotton blends. Cotton kills in extreme conditions. Even if he just gets a bad tingling in his feet, he’ll never wear your cheap socks again. Check out LL Bean’s Merino Ragg Wool Series or the L.L. Bean Boot Socks, made of merino lambswool and lycra. Both of these will keep the piggies warm on the coldest of days. Remember, no cotton!

The Gift of Taxidermy – Give your guy a taxidermist’s gift certificate. Chances are, there is one in your area, and it will galvanize him to go out and find success next season! A small aside to the gift buyer, however; if he’s not a great hunter, you might want to make sure you get the certificate with the open expiration date. It might be a couple of years…….J

Feed His Brain – Check out the outdoors section at your local book store, or get him a subscription to Field and Stream or Fur, Fish and Game. If he avidly pursues just one type of game, look for a more specific publication. Maybe North American Whitetail, Ruffed Grouse Society, or for the archery enthusiast, Bowhunter or some other publication.

Game Preparation – If your hunter truly has it all, and he has what it takes to consistently bring home game, you probably could help him make the butchering process easier. Consider getting him a new set of butcher knives, a nice meat grinder, a gambrel and hoist to hang his game, or…..be sneaky and buy a new deep freezer,then tell him he brings home so much meat you don’t have anyplace to keep it, and then use it for yourself until next year!

Good luck on your shopping adventure, and I hope this article has helped generate some ideas for you.