Giving and receiving the best Christmas gifts

By By Otha Barham / outdoors editor
Dec. 19, 2003
Many readers of this page are friends or loved ones of the outdoor types among us. History tells us that a high percentage of us have waited until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts for those acquaintances. Here are some ideas and a few words about priceless gifts that can be had for free.
Dr. Bobby Dale of Tupelo, has written a book about turkey hunting that has just hit the shelves. "Double Gobble" is a book of turkey hunting stories. This is no "how to" book, though any account of an episode with a spring turkey gobbler educates us just a little more on hunting this king of game birds.
Dr. Dale's book contains accounts of duels with gobblers across Mississippi, some as close as Clarke County. It is well written and thoroughly enjoyable. The hardback book of 108 pages is a bargain at $21.95 for turkey hunters and those who plan to take up the sport. It should also be read by those who seek to understand turkey hunters and their often strange behavior.
Ideal gifts
Books make outstanding gifts. They are easily wrapped and mailed. They last a lifetime and can be enjoyed over and over again. They can be passed on to others who might enjoy them.
So I am going to recommend another book for hunters. Brandon, Mississippi's Paul Brown, nationally known photographer, has produced "The Hunter's Journal." This 96 page diary for the outdoor experiences is an ideal way to pass along a hunting heritage and preserve family memories.
This would be an excellent gift for any hunter, including the beginner who could fill it with a lifetime of experiences. The field notes in this leather bound journal could be enjoyed for generations to come. It contains 90 delicate line art images, lined pages for writing and field notes by author Paul Brown.
The free ones
Christmas of course is our celebration of the Maker's ultimate gift to the world. Long before the gift of His Son, He showered us with gifts that all of us who will accept them can enjoy time and time again. Lovers of the outdoors (often called the "great outdoors" to express our affection) open these treasured gifts often.
It is hard to think of a single human being who would not marvel at a sunrise bringing light to a still morning in the woods following a rainy night. Whose senses would not harken to a splash in the beaver pond at dusk as a full moon rises in the east? Whose heart would not dance to the music of a hundred birds calling to the morning light in a forest decorated by dogwood and honeysuckle blossoms?
These gifts and thousands more are there for the taking. Friend Daniel Young and I have made a couple of deer hunts together recently. Daniel will soon be taking his first deer. But so far we have seen a giant bobcat, nine turkeys, four rabbits (all in a group) and, oh yes, two deer. In the future we hope to see a coyote, a fox, a skunk, an armadillo, a raccoon, a possum, a squirrel and many birds including geese, hawks and ducks overhead.
The list of possible sightings is endless. Don't try to tell us there aren't plenty of gifts out there for us to enjoy over and over again.
After opening your Christmas gifts, if you like the feeling and want to add some more, find a way to get into the outdoors. If you can manage it, go far afield where the woods are undisturbed. Feel the cool air on your face. Watch and listen quietly. And count your outdoor blessings.