The Christmas holidays are upon us again. It’s the greatest time of the year, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gift giving is a grand tradition and there is no better time to present to the outdoorsmen in your family a gift that will be both appreciated and useful in their outdoor adventures in the upcoming year.

Every outdoorsman needs a good knife, and can never have too many. Big knives, little knives, and anything in between will be appreciated. Hunting and fishing are two favorite activities of Ozarks residents, so you can’t go wrong with a good knife. Choices are endless, but go with what suits your outdoorsman’s needs. Top brand names include Buck, Gerber, Outdoor Edge, Camilius, Cold Steel, Old Timer, SOG and Benchmade. You’ll find them in all styles, lengths and shapes, but filet knives and knives suitable for gutting and skinning a deer should be high on your list. And for a little local flavor you can’t go wrong with a durable and attractive knife from the Ken Richardson line. You’ll have a treasure and help keep Ozark lore alive as well. https://kenrichardsonknives.com/ 

Every outdoorsmen needs good boots to support his feet and ankles as well as to keep them warm and dry. Names like Danner, Dryshod, Merrell, Muddy, Kennetrek, Irish Setter, Rocky, Thoroughgood, and Lacrosse are familiar to outdoorsmen. Leather is still king. It is soft, durable and weather resistant  when properly treated.  Knee high rubber boots are an essential as well, and valuable around the farm and in the woods. You need go no further than Hayes Shoe store in Cuba to find one of the best lines of boots and footwear in the Ozarks. And they carry cowboy boots, too. https://www.facebook.com/p/Hayes-Shoe-Store-100028705997748/

Coats, jackets, and hoodies are much needed pieces of outdoor gear as well. Everyone needs them and a wide variety of goods serves outdoorsmen throughout the year. Wear worthy names include ActionHeat, Ariat, Carhartt, Columbia, Dickies, and Wrangler. Head to your local farm supply stores and  discover the durable brands they carry. The Ozarks are full of them. Too, you’ll hear some of the best hunting and fishing stories while there. https://www.bomgaars.com/storelocator/153-sullivan-bomgaars and www.dickeybub.net 

Hunting is a way of life in the Ozarks and most households will have several. And whether you have an upcoming hunter in your home, or one who has been at it for decades, there is not a gift more memorable than a Christmas shotgun or rifle. The 12-gauge shotgun has been the king of guns for decades, but today’s outdoorsmen are drifting towards smaller gauges for the challenge. Other gauges, such as the 20, 28 and .410 have made a strong comeback, even for turkey hunting. Quality brands include Berretta, Remington, Winchester, Ruger, Mossberg and Stoeger. If you buy a shotgun for turkey hunting, include an extra full choke. Too, pickup some TSS shot. It’s the latest and greatest for turkey hunting. But, expect to pay upwards of $8 per shell. It’s worth it.

Deer hunting is the most popular of the hunting seasons and most households in the Ozarks will enjoy venison meals this winter. Deer rifles are a family keepsake, so buy the best you can afford. Look to Remington, Winchester, Marlin, Mossberg, Ruger, and Savage for affordable deer rifles.  If you have a lot more to spend, check out the line of Brownings, Christensen Arms, Sake, Tika, or Weatherbys. The most popular deer hunting calibers include the .30-06, .30-30, .270 and .243. Recent trends include the .350 Legend and the 6.5 Creedmor. Area towns all have gun shops. Local owners are very gun savvy and can offer good advice to fit your needs. Shop around, but don’t miss Dake Gunsmithing and Rainwater Arms in Cuba, Iron Hill Armory in St. James and the Pawn Center in Rolla.  

Today's outdoorsmen are mobile. The North America ATV and UTV Market size is estimated at USD 10.96 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 15.83 billion by 2030. Everyone seems to have one. If you are an outdoorsman, there are plenty of reputable dealers in the area. Cowtown USA, Inc. carries one of the largest inventories of UTVs and ATVs in the region. Can-am is one of the most popular brands in the utility vehicle world. Basic units are available, but if you want a super tricked out machine, this is your place. The list of bells and whistles that you can add to today's UTVs is unbelievable.  From air conditioning to heated steering wheels, you can make your outdoorsman as comfortable and sporty as they come.  https://www.cowtownusainc.com/Inventory/All-Inventory-In-Stock/Utility-Vehicles

Outdoorsmen are dreamers,  and hunters and fishermen all dream of having their own property where hey can hunt and fish at their own leisure. Owning property is the American dream. Whether it’s 10 acres, or a thousand, nothing matches the feeling of owning, managing and enjoying your own property for outdoor fun. “It’s not just land, it’s a lifestyle,” is the motto of Living the Dream Outdoor Properties. They specialize in quality outdoor properties that are dreams come true. https://livingthedreamland.com/

On a personal note…gift your outdoorsman outdoor media sources. Two I work for include: Living the Dream Outdoors Podcast. It’s free on most social media platforms. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-the-dream-outdoors/id1547204718. Another item is a phone app, DeerCast, with the latest and greatest deer hunting info. https://app.deercast.com/app/feed.

Christmas is here. If you are reading this, you are running late on gift buying, so visit the mentioned local sources. You’ll support your own communities and still get your gift under the tree. Merry Christmas!