Now that December has arrived, we’ve reached crunch time for making sure we have Christmas gifts for all the important people in our lives. I hear the stress in voices of friends and family as they try to figure out what to give that person. It shouldn’t be so hard, especially if your hard-to-buy-for guy or gal loves the outdoors.
I’ve been told recently I am in the hard to buy for category these days. To this, I just shake and laugh. I feel like I should be the easiest to please, because I don’t want or need anymore stuff. Anything I’m missing in my large accumulation of outdoor gear is pretty specific, and I’ll take care of it. What I want for Christmas this year, and likely every year after this one, is more time spent doing what I love with people I love.
If you have a hard-to-buy-for person in your life who loves fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, paddling or some other form of outdoor enjoyment, and you want to put a huge smile on their face, then give them the gift of time together in a special place doing what makes them happy. Plan the whole thing, pay for it and hand them an itinerary. I guarantee they will appreciate it much more than a bathrobe or a pair of slippers.
I understand you may not know how to set up the perfect fishing trip or you have no idea how to book a hunt. It’s actually really simple. There are professionals out there offering guided trips for all kinds of outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas for you to consider I know will please your special person.
Fly fishing for trout in the Driftless region of Wisconsin
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in trout fishing is the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. The Driftless has more than 13,000 miles of trout water flowing through scenic coulees and wooded valleys. There are brown and rainbow trout, but the native brook trout is a special draw.
“Angler-friendly access laws and easement agreements with landowners help ensure great public access to these amazing spring-fed, cold-water creeks, some of which don an astounding 2,500 fish per mile,” said Jeremiah Burish, Director of Sports at Explore La Crosse.
Contact the guys at The Driftless Angler fly shop in Viroqua to learn everything you need to know about the local fishing. La Crosse has all the lodging and dining options you could need.
Hunt Merriam’s turkeys in the Sand Hills of Nebraska
The beautiful white tips of a Merriam turkey’s tail fan are a coveted prize amongst hunters. Those looking to take one of these birds should look no further than the Sand Hills of Nebraska, where Merriam numbers are strong. Valentine offers small town charm and the adjoining countryside has endless miles to roam. You can also drive north for just a short ways across the South Dakota border to visit Mount Rushmore.
Turkey season runs through May 31 in the Sand Hills and tags are available over the counter. For all the information you need to plan a Sand Hills Merriam Turkey hunt, visit the Nebraska and Parks website. They can turn you on to public land or available outfitters.
Steelhead fishing on the Pere Marquette in Michigan
The Pere Marquette, commonly referred to as the PM, is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Great Lakes Region. The PM is the longest free-flowing river in Michigan. The main branch runs uninterrupted for roughly 70-miles through the west-central portion of the state before dumping into Lake Michigan at Ludington. Kevin Morlock, owner of Indigo Guide Service, said “Steelhead fishing is generally predictable from late October through mid-May.”
Plan a trip to the quaint town of Ludington. There are plenty of hotel, cabin and bed-and-breakfast options. Morlock is one of many guides in the area. Book a day or two of fishing. The guide will take care of everything. Then explore the shops downtown and enjoy a few nice meals at local restaurants. After dinner, take a nice walk on the beach along Lake Michigan.
Float the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Southern Missouri
A float trip is one of the most fun and simple ways to spend time outdoors during the peak of summer and I’ve never found a better place to float than the Current River and Jacks Fork River in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence. There are numerous outfitters in the area to rent canoes, kayaks or rafts from. If you camp, this is a great area to pull your camper or pitch a tent.
You’ll want to check out Akers, Round Spring, Eminence and Van Buren. If you’d like to stay in one of the most beautiful state park lodges in the Midwest, book a room or cabin at Echo Bluff State Park. For an incredible fishing and sighting seeing tour, spend a day on the river with Billy Smith of Scenic Rivers Guide Service.
See you down the trail. …
III
Brandon Butler is an outdoors columnist for the News Tribune. Contact him at [email protected].