Christmas came early for “Bubba,” Don McCormick’s large Munsterlander. Photo courtesy Don McCormick.
In the spirit of Twelve Days of Christmas, here are my top gift ideas for that tough-to-buy-for bird hunter in your family.
#12 Filson’s Alaskan Guide Shirt. Classic plaid in a variety of colors. It’s pricey, but it’s the best . . . and you might as well have the best.
Stormy Kromers are a favorite for this family of upland hunters.
#11 Stormy Kromer. Warm and fashionable without being trendy. Also proud to be made in my native U.P. of Michigan.
#10 L.L. Bean Classic Upland Shirt. This is my all-time favorite bird hunting shirt. The only thing missing is the Pheasants Forever logo.
The L.L. Bean Classic Upland shirt is a personal favorite of mine, high comfort and high visibility.
#9 Pheasants Forever Belt Buckle. I’m not tall enough to properly pull off a cowboy hat or cowboy boots, despite really trying (#EpicFail). However, this buckle makes me feel like a cowboy anyway.
#8 Covey Rise Subscription. My friend Kim Price started this publication prior to his untimely passing in 2012. The new owners have taken Covey Rise to new heights in quality photography and top-rate hunting stories. Kim would be honored.
#7 Tickets to National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2014. Our signature event takes place in Milwaukee over Valentine’s weekend this coming February. It’s a three-day orgy for the bird hunter, amateur dog trainer and aspiring wild game chef.
#6 Arno Bernard Knife. I honestly don’t know much about Arno Bernard as a company. I simply stumbled upon their booth at SHOT Show last winter and was enamored by the craftsmanship and beauty of these blades. More than anything, I love the idea of owning a knife with a handle made from a mammoth’s molar!
#5 Beretta Wind Barrier Sweater. I have never owned a better piece of clothing in my life. It’s as simple as that and #WinterIsComing.
#4 Danner Light Mill Street Boots with Woolrich. These will cost you a pretty penny, but they caught my eye. Fortunately for my family’s credit cards, they’ve already sold out of my boot size.
#3 The Wild Feathers debut album. Every good hunting trip needs a road anthem. This has been my soundtrack for the 2013 season. Rock on!
#2 Rescue a bird dog best friend. If you follow Pheasants Forever’s Facebook page regularly, then you already know our group is filled with heart-warming stories of rescued pups that become fabulous family bird dogs. In this season of giving, consider giving a bird dog in need of a good home a place next to your lounge chair.
#1 Give the Gift of Membership. Pheasants Forever was created and exists today for the purpose of creating wildlife habitat for wildlife, bird dogs and hunters. Out of every single dollar we have generated over our 32-year history, 92 cents has reached the ground to impact our mission. The problem is only 10 percent of America’s bird hunters are part of our organization. Your dad, mom, son or daughter has likely “thought about joining” before. Help him/her take that first step. Thank You & Merry Christmas!
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s Vice President of Marketing. Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre and listen to Bob and Billy Hildebrand every Saturday morning on FAN Outdoors radio on KFAN FM100.3.