Looking for the perfect gift for the mighty hunter or fisherman in the family can be tedious. Would a new hunting rifle be better than a new rod and reel set? Is a GPS the obvious choice for out-of-town hunting expeditions?
The choices are limitless for outdoor enthusiasts, which can complicate holiday shopping. When in doubt, however, it’s always easiest to let the recipient choose for themselves.
"The best one so far is the gift cards," David Hardee, general manager of Savannah’s Bass Pro Shops said. "That way, they don’t have to be specific in their choice. They just buy a gift card for their sportsman. Electronics have been another good selection this year."
Hardee, who reports his sales so far this season have been outstanding, said the electronics flying off the shelves include GPS navigation devices, weather stations and the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox versions of "The Strike" fishing game.
Special hunting apparel is another popular choice.
"With the cold weather we’ve had, insulated camouflage apparel has been selling really strong," the manager said. "A lot of folks are not used to hunting in 20-30 degree weather so it’s a great item to have."Hardee said his personal list to Santa Clause includes a GPS device, a rod and reel combo and new tackle box, cutlery, such as a new pocket knife, and a new firearm for the outdoors.
Bass Pro Shops also offer hunting and fishing licenses, archery equipment and camping supplies.
To accommodate last-minute shoppers, Hardee said the store will stay open an extra hour today and will open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve. The store will be closed Christmas Day but will open an hour early Dec. 26 at 8 a.m.
Bass Pro Shops is at 14045 Abercorn St. in Savannah. For more information, call (912) 961-4200 or shop online at www.basspro.com.
Another outdoor retailer, Cabela’s, is offering guaranteed shipping to any U.S. address by Christmas for orders placed online by 10 p.m. tomorrow for most orders of $100 or more.