Gift guide for 'outdoorsies'

Here’s some ideas for the  Fishful Faithul who have outdoorsies on your Christmas lists.

Most of these items are available locally, as well as online.  Support your Flathead Valley merchants whenever possible.

Some are necessities.  Some just useful. Some for those people who already have everything.  Prices are approximate.

• Fishing Licenses.  You know this would show up on my list. I’ve given licenses to my family for many years.  A Montana fishing license is the best value in America!

• Subscription to Montana Outdoors Magazine. Official magazine of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.  www.fwp.mt.gov.  $12/yr.

• WorkSharp Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener. Uses belts of various abrasives to sharpen knives, scissors, and small tools. Fast and effective.  $100.

• Ultralight microderm hoody. I’ve had my Eddie Bauer First Ascent ultralight jacket for three years.  Can be worn under a coat or by itself. I wear mine three seasons.  $130.

• Solar kit charger.  Portable solar panel that charges cameras, phones and tablets. Waterproof.  Kinda nice to listen to ball games and tunes while floating.  $150.

• Montana Fly Company fish motif cell phone cover. For both iPhones and Androids.  Realistic fish artwork or not so much. For the individual.  $25.

• Vacuum sealer.  Heavyweight bags, vacuum pumping and a tight seal ensures frozen food lasts longer without drying out.

 Great for big game, fish, garden veggies and huckleberries.  $150-$400.

• Rubber landing net.  Hooks no longer get tangled in the net. Any fishermen would appreciate not having to spend time unhooking fish hooks from a landing net.  $40-130.

• Compact binoculars.  Great for hunting, ball games and watching other fishermen. Here, you pretty much get what you pay for.  Top brand optics are worth the money.  $90-$400.

• Quickies:  Life jacket.  Padded boat seat.  Boat anchor.  Yeti cooler.  Headlamp.  Buff.