This Friday is commonly known as Black Friday, when many people rush out to do their Christmas shopping. In recent years it has become a mob scene as consumers join the madhouse for bargains at “big box stores.” Retailers call it Black Friday because they are fiscally “in the black” (profit). Personally I see the connotation as dark, sinister, or evil (e.g. black hole, black future, etc.)
Avoid the sociopathic hysteria, stress or scenes reminiscent of the Bolsheviks storming the Winter Palace. Go deer hunting instead! If deer hunting isn’t your sport, take a hike, finish the yard work or relax with the family. If you feel that it is traditional to be Christmas shopping, go shopping at some local merchants instead.
You can buy a wide variety of quality products for the outdoors that are made in the USA and many of them are made here in New York State.
I have always stressed shopping locally whenever possible. Local merchants and craftsmen are the ones who support our community and deserve your support, especially at this time of year. Shop at your local sport shop, marina, archery shop or gun shop. A gift certificate accompanied by some small sample object is always popular. In many cases you can buy directly from the craftsmen or producers. There is great quality and variety available and gifts to fit every budget.
If you are looking for an ultra light pack canoe that you can carry into the backcountry with one hand consider the canoes produced by Lake Placid Boatworks (www.placidboats.com). Slipstream Watercraft is another Adirondack company that manufactures lightweight canoes and kayaks. If you are looking for a workhouse canoe, consider the Marathon boat company (www.marathonboat.com) which makes the successor to the famous Gruman aluminum canoe. For paddles for your kayak or pack canoe, check out Fox paddles (www.foxworxpaddle.com) which makes quality paddles in the southern tier.
For the fisherman in your family there is the famous Cortland fly lines. If you are looking for walleye rods or the new innovation of rods for Center Spin steelhead fishing, you can’t go wrong with Bart’s Rods which are made locally. Bass and walleye fishermen are certain to be pleased with jigs made by Billy Alexander (www.billysmtolures.com) based on his tournament winning experience. Northern King lures are another NY product and have long been a favorite of Lake Ontario anglers.
Shawn Fox of Camden (www.foxscustomcalls.com) makes great hand crafted turkey, duck, goose and locator calls. Lou Pulverenti is a local call maker noted for his excellent diaphragm or slate and pencil turkey calls under the Boss Tom label. Gary Campanie of Oneida has won numerous national awards for his decorative turkey calls which are also effective working calls. Quaker Boy Company is based in Western NY and makes a variety of waterfowl, deer and turkey calls as well as hunting accessories.
For gun cleaning accessories, one of the bright stories of business success is Otis Technology in Lyons Falls. Their products are superior and it is a great local company. Despite the move of some of their other firearms production to Alabama, Remington guns, including the iconic model 870 shotgun are still made in Ilion.
Havlick Snowshoes have changed ownership but they are resuming making a great product in nearby Mayfield. Peter Rickard Lures not only makes the lures popular with trappers and deer hunters, but has other related accessories.
A gift basked of seasonings and rubs from Iron Skillet makes a great addition to any kitchen. Dennis Dedek (www.ironskilletseasonings.com) makes over 30 products locally that provide great flavor for a variety of fish and game dishes. Check Joe’s Jerky on Rte. 5 in Sherrill for great jerky, a variety of other foods and rubs and marinades that are great with venison. Consider gift baskets with excellent New York State wines, cheese, maple syrup or similar food items.
Tough Traveler is a company in Schenectady that makes rugged and stylish backpacks, luggage, and similar products. Redding Reloading Equipment is based in Cortland and is one of the leaders in the industry for the popular sport of reloading your own ammunition.
Art is always popular with outdoorsmen and other family members. Feather Art Studio features exquisite paintings by Debbie Brosen on turkey feathers that are unique gifts. Consider the art of Tom Lenweaver, Tom Yacovella or Mike Ringer for a great gift. Books are always popular (despite the stereotype of sportsmen as illiterate) and the choices deserve a separate column in the near future.
These ideas only scratch the surface but they are designed to make you think that there is a great variety of gifts for every budget. But the main thing is that you put some thought into gift giving. Making it special and coming from you does not have to be expensive. Help make it a special holiday season for everyone and do not lose sight of the real meaning of the holidays.
SHORT CASTS
VNSP “Shop & Shoot Friday”: Avoid the crush of shopping plazas and have fun while doing some shopping for the sportsmen or women on your list at Vernon National Shooting Preserve. There will be a wide selection of sale items including guns, ammunition, scope, clothing and accessories. Do your shopping and then enjoy a round of Sporting Clays. Call 272-6211 or 796-4587 for more information.
Dobs Scores “Hat Trick:” Scoring three goals in a hockey game is a noteworthy feat and is known as a “hat trick.” Ted Dobs has scored the “hat trick” among local angling circles with his third consecutive award as “Angler of the Year.” Ted has won this prestigious award presented by the CNY Bass Anglers in 2013, 2014 and 2015. His skill and ability to consistently catch big walleye and bass, his willingness to share his knowledge, and all-around positive image as an ambassador for the sport of fishing have made him an excellent choice for this award.
Venison Donation: Last week we suggested donating a deer to the Venison Donation program which goes to the local CNY Food Bank. There is no charge to the hunter since processing is paid for by the Venison Donation Coalition. Local processors who participate in the program are Marsh Mill Ranch, Kirkville (633-2888), Ronald Sealman, March (865-5898), and Curtis Custom Cutting, Verona (363-2763). Call ahead before dropping off the deer carcass.
Slow Opening Weekend: By most accounts it was a slow opening weekend for the Southern Zone deer season. Although there were some nice deer taken, most areas in this region saw fewer deer than usual taken. There was also a notable lack of hunters afield for the opening weekend. Despite the nice weather there seemed to be far fewer hunters out and people heard a notable lack of shooting in areas from Chittenango to Vernon and Hamilton and points south. Hunters that did report in said that they saw many less deer than normal, possibly due to the lack of hunters afield. One note of encouragement is that in other years when there was a slow start, the action picked up and the season’s take ended up about average. One interesting story is that Jake Behan from Brooklyn was hunting with his father-in-law, Terry Yardley, and the rest of our crew. After a couple fruitless days when we saw few deer, Jake had his rifle jam and was not able to use it. Terry generously loaned him his rifle for the last few hours of hunting. Just before sundown Jake did spot a nice deer and downed it with a well-placed shot. As we trudged down the ridge as darkness fell, Jake was understandably elated. It was refreshing to see a Wall Street investor justifiably proud and excited about success in a basic and traditional pursuit like deer hunting. Nice job Jake.
