Find something for every outdoor enthusiast with our annual Gift Guide.
Photography: Courtesy of vendors
1. A Pad for Your Pup
The Rixey Dog Stand set the standard for ease of transport and setup. The 8-pound Generation II continues that tradition. Choose a tree from 4 inches to 10 feet in diameter, strap it on in a flash and you’re good to go. Do Fido a favor and order direct from this fine Arkansas company. (rixeyoutdoors.com)
2. Hit the Jackpot
The best features of a good knife don’t change – but they’re getting harder to find. A.G. Russell products still feature the craftsmanship and no-BS performance your PawPaw enjoyed back in the day and the Power Ball series is living proof. Smooth operation, steady grip and long edge life makes these a must-have gift. (agrussell.com)
3. The Anglers Have Spoken
Add to their fly collection with the Red Ass, offering realistic design and easy casting. The good folks at Umpqua report their Red Ass Flies pattern are a huge favorite on the White River in Arkansas (as well as throughout the Missouri Ozarks). Good enough for us. (southernreeloutfitters.com)
4. Been Real Good?
Make this a year to remember by parking a Vexus in the driveway. The all-welded AXV1882 delivers pinpoint handling, acres of front deck space and all the creature comforts an angler could want. Look, they’re probably going to buy it for themselves anyway, why not take the credit? (vexusboats.com)
5. Right on Target
Arkansas’s own Morrell Targets are the recognized standard by enthusiasts and competition archers alike. Keep Hammering combines all the features archers demand, including durability, easy arrow removal and carrying handle. For use with crossbow, compound and traditional bows. (morrelltargets.com)
6. An American Classic
If their sporting arms have seen better days, wrap up a Winchester SX4 this year. The classic 12-gauge comes clad in Mossy Oak right out of the box and features a TruGlo fiber-optic sight, length of pull spacer and reversible safety button for faster operation. Christmas is saved! (mackspw.com)
7. Raise Them Right
Get the kids started early with a Fuji Dynamite 24 Sport Silver under the tree. Designed for youngsters to start exploring trails, parks and dirt lots, the Dynamite is the gateway bike that grows with kids as they fall in love with riding. Burns up their energy, too. (thecommunitybicyclist.com)
8. This’ll Float Their Boat
Get them in on the kayaking craze with the Katana by Dagger. Built to look as good as it performs, the Katana offers stability in flatwater and maneuverability in rapids. A spacious cockpit and ample storage with reinforced hatches let you bring along your favorite things in comfort. (ozarkoutdoor.com)
9. Smokin’ Hot
Arkansas’s own PK Grills continues to build upon its legend with the New Original setup that’s the perfect gift for the backyard chef. Sporting retro styling (dig the teal paint job) of its famed aluminum core, these things carry a 20-year warranty and are dang-near indestructible. Grill or smoke to your heart’s content in style. (pkgrills.com)
10. Keep ‘Em Guessing
Let’s face it, the worst part about family camping can be those kids. Keep them entertained with the National Parks Trivia: A Card Game. This fun educational game offers 390 questions about America’s National Parks, providing hours of insightful fun. Pro tip: Memorize a handful of questions and dazzle the kids on the ride in with your capacity for random facts. Same diff. (domesticdomestic.com)
11. Jeepers Creepers
Who said binocs have to be boring? The funky numbers by Pro Issue come in a variety of colors and offer a rugged impact-absorbing housing. Waterproof and fogproof with scratch-resistant lenses and nitrogen sealed O-rings, these things perform as good as they look. (domesticdomestic.com)
12. Surface Tension
The fish won’t know what hit ‘em when they put the Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad to work. Perfectly mimicking the baitfish profile, the lure sets off distress signals with an alluring splashing action to attract attention. Two-hook design ensures they won’t spit it, either. (southernreeloutfitters.com)
13. Bella Vista
Discover Bella Vista has a new Arts n’ Swag Shop, where surprises are close to guaranteed. Find clothing, mugs, stickers, art and lots more. (discoverbellavistaar.com)
14. Protect the Noggin
Listen, kids are going to wreck bikes, they just are. But while road rash happens; head injuries don’t have to. Make sure their grey matter stays intact with a quality helmet like the Chakra by Kali Protectives. Comfortable to wear and sporting enough style that the kids won’t care that it’s also for their own good. (thecommunitybicyclist.com)
15. Natural State Pride
Let ‘em show the world where they’re from with an eye-catching graphic t-shirt from Rogers-based Arkie Apparel. Featuring themes of The Natural State from the Buffalo River to the Ponca elk, these high-quality shirts promote what’s great about the Arkansas outdoors. (arkieapparel.com)
16. Sweet Dreams
The Mud River K9 Kloud Dog Bed boasts memory foam and fleece sleeping to appeal to the young pups as well as the old-timer whose joints ain’t what they used to be. Available in two sizes, it’s the perfect nook for your pal to curl up in after a day of making you look good out there. (mackspw.com)
17. Stay Invisible, My Friends
Some things you don’t cut corners on, and a wader bib is one of them. Drake MST offers full features at a reasonable price for the ultimate in gift-giving this year. Warm, handy and invisible, the MST converts quickly from a casual, over-the-boot fit to a tight, ankle-fit for wear under waders. Nice. (mackspw.com)
18. The Reel Deal
Take the strain out of their next fishing trip by gifting them the Ambassadeur Catfish Pro Reel by Abu Garcia. Precision Swedish craftsmanship marries a six-pin centrifugal braking system with robust aluminum construction. Translation: Works great, lasts long, lake after lake. (southernreeloutfitters.com)
19. Annie, Get Your Gun
For years the preferred field piece designed by women, for women, the Weatherby Vanguard Camilla rifle nestles easily on the shoulder with an angled buttstock to better fit the female anatomy. A slim pistol grip and 13-inch pull add to the package. This is the gun your mother warned you about. (mackspw.com)
20. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation
Come shop from local vendors for the perfect gifts this holiday season. Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Holiday Craft & Gifts Sale, #5 Municipal Drive, Jacksonville, November 17-18, 501-982-4171.
21. Here Duckie, Duckie
Fans of the double reed just found their new favorite. Arkansas’s own Elite has redesigned its popular Murder model into the MDR. But don’t worry, it still delivers the volume and raspiness hunters crave and mallards can’t resist. Slip one of these into their stocking and start setting the table. (elitecalls.net)
22. Take to the Water
With the NRS Nora, she’ll be safe on the water and comfortable, too. A woman-specific PFD, the Nora boasts thin back construction to reduce bulk, and carries the approval stamp of the U.S. Coast Guard, just in case they pop up on the Mulberry River anytime soon. (ozarkoutdoor.com)
