Awakening on Monday morning to an inch of white covering the entire landscape was a (“somewhat”) gentle reminder that Thanksgiving and Christmas are rapidly approaching. It’s the season for gathering with friends and family, stuffing ourselves at the dinner table, taking time to be thankful for our friends and family and all of the good things in our lives — and it is the season for gift giving.

Although the news media of late seems to be inundated with news of increasing problems and delays with the supply chain of goods coming from overseas, there are many gift ideas that are not subjected to such delays.

It is nice to put a smile on the face of a friend or relative by presenting them with a gift they would appreciate and, at the same time, help a business that is based in the good old USA.

Books of all kinds are always a favorite, and they can provide hours and weeks of enjoyable reading for any outdoor enthusiast. One of my favorite authors is Steven Rinella, the host of the popular TV show “Meateater.” He is well-spoken on his television show and is a very pleasant-to-read writer in the many books he has written. One of his earlier works is “American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon.” It is a powerful history and description of one of the most important animals that walked much of North America when European explorers first discovered this land and details the chronological evolution of the American Bison. His “The Meateater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival” is his newest release and is packed with great advice for any person who spends time in the outdoors. Many of the tips he relays throughout the book could easily be something that will make an unplanned extended stay in the woods an event that you will survive if you apply this knowledge. If you ever plan a hunting or fishing trip, especially into a wilderness area or other remote location, this book is truly a “must-read.” His two-volume book “Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game” is an extremely valuable reference set for anyone who enjoys hunting.

One volume covers big game, and the other covers small game and fowl. From caring for game once taken in the field to properly butchering the bird or animal to maximize its use and flavor when prepared and recipes that enhance the outcome at the dinner table — this two-volume set has it all. Steven has also recently completed “The Meateater Fish and Game Cookbook.” If you are looking for some new ways to introduce folks to the great taste of wild game or fish or just want to provide your family with different ways to enjoy the free-range protein that you bring home, this book will be one you will enjoy and use often.

Every hunter or fisherman has their favorite species they like to pursue. Be it trout, salmon, bass, or sunfish, or whether it is whitetail deer, elk, wild turkeys, or just about any other game animal, fowl, or fish — there is usually a well-established conservation organization that supports and works to preserve, protect and promote that specie. Examples are the National Wild Turkey Federation, Trout Unlimited, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Each of these organizations publishes a monthly magazine and provides its members with an avenue through which they can volunteer their time and efforts to work for the betterment of that species. Sometimes it is by volunteering at a local fundraising banquet, or at times; it could be by actually working in the woods or fields to enhance habitat.

By gifting an annual membership to a fellow outdoor enthusiast, it provides them the chance to meet other fellow enthusiasts, gain a great deal of knowledge about their favorite target to hunt or fish for, and provide them with a monthly reminder, the magazine, of your thoughtful gift.

Last, and far from least — in fact, perhaps the most important and valuable gift of all is time. Yes, time. Consider giving someone a card with a note inside that tells them you are hereby giving them a day of your time to share a hike in the woods, a day of fishing on a nearby trout stream, or having them come to dinner where you will be preparing a venison backstrap, wrapped in bacon and cooked over a wood fire! By giving of your precious time, you not only show how much you value them as a friend, but you create a wonderful memory for both of you!