Tony C. Zappia       Focus on the Outdoors

As of today, present givers will have exactly two weeks to go before Christmas Eve to buy their favorite outdoors enthusiast a gift to be treasured throughout the year. This year, my gift-selection recommendations range in price from $25 to $450. And, as always, if any of my choices below do not appeal to you, then let me once again, recommend a purchase of a pair of warm, wool socks.

Gerber Carnivore Blood Tracking Light:price — between $40 and $50.

Ready for a science lesson? Research shows that the human eye is most sensitive to the color red and much less discerning of dark colors such as blue and black. Gerber had calibrated multiple light spectrums in a way that makes the red of blood appear to virtually jump off the ground. Once you've found the trail, you can easily toggle back and forth between the bright white xenon light and the TRAX L.E.D. mode to locate your trophy and find your way home. The Carnivore Blood Tracking Light, designed for hunters, by hunters, combines bright xenon light with brand new, patent-pending TRAX blood-tracking technology. Your favorite deer hunter in the family — especially bowhunters — will find this Gerber product extremely helpful. The unique pistol grip and quick-deploy, four AA-battery cartridge allows for ergonomic comfort and easy maintenance. A lanyard and sheath are included.

Membership to your favorite sporting organization or local rod & gun club: price — between $25 and $50.

Whether it is a membership in the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, or your local chapter of Quality Deer Management Association, ATV club or rod & gun club, a membership is a welcomed gift under any Christmas tree. Don't overlook the option of a family membership. Family memberships are generally a great deal and offer both young and old valuable insight into the particular organization.

Local fishing guide's association gift certificate: average price — $450.

Does your favorite sportsman like to fish? Then how about giving that special someone a gift certificate from a local fishing guide? This area has a tremendous resource of quality lake and river guides who concentrate all just about any species of freshwater fish swimming in our waters. The best way to select a guide is to contact area chamber of commerce offices and ask for a list of licensed fishing guides. Many chambers have outstanding color brochures packed full of information to make your selection process painless. If you have a difficult time finding a guide, I can be e-mailed for additional information and assistance. E-mail tony@tonyczappia.com and write in the subject line "Fishing Guide Info Request".

Deer stand: price — $60 to $200.

If you have a deer hunter on your gift list, let me suggest a purchase of an elevated, climbing or ladder stand. A serious deer hunter can always use an extra stand or two to add to his or her arsenal of deer hunting equipment. Deer stands can be purchased locally through just about any sporting goods store. Prior to shopping, look around and attempt to determine what kind of deer stands are being used. Some hunters like hang-on stands, and some hunters prefer climbers or ladder stands. Once you discover what type of stand is being used, the rest will be easy. An additional gift to complement a new treestand would be a set of climbing sticks or even a full-body safety harness. Finally, when purchasing a treestand or body harness, look for TMA certification on the package. The Treestand Manufacturer's Association certification is a guarantee that the product you purchase will have been tested and put through exhaustive quality-control measures.

Double Bull Matrix 360-degree blind: price — approximately $400.

I realize this is a very expensive gift; however, if your budget allows for a decent-size purchase for your favorite deer hunter, then let me suggest the Double Bull Matrix hunting blind. In those instances where elevated-stand hunting is not practical or the hunter simply won't climb, then this top-of-the-line hunting blind will be an outstanding Christmas gift. With its fully adjustable 360-degree shooting window, the Matrix is Double Bull's deadliest offering. It provides hunters with complete visual command of their surroundings while minimizing their chances of being detected by game. The window silently adjusts from 28 inches to 51 inches off the ground, and the hunter can make the opening anywhere from 1 inch wide for filming and observation to 23 inches wide for clear shooting. This is not your ordinary blind. It is constructed with high-quality materials, offers plenty of shooting ports and, outfitted with Predator Deception camouflage pattern, this blind delivers maximum outline breakup. The Double Bull blind can be purchased locally at Gander Mountain or any quality archery shop.