People are lined up waiting for stores to open as I write this article. 

It’s Black Friday and that means time for Christmas shopping. As a lifelong avid hunter I have received numerous hunting related gifts through the years. 

No doubt about it, I appreciated everyone. However with so many items on the market to choose from, only an experienced hunter can know which ones are the best.  If you really want to go over the top and surprise the hunter on you Christmas list; here are some great suggestions. 

(As a side not I have personally tested each of these products and they meet my approval … for what that’s worth):

1. Thermacell Mosquito Repeller

If you hunt in Texas then you are aware of the possibilities of warm weather during deer season. 

Unfortunately, along with warm weather comes mosquitos.  This handy device will create a 15-foot barrier that keeps the bugs away. 

The good news is while it keeps the bugs at bay, deer don’t seem to mind the odor that this unit emits. I generally make sure to have two with me just in case one breaks. Thermacell is a total game changer for hunting in southeast Texas.

Prices range from $25 to $35 depending on the portable model you choose.

2. Ozonics Ozone Machine

When it comes to getting real close to deer, this product has changed everything!  As any experienced hunter knows, a deer’s nose is by far his best defense. If he smells a hunter, he won’t stick around.

This machine creates ozone that destroys odor. I was very skeptical when I first heard about it, but after many trials it has proven to work. I have had numerous mature whitetail circle within 20 yards down wind and not spook.

Cost ranges from $299-$399, although you can sometimes catch them on sale.

3. Vortex Ranger Rangefinder

Whether you are shooting a gun or a bow it is imperative to know the distance. This handy device takes away all of the guesswork.

While there are several rangefinders on the market, this one is my favorite.  I like the compact, ergonomic design, as well as the quick target acquisition.  Knowing the right yardage can mean the difference in bagging the buck of a lifetime, or coming home empty handed. The price ranges from $250-$475 depending on the model.

4. Havalon Piranta skinning knife

Once a hunter harvests a deer the work begins!  When it comes time to skinning a doe or caping out that monster buck for the taxidermist, this knife needs to be the one you choose.  The handle fits perfectly in your hand and the blade is a surgical razor blade. 

That means it is sharp … real sharp.

When the blade gets dull, simply pop it out and replace it with a fresh one (replacement blades are cheap).  No more time spent sharpening or hacking away with a dull skinner.  When you are done simple fold the knife like a regular pocket knife and be on your way. Cost is $35.

5. Polaris General 4

This gift is the ultimate hunters dream. No doubt it is way out of the budget for most. Let’s just assume for a minute that 2017 has been a bumper year.  The cash has been rolling in, the Lord is blessing your finances, and you have money to burn.  This UTV is the cream of the crop.  With 12 inches of ground clearance from the factory it is a beast in the mud. Its four-wheel independent suspension rides like a dream on even the roughest terrain. 

This unit is a combination of the workhorse Polaris Ranger and the Ultimate racing/mudding Polaris Razor.  It has four super comfortable bucket seats, full doors, and an adequate bed for hauling your gear to the blind. The unit comes standard with a Warn winch, which I have used to hang many deer for skinning. With top speeds of 70 mph get ready to buckle up and enjoy the fun! MSRP: $21,500.

I hope this makes your Christmas shopping a little bit easier. Don’t get so caught up in the shopping that you forget to enjoy time with your family and remember the real meaning of Christmas.

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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and the outdoors writer for The News.