• There is probably no more complete outdoor experience around here than what you will find at an Ohio state park. Our family had a great time spending a week at Maumee Bay State Park last summer. There are cabins, lodges and camping to consider. All of those options, plus most of the amenities (like golf, rentals, food, etc.) can be purchased with an Ohio State Parks gift card.
Available in any denomination and with no expiration date, gift cards may be purchased online at ohiostateparks.org, at any state park office or by calling 866-644-6727.
• If your outdoor-oriented friend or relative likes to hunt or fish, you can buy his or her license for the coming year. Gift certificates are available at wildohio.gov and may be used toward fishing and hunting licenses, turkey or deer hunting permits and Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamps. Gift certificates can be purchased for any amount and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Gift certificates can only be purchased and redeemed online.
• Speaking of fishing, Fisherman’s Headquarters on Keowee Street in Dayton is selling the new Diawa Opus reel for $59.95. That’s about $30 below the regular price. It’s a Baitrunner reel, super spinning reel for catfishing.
If you’re seeking stocking stuffers, try a Tim Poe spinnerbait at $5.99 or a Duo swimbait for muskies or bass at $45, both at FHQ.
• For anyone headed outside on icy days, here’s a super stocking stuffer: it’s a small set of ice grips any male or female can slip over the toes of their shoes. They’re called Nordic Grips and can be purchased at thegrommet.com/nordic-grip-minis for $9.95.
• With archery becoming more popular, think about buying a new target for your young archer or bowhunter. I came across a product called Spike Buck by BIGshot. It’s 24x24x8 inches, rated for 20-pound bows, weighs four pounds and sells for $34.99 at bigshottargets.com.
• Hunters will enjoy the new Roo Inferno Hand Pouch, created by former NFL quarterback Mike Kafka. He was tired of inadequate, cumbersome hand-warming options during cold weather games so he came up with the Inferno, which is about as thick as a pencil. It is made in the USA with PolarTec® insulation and a weather-resistant Neo-shield outer shell. It is priced between $49.99 to $59.99 and comes in a variety of colors, including camo with an ammo belt. Visit roooutdoor.com/products/inferno-terrain.
St. Marys open house: The Ohio Division of Wildlife will hold an informational open house for the proposed boat access on the Little Chickasaw Creek on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Marys Township Building, 10752 State Route 364, St. Marys.
The ramp was designed based on the expected use and as proposed will have a two-lane ramp, 58 vehicle/trailer parking spots, and 13 vehicle-only parking spots. The ramp was designed to minimize impacts to the adjacent wetlands and also incorporated design features to minimize impacts to adjacent landowners.
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