Dunham's rewards

Games and activities that require a certain amount of skill and precision are very appealing, because the challenge they offer keeps kids and adults coming back for more. The compelling nature of these activities has created a lot of golf and fishing widows, but there’s a good way to avoid that: involve the whole family. And a good way to get that golf ball rolling is with gifts that outfit every member of the family. 
 
Fishin’ Hole Fun
 
Many of us have fallen for ice fishing, hook, line and sinker. We’ve come to realize that ice doesn’t have to mean cold and uncomfortable. With plenty of protective clothing and a shelter, this fast-growing winter sport can be entertaining, challenging and deeply relaxing.
 
Of course, the first thing to consider when heading out on the ice of a frozen lake is safety. Check the thickness of the ice every 100 feet or so with a drill or ice auger. How thick does the ice have to be to ensure safety? It varies with condition and location. Your best bet is to check the recommendations on the U.S. Army web page at www.crrel.usace.army.mil/ierd/ice_safety/safety.html.
 
While ice fishing isn’t strenuous, trying to recover from an ice mishap can be taxing; so only those in good physical condition should fish on the ice. Every fishing party should be equipped with an ice pick that can help a fallen fisherman or woman grip the edge of the ice sheet.
 
While it’s essential to dress warm, avoid clothing like hip boots and waders that can restrict your ability to stay afloat. A good alternative is clothing made especially for ice fishing. Vexilar Cold Snap gear is designed with the ice-fisherman in mind, and it’s available at Dunham’s.
 
Okay, warnings aside, ice fishing is a lot of fun, and it isn’t expensive. While you can spend quite a bit of money on gear, you don’t need a lot to get started. Dunham’s offers everything you need to get started at great prices.
 
You’ll need an ice auger to cut that hole and an ice fishing sled to carry the auger out onto the ice. You can get the auger at Dunham’s. Among the most popular models are those made by Eskimo. You’ll also want an ice scoop to clear ice from your fishing hole, although some enterprising folks have been known to make one by drilling holes in a soup ladle. 
 
Want to get more fish than the next guy? In that case, you may want to invest in a sonar flasher that can help you find the big ones. Flashers can detect the presence of underwater weeds and limbs as well as moving fish. The Vexilar FL-8 SE Sonar Flasher is a proven fish finder, and it’s available at Dunham’s.
 
Some fishermen consider a shelter essential, others are happy to spend a couple of hours exposed to the elements. But for extended fishing trips, a shelter is recommended. Dunham’s stocks a number of inexpensive models. For example, Frabill’s Outpost hub-style shelter can provide shelter for two or three fishermen. It comes pre-assembled and sets up quickly. It’s sturdy and dependable, yet it weighs only 24 pounds and sells for less than $200. 
 
Drive the Green
 
Well, maybe not quite to the green. But the challenge of golf keeps us coming back for more. And what better place to be on a nice day than out on a beautiful golf course? But don’t head out alone; bring the family. It’s never too soon to begin training the next Michelle Wie.
 
Golf equipment makes a great holiday gift, particularly if it’s equipment that improves the golfer’s game. A great choice is a Nike VR STR8-FIT Driver or Fairway Wood. The adjustable face technology that these beautifully crafted clubs offer allows the golfer to fine-tune ball flight for maximum accuracy.
 
Taylor Made Burner Steel Irons make a great gift as well. Their multi-functional sole design combines a low center of gravity with the versatility of a thin sole. The long irons focus on forgiveness and distance, the mids are accurate with good range, and the shorts are responsive and accurate. All can help improve any golfer’s game -— duffer or par shooter.
 
Of course, these are just a small sample of the extensive range of golf clubs and equipment you’ll find at Dunham’s. That equipment includes clubs tailor made for children of all sizes and adults of all skill levels. If it’s a great golf product, you’ll find it at Dunham’s. 
 
Playing Guns
 
As kids, my buddies and I ran around the neighborhood, pointing toy guns at each other and yelling, “Bang, bang, gotcha.” We called it “playing guns.”
 
Kids and grownups alike play guns today, but they do it in organized competitions with paintballs — capsules containing food coloring and gelatin — shot from a compressed air or carbon-dioxide powered gun. The players wear masks and goggles to protect their face and eyes.
 
The rules vary by locale, but the game is usually played by two teams that attempt to eliminate players on the other team. A player is eliminated when directly hit by a paint ball. The game requires quite a bit of strategic thinking, and in open terrain, it can involve a good deal of running and walking.
 
Soft-air guns offer another challenge for the would-be marksman. Made to resemble genuine weapons, these guns shoot plastic pellets. They are sometimes used in competitions similar to paintball.
 
Dunham’s stocks a range of paintball equipment, along with soft-air guns, and your Dunham’s sales representative can direct you to local paintball clubs and establishments.
 
-Your Friends at Dunham’s
 
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