Preparing for a recent trip to Washington County, I found myself telling my mom of my plans to give a look to some serious, warden-style winterized boots down that way. No holiday hint here, just enlightening a New Yorker to the curious needs of one involved in the Maine outdoors.

A typical mom, mine told me to get these lifesavers for under the tree. Typical daughter, I told her that love was all I needed from her. In fact, that’s true. But, the truth is, how could I begin to prioritize my outdoor wish list? Which got me thinking…

There undoubtedly are many folks who could use some help shopping for their outdoor friends and family. Maybe these people have it all. Maybe they’re low-maintenance and don’t need it all. Or maybe (like me) they need and want it all. So where do you begin?

As you shop for a gift for your fellow outdoorsman or woman, consider these items. Some are cheap, some are new, others are newly affordable. But chances are your outdoor mate can use something here.

Happy holidays.

What to get an outdoor nut

. Fly-tying course:

This one is easy. Just don’t tell your fishing buddy the cost of tuition (psst: it’s free). The Penobscot Fly Fishers will conduct this course on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting Jan. 4 and running through March 22 at the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department on Main Street.

Used to be, you had to bring your own supplies to this class. Now the club provides it all for the six-week beginner course, including material and equipment for nymphs, streamers, and dries. The last six weeks will be demonstrations of specialty flies presented by experienced tiers, but materials are not supplied.

(For information, call 942-3988.)

. Breathable waders:

These puppies finally are selling for under $200, in some cases, as low as $129. An accessory that went for as much as $300 a few years ago, this item now can fit on many an angler’s Christmas list – and on many an angler! LaCrosse makes its Red Bull line adjustable to fit girths of all shapes and sizes.

(Red Bull’s on sale for $139.99 at Van Raymond’s in Brewer).

. Pentax Prism binoculars:

Whether your outdoor mate is an angler, hunter, hiker, paddler, or, as Audubon experts say, one who “birds,” binoculars are a can’t-miss gift. Of course, you get what you pay for, and that’s why Pentax’s new Prism binoculars are a find. Simply put, they’re eggshells. The lenses are not as wide as expensive models, but the power is just as strong and they’re so light, you’ll forget they’re in your pocket.

(Start at $50 at Van Raymond’s).

. Lifetime License:

These now will be available to children ages 6-15 starting Jan. 1, 2001. For a young Mainer interested in hunting or fishing, what better gift could you give? It could pay for itself in five years, while it lets the license-holder fish and hunt for free for their entire life.

(Costs $500 at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife).

. Books about Mainers:

My counterpart’s colorful book “Handy to Home” aside, there are a few new outdoor books on the shelves, and at least one that may be undiscovered.

Olympian and cross country skier Marcus Nash came out with Scott Loomis with “Pushing the Limits” this year. Billed as a skiing lifestyle book, it will put you inside the head of a Mainer who is one of America’s best hopes at the 2002 Winter Games. ($14.95 paperback).

Books that will lure all anglers are Grayden and Leslie Hilyard’s “Carrie G. Stevens, Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies” ($39.95 hardcover), which came out last year; and the 1998 encyclopedia, “The Fly Tier’s Benchside Reference to Techniques and Pressing Styles” ($100 hardcover). The latter by Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer is a coffee table book, but you’ll want it by your workbench.

. Global Positioning System:

As Dennis Higgins at Van Raymond’s puts it, these high-tech compasses have gone the way of CD players. Costing $500 when they were declassified by the government, GPS systems, which use satellites to provide positioning, now sell for $120-380, and the low-end ones don’t skimp on quality.

However, as Sandy Hansen at Old Town Trading Post points out, to sell them, you need to understand them. She advises getting these at the 15-year-old specialty shop, The Map Store in Old Town, where Peggy Smart teaches a how-to course in GPS.

“About 95 percent of them refuse to read the manual,” Smart says.

(Start at $120 at The Map Store; course costs $50.)

Stocking stuffers

. A Backyard Bed:

Brad Ryder at Cadillac Mountain Sports calls Orono’s Ryder Canvas Co. (no relation) the best-kept secret. Certainly, that’s true of its new line of portable hammocks. Perfect for camping or a break from yard work.

($19.95 at CMS)

. Say Cheese:

Jimmy Snow at Van Raymond’s will try to sell you a $15 underwater camera as hard as he will those $500 binoculars. But it’s hard to argue with the man. You want a photo of that prize trout, don’t you?

(On sale for $12.99 at Van Raymond’s)

. Land on Your Feet:

Ice fishing was meant for sitting, not skating, so do less of the latter and get yourself, er, your friend, a pair of Stabilizers. Consider them cleats for snowmen.

(All sizes, $39.99 at Old Town Trading Post).

. Give the Gift of Maine:

A Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund lottery ticket is just the thing to stuff the stocking. And it’s a gift you give yourself because the funds help to conserve Maine’s wildlife and open spaces. With the proceeds from the ticket sales, grants are awarded, totaling approximately $1.5 million annually.

(Get them for $1 at Maine State Lottery ticket vendors.)

. And, for Fido:

If you’re playing the scrooge this year, remember, stiff your family, not your dog. Zuke’s Power Bones are Power Bars for your favorite hunting and fishing partner. In this case, the old saying is true: They’re nutritious and delicious.

“I haven’t met a dog yet who didn’t like them,” Ryder says.

(Running $1.79 where doggie supplies are sold.)

Deirdre Fleming covers outdoor sports and recreation for the NEWS. She can be reached at 990-8250 or at dfleming@bangordailynews.net.