Santa Claus paid a visit to the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club on Saturday afternoon. Submitted Photo.

Christmas is right around the corner. If you are looking for a suggestion on what to give the sports person on your gift list, think big.

With the way the walleye fishing has been on both Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake the past two years, be sure to get your share of arguably one of the best eating fish this state has to offer. As an added incentive, the yellow perch population is on the rebound and steelhead, lake trout, and a world class population of black bass all contribute to boat buying incentives. This is a gift that the whole family can enjoy, so give it some thought.

If you already have a boat, consider the new portable electronic temperature probe offered by fish hawk. This unit is mounted on a fishing pole. For something that will be easy on your wallet, consider stopping at a local fishing tackle shop like Bill’s Hooks or Miller’s and grab some fishing tackle/lures. They know what is hot and what is not.

Magazine subscriptions are entertaining all year long, and of course, you have the old standby gift card. Money is also a favorite. Don’t worry about the color, and err on the plus size whenever possible — and don’t worry about the hassle of returns.

For the turkey hunter on your gift list, consider a ticket to the Lakeshore Longbeards annual membership/fundraiser banquet, which will be held on Jan. 18, 2020 at the Koscuisko Club in Dunkirk. Nearly 20 firearms will be raffled off at this event. You can purchase tickets by calling Gary Burmaster at 672-4520. The banquet committee will be meeting at Liberty Vineyards Winery located at Route 20 in Sheridan on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 at 7 p.m. It will be open to the public.

Speaking of the Longbeards, high school seniors are invited to apply for a college scholarship from the Longbeards worth $250 or more. If interested, go to www.NWTF.org, select Resource Library, and fill out the application. Submit the completed application by the Jan. 6 deadline. The committee will select the winner the same day and the award will be presented at the banquet. You can also pick up an application at Liberty Vineyards. Call 672-4520 for more information.

Calendar: Late muzzleloader and bow season ends on Tuesday.

Duck Season in our area (Western Zone) is a split season, that re-opened Nov. 30 until Jan. 5. Canada Goose season for our area, which is considered the South, is from Oct. 26 to Jan. 13, with a daily bag limit of five geese per day.

Children of the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, starting Aug. 27. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

On Jan. 4, 2020, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club will be sponsoring free fly tying classes for youths and adults. These courses will be absolutely free and all materials and equipment will be provided. The classes will continue for the next three Saturdays at the Lakewood Club from 9 a.m. until noon. Free pizzas and beverages will also be provided. Instruction will be provided by the mentors from Kids On the Fly.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.