I go through this every year. I have a December birthday too. So one year I mentioned that I rarely get any summer stuff. So I got some shorts one year. Aside from that, I would say that I don't buy or need a lot of stuff (my wife would disagree).
This year, I'm tagged out but had some trouble getting comfortable in the tree stand (I hate heights and tend to lean back to the tree when I'm readying for a shot which throws everything off). So I decided I'm going to try saddle hunting - hoping that will help.
With that being said, I started a buying "spree" and just told my wife - if anyone is looking for ideas for me, they can just buy it from her. She can just use what the UPS/FedEx delivery person drops it on our porch (and she doesn't need to know what anything costs, just sell it to them to give back to me). I did leave a couple of things in the Amazon cart as well and mentioned that to her. There is a TON of stuff that you need and it adds up:
Sticks (225)
Platform (180)
Saddle (200)
Recliner strap (40)
Ropes (teather and linemans belt) (75)
Ascenders (85)
Sys haulers (25)
HYS straps (25)
Knee pads (65)
Various hooks (25)
This whole idea is going to end up costing me about $1,000 and I'm not even buying the expensive stuff! So if I can offset some as gifts and pick the rest up over time, that will help me out mentally as I look at this endeavor through financial eyes.
But being tagged out - I bought a 5CF chest freezer... so maybe my wife is on to something(?).
Here's hoping for you, Pat!!!
