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1.) Wild Bob - 07/27/2017
I'm always looking for outdoor / hunting related books to read. Discovering good reads (or new to me anyway) can be a challenge, and often the best ones I've found tend to not always be easiest to find.
So if you got any favorites, please post them up here! (Note: hunting or outdoor related only, now repeat...OK we clear on that?!?) :-)
So if you got any favorites, please post them up here! (Note: hunting or outdoor related only, now repeat...OK we clear on that?!?) :-)
2.) Swamp Fox - 07/27/2017
Funny you should post this. I was going to put up something along these lines.
For starters: Anything by Keith McCafferty, including essays. If anyone still reads the Big Three anymore, you should go back and look at his stuff in [I]Field & Stream[/I]. You'll also find him in some hunting and fishing anthologies.
I haven't read any of his mystery novels (set in the outdoors) but they're on my short list. I've read a little of the how-to stuff, and it's solid.
He's just an excellent writer all-around.
Here's the most recent essay I've read from him, about returning after many years to fish an old hole. It is excellent.
[url]http://www.fieldandstream.com/flyfishing-au-sable-river-michigan[/url]
And his website, where you can get more info on him and his books:
[url]https://keithmccafferty.com/[/url]
For starters: Anything by Keith McCafferty, including essays. If anyone still reads the Big Three anymore, you should go back and look at his stuff in [I]Field & Stream[/I]. You'll also find him in some hunting and fishing anthologies.
I haven't read any of his mystery novels (set in the outdoors) but they're on my short list. I've read a little of the how-to stuff, and it's solid.
He's just an excellent writer all-around.
Here's the most recent essay I've read from him, about returning after many years to fish an old hole. It is excellent.
[url]http://www.fieldandstream.com/flyfishing-au-sable-river-michigan[/url]
And his website, where you can get more info on him and his books:
[url]https://keithmccafferty.com/[/url]
3.) Wild Bob - 07/27/2017
I've heard of his books (fiction), but I've not read any of them yet. I've read a number of his articles over the years and always enjoyed his work. Thanks for the link to his website...this is the kind of info I was hoping to see on this post.
Here's a couple that I'll throw out there now:
The first is the memoir of James Huntington. I just finished reading this book. [I]On the Edge of Nowhere [/I]is an awesome story of one mans's personal struggle in the Alaskan wilderness beginning in the 1930's. The book starts out with brief history of his mother (a native) and her early life. Around the turn of the century. If you like reading about life in the bush...I'm talking about real life in the bush - not the modern day Hollywood drama/reality BS...then this is a great book to read.
The second book that I'll mention today is a good 'How-to' on hunting Mule Deer on public land. [I]Public Land Mulies[/I] is a good solid non-fiction read by David Long. He knows his stuff and this is great information that will benefit any experienced hunter that isn't so boneheaded that he can't admit that he doesn't everything there is to know. I don't buy many 'how to' books any more because so many of them are so basic on the real content that it's ridiculous. Not that basic information books are bad, but all too often that information is so elementary that it doesn't benefit my needs, but Long seems to be able to hit a healthy mix for my taste.
Here's a couple that I'll throw out there now:
The first is the memoir of James Huntington. I just finished reading this book. [I]On the Edge of Nowhere [/I]is an awesome story of one mans's personal struggle in the Alaskan wilderness beginning in the 1930's. The book starts out with brief history of his mother (a native) and her early life. Around the turn of the century. If you like reading about life in the bush...I'm talking about real life in the bush - not the modern day Hollywood drama/reality BS...then this is a great book to read.
The second book that I'll mention today is a good 'How-to' on hunting Mule Deer on public land. [I]Public Land Mulies[/I] is a good solid non-fiction read by David Long. He knows his stuff and this is great information that will benefit any experienced hunter that isn't so boneheaded that he can't admit that he doesn't everything there is to know. I don't buy many 'how to' books any more because so many of them are so basic on the real content that it's ridiculous. Not that basic information books are bad, but all too often that information is so elementary that it doesn't benefit my needs, but Long seems to be able to hit a healthy mix for my taste.
4.) Swamp Fox - 07/27/2017
This is so true about the lack of books (or any kind of outdoor writing) that address upper-middle and advanced topics. And unfortunately, I think some books that wind up being pretty decent lose a lot of people in the first 20 pages because either they start off too simple or they're just plodding joylessly through the outline of what's to come. BOOOR-RING! But don't get me started on writing I don't like... We'll be here all night. LOL
Here are one old and one new that people might like. I'll let you read the descriptions rather than try to explain on my own, but I highly recommend both.
[I]
The Hunt Out Of The Thicket[/I]
[QUOTE]These tales of outdoor life are equally and simultaneously stories of what another writer about the Southern wilderness, William Faulkner, called "the truths of the human heart in conflict with itself," and they search keenly into the meanings of life and death, youth and love, time and change. [url]https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Out-Thicket-Stories/dp/0945575068[/url][/QUOTE]
Don't ask me why the Kindle is more expensive than the print version. Age of the book (close to 30 years)?
[I]A Life Afield[/I]
[QUOTE]Through his narratives Smith shares his philosophy on hunting and rambling in the outdoors and questions what it means to be a true sportsman in today's Deep South. As his stories make clear, the South's outdoor heritage has changed drastically within the last twenty-five years or more. The beauty and majesty of the natural world, as well as the principles of honor, integrity, and humanity found within circles of sportsmen, are seemingly no longer reward enough for the sporting world of today. Many of the age-old and time-proven wisdoms of woodsmanship are in danger of being forgotten or dismissed by a new era of "immediate reward" for minimal effort.
[I]A Life Afield[/I] reminds readers what it means to be a woodsman: to hold the woods and waters deep within one's heart. Taken as a whole, the collection chronicles the author's quest to adulthood, influenced by his outdoor adventures and friendships, while also subtly providing solid lessons in sporting ethics, gun safety, and general woodsmanship. [url]https://www.amazon.com/Life-Afield-Hunter-Smith/dp/1611174171/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1501192155&sr=1-2&keywords=a+life+afield[/url][/QUOTE]
Here are one old and one new that people might like. I'll let you read the descriptions rather than try to explain on my own, but I highly recommend both.
[I]
The Hunt Out Of The Thicket[/I]
[QUOTE]These tales of outdoor life are equally and simultaneously stories of what another writer about the Southern wilderness, William Faulkner, called "the truths of the human heart in conflict with itself," and they search keenly into the meanings of life and death, youth and love, time and change. [url]https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Out-Thicket-Stories/dp/0945575068[/url][/QUOTE]
Don't ask me why the Kindle is more expensive than the print version. Age of the book (close to 30 years)?
[I]A Life Afield[/I]
[QUOTE]Through his narratives Smith shares his philosophy on hunting and rambling in the outdoors and questions what it means to be a true sportsman in today's Deep South. As his stories make clear, the South's outdoor heritage has changed drastically within the last twenty-five years or more. The beauty and majesty of the natural world, as well as the principles of honor, integrity, and humanity found within circles of sportsmen, are seemingly no longer reward enough for the sporting world of today. Many of the age-old and time-proven wisdoms of woodsmanship are in danger of being forgotten or dismissed by a new era of "immediate reward" for minimal effort.
[I]A Life Afield[/I] reminds readers what it means to be a woodsman: to hold the woods and waters deep within one's heart. Taken as a whole, the collection chronicles the author's quest to adulthood, influenced by his outdoor adventures and friendships, while also subtly providing solid lessons in sporting ethics, gun safety, and general woodsmanship. [url]https://www.amazon.com/Life-Afield-Hunter-Smith/dp/1611174171/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1501192155&sr=1-2&keywords=a+life+afield[/url][/QUOTE]
5.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
[I]A life Afield [/I]was a good read, I read that one quite a few years ago now.
Unfortunately my copy of it became the causality of a misguided clean-out / yard sale binge my wife had many years ago. I read that book and then somewhere around the same time, read [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack[/I], by Franklin Burroughs, which survived that particular purging and I still have it. That is a pretty good read as well (great book with Carolina flair), but less hunting related and more fishing. Looking back, I'd rather have had the Burrough's book get traded off instead of my copy of[I] A Life Afield [/I]tho...
Unfortunately my copy of it became the causality of a misguided clean-out / yard sale binge my wife had many years ago. I read that book and then somewhere around the same time, read [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack[/I], by Franklin Burroughs, which survived that particular purging and I still have it. That is a pretty good read as well (great book with Carolina flair), but less hunting related and more fishing. Looking back, I'd rather have had the Burrough's book get traded off instead of my copy of[I] A Life Afield [/I]tho...
6.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
Anyone ever read an outdoor book that on some level, you keep thinking to yourself: [I]Ummm, I don't know...some of this I'm into, and some of it not so much... [/I]
But then... for what ever reason, it must have appeal on a deeper level because in the end, not only do you end up reading that dam thing, but you end up coming back to it and re-reading it off and on at times? I picked up a copy of Howell Raines' [I]Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis[/I] about 5 years ago and this is one of those books for me. (And no, I'm not dealing with any kind of mid-life crisis!) The book was published in the early 90's so it is not a brand new book.
If you are not familiar with the book or the author, Howell Raines is/was a journalist that was a White House Correspondent and then rose to being editor of the the New York Times in the early 2000's. Anyway, obviously, the guy can write, so may be that is part of what appeals to me about his book...but there is more to it than that. May be its the fact that while he is a fly fisherman, he doesn't ignore his roots and the whole world of spin-fishing either. Or may be it's the fact that he understands and writes about the South/East/West connection in relation it fishing and the environment which I can associate with. I don't know right off what it is, but I've found myself picking up his book a number of times since I read it initially and I keep re-digesting several other parts of the book.
IMHO, it's worth spending some time reading if you're looking for a good fishing read fused with philosophy, some fishing history and life lessons.
But then... for what ever reason, it must have appeal on a deeper level because in the end, not only do you end up reading that dam thing, but you end up coming back to it and re-reading it off and on at times? I picked up a copy of Howell Raines' [I]Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis[/I] about 5 years ago and this is one of those books for me. (And no, I'm not dealing with any kind of mid-life crisis!) The book was published in the early 90's so it is not a brand new book.
If you are not familiar with the book or the author, Howell Raines is/was a journalist that was a White House Correspondent and then rose to being editor of the the New York Times in the early 2000's. Anyway, obviously, the guy can write, so may be that is part of what appeals to me about his book...but there is more to it than that. May be its the fact that while he is a fly fisherman, he doesn't ignore his roots and the whole world of spin-fishing either. Or may be it's the fact that he understands and writes about the South/East/West connection in relation it fishing and the environment which I can associate with. I don't know right off what it is, but I've found myself picking up his book a number of times since I read it initially and I keep re-digesting several other parts of the book.
IMHO, it's worth spending some time reading if you're looking for a good fishing read fused with philosophy, some fishing history and life lessons.
7.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50478][I]A life Afield [/I]was a good read, I read that one quite a few years ago now.
Unfortunately my copy of it became the causality of a misguided clean-out / yard sale binge my wife had many years ago. I read that book and then somewhere around the same time, read [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack[/I], by Franklin Burroughs, which survived that particular purging and I still have it. That is a pretty good read as well (great book with Carolina flair), but less hunting related and more fishing. Looking back, I'd rather have had the Burrough's book get traded off instead of my copy of[I] A Life Afield [/I]tho...[/QUOTE]
I remember some book or story with a croaker sack in it, but I'll have to figure out if that's the one.
You might be confusing the [I]A Life Afield [/I]I'm talking about with some other book though. It's only been out two or maybe three years max. As far as I know. He's a former hunting guide and has been writing essays for a while, but I think this is his first book (collection). Again, as far as I know. If you read [I]Gray's Sporting Journal[/I], which I think you do, he's been published there.
Unfortunately my copy of it became the causality of a misguided clean-out / yard sale binge my wife had many years ago. I read that book and then somewhere around the same time, read [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack[/I], by Franklin Burroughs, which survived that particular purging and I still have it. That is a pretty good read as well (great book with Carolina flair), but less hunting related and more fishing. Looking back, I'd rather have had the Burrough's book get traded off instead of my copy of[I] A Life Afield [/I]tho...[/QUOTE]
I remember some book or story with a croaker sack in it, but I'll have to figure out if that's the one.
You might be confusing the [I]A Life Afield [/I]I'm talking about with some other book though. It's only been out two or maybe three years max. As far as I know. He's a former hunting guide and has been writing essays for a while, but I think this is his first book (collection). Again, as far as I know. If you read [I]Gray's Sporting Journal[/I], which I think you do, he's been published there.
8.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
You must be sleepy or I wasn't clear enough. :-)
Yea, I know it was a different book (I was just referencing that I read them both at about the same time) - that was the name of the book: [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack,[/I] and it was by Franklin Burroughs.
Must have been a late night? LOL.
Yea, I know it was a different book (I was just referencing that I read them both at about the same time) - that was the name of the book: [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack,[/I] and it was by Franklin Burroughs.
Must have been a late night? LOL.
9.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
I'd heard good things about the Raines book, but now I'll put it on my list.
10.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50486]You must be sleepy or I wasn't clear enough. :-)
Yea, I know it was a different book (I was just referencing that I read them both at about the same time) - that was the name of the book: [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack,[/I] and it was by Franklin Burroughs.
Must have been a late night? LOL.[/QUOTE]
Wait, wha...? :-)
I took you to mean ALA got read and trashed "quite a few years ago," but it's only been out since 2015 or 16 (I think). Is that quite a few years ago? Maybe in Montana time? LOL
Anyway, I'm glad you liked the book. :-)
Yea, I know it was a different book (I was just referencing that I read them both at about the same time) - that was the name of the book: [I]Billy Watson's Croker Sack,[/I] and it was by Franklin Burroughs.
Must have been a late night? LOL.[/QUOTE]
Wait, wha...? :-)
I took you to mean ALA got read and trashed "quite a few years ago," but it's only been out since 2015 or 16 (I think). Is that quite a few years ago? Maybe in Montana time? LOL
Anyway, I'm glad you liked the book. :-)
11.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50482]Anyone ever read an outdoor book that on some level, you keep thinking to yourself: [I]Ummm, I don't know...some of this I'm into, and some of it not so much... [/I]
[/QUOTE]
Some people might take some of Charles Swan's writing that way but I never did, particularly on a second read.[I]The Sacred Art of Hunting[/I] and [I]In Defense of Hunting [/I] are both very good. I've read them both at least twice, and I see he has a third book on travel hunting which might be of interest to some.
[url]http://www.jamesswan.com/book-the_sacred_art_of_hunting.html[/url]
[/QUOTE]
Some people might take some of Charles Swan's writing that way but I never did, particularly on a second read.[I]The Sacred Art of Hunting[/I] and [I]In Defense of Hunting [/I] are both very good. I've read them both at least twice, and I see he has a third book on travel hunting which might be of interest to some.
[url]http://www.jamesswan.com/book-the_sacred_art_of_hunting.html[/url]
12.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
"Wait, wha...?
I took you to mean ALA got read and trashed "quite a few years ago," but it's only been out since 2015 or 16 (I think). Is that quite a few years ago? Maybe in Montana time? LOL"
Nope...you are right, [I]my bad.[/I] This is what I get for trying to do three things at once! :re: I had my books confused.
I took you to mean ALA got read and trashed "quite a few years ago," but it's only been out since 2015 or 16 (I think). Is that quite a few years ago? Maybe in Montana time? LOL"
Nope...you are right, [I]my bad.[/I] This is what I get for trying to do three things at once! :re: I had my books confused.
13.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
I've not read any of Swan's stuff - or not at least that I remember. But then again, my memory doesn't seem to be firing on all cylinders today does it?
14.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
The only prescription...is more cowbell!
15.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
I need something...may be a good stout drink with that cowbell!
I'm definitely going to check out that book from Swan - it looks interesting.
This another good book that I read and always re-read certain essays from: I never seem to get tired of them. I highly recommend this one - there are some interesting perspectives in it from multiple areas and lifestyles.
I'm definitely going to check out that book from Swan - it looks interesting.
This another good book that I read and always re-read certain essays from: I never seem to get tired of them. I highly recommend this one - there are some interesting perspectives in it from multiple areas and lifestyles.
16.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
That's one of my very favorite collections. It reminds me to mention Thomas McGuane, who has one of my favorite essays in that book.
Another excellent collection is [I]Seasons of the Hunter[/I], with my two probable favorite entries being "God Bless the Running Deer" by Robert Elman and "The Endless Cover" by Craig Woods.
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Hunter-Robert-Elman/dp/0394542134[/url]
Another excellent collection is [I]Seasons of the Hunter[/I], with my two probable favorite entries being "God Bless the Running Deer" by Robert Elman and "The Endless Cover" by Craig Woods.
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Hunter-Robert-Elman/dp/0394542134[/url]
17.) Wild Bob - 08/01/2017
I'm with you; I really like McGuane's essay in that book too. I think that dude has covered some ground in the living life department!
Here are a couple more books that I've enjoyed reading:
The first one,[I] A Quiet Place of Violence[/I], by Allen Morris Jones, is not a light read...but it is good. I'm kind of partial to it because the area he writes about is my backyard and the same area I hunt.
The second book, is a biography that my wife picked up for me. It is about a Ted Morton, a Canadian trapper from the Lesser Slave Lake area of Alberta. A great read if your into trapping and life in remote bush areas; lots of interesting hunting experiences related in this book as well.
Here are a couple more books that I've enjoyed reading:
The first one,[I] A Quiet Place of Violence[/I], by Allen Morris Jones, is not a light read...but it is good. I'm kind of partial to it because the area he writes about is my backyard and the same area I hunt.
The second book, is a biography that my wife picked up for me. It is about a Ted Morton, a Canadian trapper from the Lesser Slave Lake area of Alberta. A great read if your into trapping and life in remote bush areas; lots of interesting hunting experiences related in this book as well.
18.) Swamp Fox - 08/05/2017
Those both look good. My to-do list just got longer. :dig:
I'm in the middle--or rather more toward the end-- of Steven Rinella's [I]Meat Eater--Adventures From The Life Of An American Hunter[/I], which has been on my shelf for several years but apparently was in the right position in the pile last week.
It's a good, entertaining read and I could say more about it with more time to spare, but I logged in just to note that Rinella mentions Thomas McGuane in a footnote at the point of the book I have just come to, with the same idea that Wild Bob and I had, about the same essay, "The Heart of the Game " :
[QUOTE]...McGuane relates a conversation in which an anti-hunter challenges a deer hunter. It's one of my favorite pieces of writing of all time.
"Why should [deer] die for you? Would you die for deer?" the anti-hunter asks.
"If it came to that," the hunter replies.
[/QUOTE]
I'm in the middle--or rather more toward the end-- of Steven Rinella's [I]Meat Eater--Adventures From The Life Of An American Hunter[/I], which has been on my shelf for several years but apparently was in the right position in the pile last week.
It's a good, entertaining read and I could say more about it with more time to spare, but I logged in just to note that Rinella mentions Thomas McGuane in a footnote at the point of the book I have just come to, with the same idea that Wild Bob and I had, about the same essay, "The Heart of the Game " :
[QUOTE]...McGuane relates a conversation in which an anti-hunter challenges a deer hunter. It's one of my favorite pieces of writing of all time.
"Why should [deer] die for you? Would you die for deer?" the anti-hunter asks.
"If it came to that," the hunter replies.
[/QUOTE]
19.) Wild Bob - 08/07/2017
Nice, I'm glad to hear the Rinella noted McGuane's essay... as you said, it's a good one worth reading.
I've watched a number of the Meat Eater shows, and thought they were pretty good compared to some of the crap that gets aired for hunting shows now a days.
But one thing that kind of rubbed me about the angle he's taken in presenting the concept (about eating what you hunt) is / was the 'new concept' of it or the 'foreign concept' of doing that. I suppose part of that idea behind that may be because they are trying to pander it to ignorant, urbanized people well removed from food gathering concepts....but come on! Whoopie ****in' do-da day! Most of the rest of the world and millions of us 'developed savages' kill and process our own food. It's not that dramatic, but alas, I forget the Hollywood factor that influences so much of our culture. (Although I guess to a viewing audience that might not even take the time to consider where their ground chuck comes from...may be it is dramatic and emotionally scaring!! LOL!
Don't get me wrong, he seems like a likable guy and I'm not dishing his show or his efforts...This is just one old dinosaur's curmudgeon opinion about the 'drama' around eating what one kills.
I've watched a number of the Meat Eater shows, and thought they were pretty good compared to some of the crap that gets aired for hunting shows now a days.
But one thing that kind of rubbed me about the angle he's taken in presenting the concept (about eating what you hunt) is / was the 'new concept' of it or the 'foreign concept' of doing that. I suppose part of that idea behind that may be because they are trying to pander it to ignorant, urbanized people well removed from food gathering concepts....but come on! Whoopie ****in' do-da day! Most of the rest of the world and millions of us 'developed savages' kill and process our own food. It's not that dramatic, but alas, I forget the Hollywood factor that influences so much of our culture. (Although I guess to a viewing audience that might not even take the time to consider where their ground chuck comes from...may be it is dramatic and emotionally scaring!! LOL!
Don't get me wrong, he seems like a likable guy and I'm not dishing his show or his efforts...This is just one old dinosaur's curmudgeon opinion about the 'drama' around eating what one kills.
20.) Wild Bob - 08/07/2017
This is another favorite book of mine, one of those read it over many times books:
Despite the controversy that Don Thomas has drawn over the years (mainly locally here in Montana), I have always been a big fan of his writing. If I keep this little exercise up (posting books on here), you'll see a number of other books of Thomas' that are great reads. Anyone that enjoys traditional bow hunting will really enjoy the adventures in this book. His straight forward and insightful writing on hunting is a pleasure to read.
Despite the controversy that Don Thomas has drawn over the years (mainly locally here in Montana), I have always been a big fan of his writing. If I keep this little exercise up (posting books on here), you'll see a number of other books of Thomas' that are great reads. Anyone that enjoys traditional bow hunting will really enjoy the adventures in this book. His straight forward and insightful writing on hunting is a pleasure to read.
21.) luv2bowhunt - 08/07/2017
Here's one of my favorites.
22.) Wild Bob - 08/07/2017
:laugh: :applause::applause::tu:
23.) bluecat - 08/07/2017
It looks like a romance comedy.
24.) bluecat - 08/07/2017
...with lots of hand holding and gum chewing.
25.) Swamp Fox - 08/07/2017
LMAO!---You, sir, win the internet for the day!
I think I found my new laptop wallpaper... I can hold my computer sideways...
I think I found my new laptop wallpaper... I can hold my computer sideways...
26.) Swamp Fox - 08/07/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50677]It looks like a romance comedy.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=bluecat;50678]...with lots of hand holding and gum chewing.[/QUOTE]
My alter alter ego:
[QUOTE=bluecat;50678]...with lots of hand holding and gum chewing.[/QUOTE]
My alter alter ego:
27.) Wild Bob - 08/08/2017
Come on guys. Y'all can't tell me that Swampy and me are the only guys that read around here.
[I]Or, may be we are.[/I]..LOL! :-)
Seriously, I can't believe that no one else doesn't have anything to contribute to this list. Don't be shy, post up those out door reads worth checking out!
[I]Or, may be we are.[/I]..LOL! :-)
Seriously, I can't believe that no one else doesn't have anything to contribute to this list. Don't be shy, post up those out door reads worth checking out!
28.) luv2bowhunt - 08/08/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50693]Come on guys. Y'all can't tell me that Swampy and me are the only guys that read around here.[/QUOTE]
Bob, I read a lot, just not outdoor books. So, I have nothing to offer in this category.
Bob, I read a lot, just not outdoor books. So, I have nothing to offer in this category.
29.) DParker - 08/08/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50693]Come on guys. Y'all can't tell me that Swampy and me are the only guys that read around here.[/quote]
I'm just barely functionally literate.
But seriously, I pretty much exhausted my interest in reading about other people's hunting adventures shortly after I first took up the pursuit. It was interesting to me then because it was new and I was still becoming acquainted with all of the experiences and emotions that go along with being in the field. But now all of my hunting-related reading is with regard to how-to informational stuff (mostly on-line resources) and tips on cooking game meat.
I'm just barely functionally literate.
But seriously, I pretty much exhausted my interest in reading about other people's hunting adventures shortly after I first took up the pursuit. It was interesting to me then because it was new and I was still becoming acquainted with all of the experiences and emotions that go along with being in the field. But now all of my hunting-related reading is with regard to how-to informational stuff (mostly on-line resources) and tips on cooking game meat.
30.) Wild Bob - 08/09/2017
Looking back at my post yesterday - I suppose I should have clarified; I wouldn't want anyone to take my comment the wrong way, I was referring to reading 'outdoor related' works. Hence the title of the post thread, and I think most everyone got that, but I wouldn't want to come off as arrogant with the prompt towards others to add anything.
Also, by way of clarification; obviously what each of us picks out to read, reflects our own tastes and interests. I understand that what any of us chooses read may or may not resonate with someone or even anyone else around here. The intent was merely to open the door to other books that others may not be familiar with. If you see something interesting, on here and choose to pursue reading it; great! If you don't and could care a less, great!
Another clarification, 'outdoor related' material: I was hoping that term would cast a larger net to our limited audience. And maybe even prompt some lurkers to chime in... Personally, my interests are diverse as far as 'outdoor' related writings and I find the [I]Foxfire[/I] series just as interesting as some of the other works that I posted on here. In my mind, outdoor related could just as easily include any non fiction writing relating to gardening, cabin building, or whatever anyone feels like would be worth reading. As Parker mentioned, cook books and food prep books are another great subcategory that could be thrown into the mix here. Blue, I've always been interested in your work with wine making...any worthwhile reads there?
As I mentioned in an earlier post, very few of the books / memoirs that I have listed on here fall into the 'hunting how to' or just 'this is my big adventure killing a nappy headed meadow chicken' writing. That type of writing is not very interesting to me either. The books that I've listed (and it appears the ones Swampy listed as well) are based on philosophical and or historical points of view. For example, each of the trapping related books that I mentioned here are laced with historical information about the life styles and regions where they took place. I like getting history from the people that lived it - their view almost always puts things into perspective and sheds a new light on the canned information dished out to all of us by academic history writers, many of which are often biased in their presentation of the facts. Case in point; natural resource uses; rarely do the academic history accounts provide accurate information about how those policies affected local populations.
Anyhow, take it as you will, take it as you won't ...who cares about this stuff anyway? But if anyone discovers a book here that they think may be worth spending some time reading; then it was a worthwhile exercise. I know I've added several to my list that will make those long winter evenings pass a bit more pleasantly.
Also, by way of clarification; obviously what each of us picks out to read, reflects our own tastes and interests. I understand that what any of us chooses read may or may not resonate with someone or even anyone else around here. The intent was merely to open the door to other books that others may not be familiar with. If you see something interesting, on here and choose to pursue reading it; great! If you don't and could care a less, great!
Another clarification, 'outdoor related' material: I was hoping that term would cast a larger net to our limited audience. And maybe even prompt some lurkers to chime in... Personally, my interests are diverse as far as 'outdoor' related writings and I find the [I]Foxfire[/I] series just as interesting as some of the other works that I posted on here. In my mind, outdoor related could just as easily include any non fiction writing relating to gardening, cabin building, or whatever anyone feels like would be worth reading. As Parker mentioned, cook books and food prep books are another great subcategory that could be thrown into the mix here. Blue, I've always been interested in your work with wine making...any worthwhile reads there?
As I mentioned in an earlier post, very few of the books / memoirs that I have listed on here fall into the 'hunting how to' or just 'this is my big adventure killing a nappy headed meadow chicken' writing. That type of writing is not very interesting to me either. The books that I've listed (and it appears the ones Swampy listed as well) are based on philosophical and or historical points of view. For example, each of the trapping related books that I mentioned here are laced with historical information about the life styles and regions where they took place. I like getting history from the people that lived it - their view almost always puts things into perspective and sheds a new light on the canned information dished out to all of us by academic history writers, many of which are often biased in their presentation of the facts. Case in point; natural resource uses; rarely do the academic history accounts provide accurate information about how those policies affected local populations.
Anyhow, take it as you will, take it as you won't ...who cares about this stuff anyway? But if anyone discovers a book here that they think may be worth spending some time reading; then it was a worthwhile exercise. I know I've added several to my list that will make those long winter evenings pass a bit more pleasantly.
31.) bluecat - 08/09/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;50697]I'm just barely functionally literate.[/QUOTE]
I knowed that.
I knowed that.
32.) DParker - 08/09/2017
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;50720]'this is my big adventure killing a nappy headed meadow chicken'[/QUOTE]
Hey...I'd actually read that, if you know where I can get a copy. :p
Hey...I'd actually read that, if you know where I can get a copy. :p
33.) Jon - 08/09/2017
Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense by Massad Ayoub. It's a must read for anyone who might carry a weapon
34.) Wild Bob - 08/10/2017
Any of you guys ever read Frank Troy's short book entitled [I]Accuracy[/I]? (A brief guide to precision shooting)
I thought it was a pretty interesting quick read about shooting. I'm sure there are much more informative detailed books out there on the topic, but for a quick read, I got some good info from it.
I thought it was a pretty interesting quick read about shooting. I'm sure there are much more informative detailed books out there on the topic, but for a quick read, I got some good info from it.
35.) Swamp Fox - 08/10/2017
Haven't read that one, but Wayne Van Zwoll's [I]The Hunter's Guide To Accurate Shooting [/I]is very good. It's been a while since I've been through it, but I remember it as a good blend of basic info, beyond basic info, and entertaining. As soon as you mentioned [I]Accuracy[/I], I immediately recalled this one. I might put it next on my list for a re-read.
I have a fairly impressive book on accurizing rifles somewhere, but can't recall the name or author. If I come across it I'll post it.
I have a fairly impressive book on accurizing rifles somewhere, but can't recall the name or author. If I come across it I'll post it.
36.) Swamp Fox - 08/10/2017
I always read Ayoob's stuff when I come across it. Seems to always have good info. Haven't read the book though.
37.) Swamp Fox - 09/03/2017
I just finished Russell Thornberry's [I]Trophies of the Heart[/I] a few nights ago. It's another book I've had forever but just got around to. It covers moose, whitetail and bear hunting in Canada, mostly, with some species like sheep, coues and mountain lions thrown in, and some other areas covered, like Mongolia, Iowa and SC (LOL). I was surprised at what he had to say about his deer hunting in SC but I won't spoil it.
Thornberry's had an extraordinary life and is a good storyteller. A few of the chapters stand out, "Contenders" and "Trophies of the Heart Trilogy" most notable, about old deer and old deer hunters and about three generations of deer hunting memories, respectively.
I have a few nits to pick, but the book's a fun read, and considering Thornberry's high profile and ability to tell a story, probably one you want in your library.
[url]http://www.russellthornberry.com/products.html[/url]
You can get it less expensively on Amazon. Again, the e-book is higher than the print version. :cf:
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Trophies-Heart-Russell-Thornberry/dp/1586670123[/url]
Thornberry's had an extraordinary life and is a good storyteller. A few of the chapters stand out, "Contenders" and "Trophies of the Heart Trilogy" most notable, about old deer and old deer hunters and about three generations of deer hunting memories, respectively.
I have a few nits to pick, but the book's a fun read, and considering Thornberry's high profile and ability to tell a story, probably one you want in your library.
[url]http://www.russellthornberry.com/products.html[/url]
You can get it less expensively on Amazon. Again, the e-book is higher than the print version. :cf:
[url]https://www.amazon.com/Trophies-Heart-Russell-Thornberry/dp/1586670123[/url]