If you are doing last-minute Christmas shopping for the sportsman or sportswoman in your life, books about hunting, fishing and the Maine outdoors make great gifts that are sure to please. They make a personal gift and, best of all, are within a price range that is reasonable.
For a wide array of Maine outdoor books, check out this website: www.sportingjournal.com and simply click on “Outdoor Books.” You will find a large collection of outdoor books, complete with a synopsis of each book, their prices and instructions on how to order.
For what it’s worth, here are four of my top choices:
1. “The Deer Hunter’s Digest,” edited by V. Paul Reynolds
From the vast 30-year archives of the Northwoods Sporting Journal, the most memorable and useful articles about deer hunting, and other big game hunting, have been selected and included in this 377-page repository, a one-of-a-kind collection that is a must-have for the book shelf or bed stand of any serious deer hunter. This comprehensive digest includes wonderful photographs and covers every aspect of deer hunting written by seasoned hunters who know the deer woods like no others. From hunting strategies to the best deer rifles, meat preparation and personal reflections from special deer camps, “The Deer Hunter’s Digest” covers it. Edited by Northwoods Sporting Journal editor, V. Paul Reynolds, this limited edition of “The Deer Hunter’s Digest” is available for $24.95, plus an additional $6 to cover postage, to: Maine Outdoor Publications, 51 Branchview N., Ellsworth, ME 04605.
2. “Night Killers Blood Lusting Poachers,” by Timothy C. Flanigan
Retired Pennsylvania Game Warden Timothy C. Flanigan puts the reader in the right-hand seat on night patrol. In his new book, ”Night Killers: Blood Lusting Poachers”, he recounts incidents of investigating, pursuing, arresting and prosecuting villainous night hunters encountered during his 30-year career in these immersive, action-packed true tales of poacher attempts to take wildlife illegally. You can buy it through Amazon.com for $14.95 for paperback or $21,95 for hardcover, then settle in for all the action.
3. “Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon,” by Bob Leeman and Dick Stewart
At long last, revived from the fishing book archives, THE authoritative book on New England streamer flies — how to tie them and how to use them — is available. ”Trolling Flies for Trout and Salmon” by Dick Stewart and Bob Leeman was first published in 1982 and again in 1992. The book comprises 125 pages with color plates of more than 90 classic streamer flies and tying recipes from a Winnipesaukee Smelt to a Barney Google and Rangeley Centennial. Leeman and Stewart also share many tips and tactics for trolling streamers for trout and salmon throughout New England. Send a check for $29.95 ($24.95 plus $5 for postage) to Maine Outdoor Publications, 51 Branchview N., Ellsworth, ME 04605
4. “A Long Way to Walk,” by Norman R. Kalloch Jr.
The story of Benedict Arnold’s march through Maine and Quebec in 1775 and the Forbes family journey in the reverse direction in 1784 has been brought together in a most unique and amazing way by Arnold historian and author Norman Kalloch Jr. His version of the Forbeses’ heartbreaking journey has brought a new and wonderful sense of what could have happened, mingled with places and facts in Maine history. This ordeal is now a story no one will forget, said Kenny R. Wing, co-author, “The Lost Village of Flagstaff Lake.” This book is available for $18.95 at book stores, sporting goods stores and other Maine retail outlets or from Maine Authors Publishing in Thomaston.
Finally, don’t overlook a gift subscription to the Northwoods Sporting Journal for the sportsman in your life. Just call the Norrthwoods Sporting Journal at 207 732 4880 or use the website at www.sportingjournal.com.
Merry Christmas!
V. Paul Reynolds is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has written three books.Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com, Outdoor Books.
