valuman Posted January 7, 2011 The thread on the Serious Grouse Hunting book got me to wondering, what are the books that a serious grouse hunter should read to get the most insight and useful information on pursuing The King? I know the names that get tossed around here and some of those books seem to be collectible these days, so maybe we should look at two categories: those books that are currently in print and those that are out of print. After getting a solid list here, a poll might make sense to get a good feel for what the UJ brain trust considers the best of the best. What say you, grouse hunters? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunshatt Posted January 7, 2011 very little in the books I read seem to have much relevance to my hunting style. the old "classics" speak of farm stead and orchard covers.... I still find those but I'm about 30 years to late. The new books remind me of pheasant hunting manifesto's.... about the only thing that I've learned much from (other than UJ) was the NorthWinds manuals.........this for practical, applicable information..... for feel good stuff, it's the old classics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Briarscratch Posted January 7, 2011 As far as practical "how-to" books? At the time I read it, about 4 years into the sport, I found Walrod's book to be very good. The books I read prior were more focused on the midwest and Walrod's book was more geared to New England. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rprovines Posted January 7, 2011 very little in the books I read seem to have much relevance to my hunting style. the old "classics" speak of farm stead and orchard covers.... I still find those but I'm about 30 years to late. Oh well ****, just rush right to the keyboard and write ya a ******* book, anyone can do it, it's popular. People will think you're pretty hot sh!t. It's the next natural step in your upland evolution. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uplander Posted January 7, 2011 I'm a firm believer that more can be gained by reading the "classics" than strictly the more technical "how-to" books. My suggestions (in no particular order) of books that a pa'tridge hunter (who likes books) might want to have on his shelf is as follows: New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller More Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller Grouse Feathers Again, by Burton Spiller Ruffed Grouse, by John Alden Knight Partridge Shortenin', by Grandpa Grouse Stick-Season Grouse, by Ted Ross Hunting the Sun, by Ted Lundrigan A Bird in the Hand, by Ted Lundrigan Grouse and Lesser Gods, by Ted Lundrigan A Grouse Hunter's Almanac, by Mark Parman The Ruffed Grouse, by Frank Edminster Ruffed Grouse, by Sally Atwater and Judith Schnell You'll note that I have no George Bird Evans in my suggested list. I know many here consider him a major deity in the pa'tridge hunting world, but I can't abide his writing style, and am not a believer in many of the ideas he held. Which is kind of ironic given that the fellow (Mark Jeffrey Volk) who I consider to have written the best set of all-around pa'tridge hunting/trout fishing/country living/sportsman books in more than a generation (The Upland Way, The Hickory Wind, Homesick, Pages from a Mountain Journal Vols I & II) is greatly influenced by Evans. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WI Brookie Guy Posted January 8, 2011 I'm a firm believer that more can be gained by reading the "classics" than strictly the more technical "how-to" books. My suggestions (in no particular order) of books that a pa'tridge hunter (who likes books) might want to have on his shelf is as follows: New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller More Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller Grouse Feathers Again, by Burton Spiller Ruffed Grouse, by John Alden Knight Partridge Shortenin', by Grandpa Grouse Stick-Season Grouse, by Ted Ross Hunting the Sun, by Ted Lundrigan A Bird in the Hand, by Ted Lundrigan Grouse and Lesser Gods, by Ted Lundrigan A Grouse Hunter's Almanac, by Mark Parman The Ruffed Grouse, by Frank Edminster Ruffed Grouse, by Sally Atwater and Judith Schnell You'll note that I have no George Bird Evans in my suggested list. I know many here consider him a major deity in the pa'tridge hunting world, but I can't abide his writing style, and am not a believer in many of the ideas he held. Which is kind of ironic given that the fellow (Mark Jeffrey Volk) who I consider to have written the best set of all-around pa'tridge hunting/trout fishing/country living/sportsman books in more than a generation (The Upland Way, The Hickory Wind, Homesick, Pages from a Mountain Journal Vols I & II) is greatly influenced by Evans. If you had Gordon Gullion's Grouse of the North Shore on your list, I would've sworn that you lifted mine from another website. :'> I also agree with your assessment on GBE. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bryan Lee Posted January 8, 2011 I'm a firm believer that more can be gained by reading the "classics" than strictly the more technical "how-to" books. My suggestions (in no particular order) of books that a pa'tridge hunter (who likes books) might want to have on his shelf is as follows: New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller More Grouse Feathers, by Burton Spiller Grouse Feathers Again, by Burton Spiller Ruffed Grouse, by John Alden Knight Partridge Shortenin', by Grandpa Grouse Stick-Season Grouse, by Ted Ross Hunting the Sun, by Ted Lundrigan A Bird in the Hand, by Ted Lundrigan Grouse and Lesser Gods, by Ted Lundrigan A Grouse Hunter's Almanac, by Mark Parman The Ruffed Grouse, by Frank Edminster Ruffed Grouse, by Sally Atwater and Judith Schnell You'll note that I have no George Bird Evans in my suggested list. I know many here consider him a major deity in the pa'tridge hunting world, but I can't abide his writing style, and am not a believer in many of the ideas he held. Which is kind of ironic given that the fellow (Mark Jeffrey Volk) who I consider to have written the best set of all-around pa'tridge hunting/trout fishing/country living/sportsman books in more than a generation (The Upland Way, The Hickory Wind, Homesick, Pages from a Mountain Journal Vols I & II) is greatly influenced by Evans. Uppie?? I must admit that you have a fine list. however.... I am shocked and dismayed that you do not have "The Whispering Wings of Autumn" by Gene Hill & Steve Smith Shame shame :'> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skybuster Posted January 8, 2011 I'll add four more to the list above: The Grouse Hunter's Almanac by Chris Dorsey Grouse and Grouse Hunting by Frank Woolner The Gallant Grouse by Cecil E. Heacox Drummer in the Woods by Burton Spiller All but Dorsey are/were Easterners Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Checo Posted January 8, 2011 I enjoyed Woolner's book on grouse hunting (mentioned above). I also enjoyed his book on woodcock hunting. Briar mentioned Walrod's book, also a good read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
henryrski Posted January 8, 2011 Number 3 on GBE. He was a pompous ass IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisMcFeely Posted January 8, 2011 Any book by Tom Word. Actually he hasn't written any grouse hunting books I'm aware of I just thought I'd throw in a plug as I believe him to be the singular most talented writer and storyteller among the recommended authors I've read so far on bird hunting/trialing. * Foster's book is the gift that keeps on giving IMHO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brushbuster Posted January 8, 2011 X2 The Ruffed Grouse Altwater and Schnell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ben Hong Posted January 8, 2011 the old "classics" speak of farm stead and orchard covers.... I still find those but I'm about 30 years to late. Tim I am surprised that you feel that way. You spend quite a bit of time with some backwoods NBers dontcha? We still mainly hunt grouse in the farmsteads and orchards. The Cote boys in a farmstead/orchard. Typical abandoned roadside orchard. As far as reading books is concerned, I believe that there is more practical information to be gleaned by spending the time perusing thread in this forum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted January 8, 2011 Grouse & Woodcock: A Gunner's Guide by Don Johnson Practical and informative. No flowery BS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
valuman Posted January 8, 2011 As far as reading books is concerned, I believe that there is more practical information to be gleaned by spending the time perusing thread in this forum. Oh, I have learned much about birds from this forum and will continue to read it. Hell, I think I'm a UJ addict at this point, but there are times when a book feels better in my hands than a laptop and there's no internet at camp either. I guess I'm just a little old fashioned too. :'> What a great list of books you guys have going here, too many for a poll I think. Maybe someone could list their top ten in a poll? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
