I occasionally receive books on some aspect of the “outdoors” I like to introduce in this column – from memoirs that share personal experiences that both teach and entertain, to reference books that offer tips on various types of outdoor adventures and resources. Sometimes, in doing so, they remind us of the environment in which we like to play – and the challenges those settings carry with them…and something to keep on file in the back of our self-reliant minds. Here’s a brief introduction of several suggested additions to your cabin/camp library:

My Life Outdoors – 50 Years Hunting and Fishing Across America/Kenneth Kieser – Ken’s a gifted outdoor writing friend I’ve enjoyed knowing for many years as a fellow member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (from which, among other organizations) where Ken’s has garnered numerous writing awards. His stories are as endearing to read as he is to chat with in person. From hunting Atlantic eiders to harvesting South Dakota walleye and pheasants to Tennessee cat fishing, Ken seasons each anecdotal story with well-chosen analogies and usually very exacting details on the gear he was using for any particular fishing or hunting trip. That, coupled with some reflective, shared special moments, provides readers with a kindred sense of why Ken’s the gifted outdoor writer he continues to be. 

The Jon Boat Years/Jim Mize – Jim spreads a spattering of analogies throughout his prose that are divided between fly fishing in the first part of the book and a mix of deer and game bird hunts in the later half. Each story combines a style of describing an experience with a sprinkling of creative analogies to enhance each telling. I’m not a fly fisherman but found that I could easily relate to the sensibilities he expressed as he shared descriptive and informative adventures casting on some remote pool in some remote river. 

For Everything There Is A Season – Stories From The Porch/ Allan Crater – Allan’s book is all about fly fishing – broken down into four seasonally grouped stories that put you both in the same river and the same mindset as the author as you enjoy each analogy and metaphor he recruits to share each scenarios he describes – always penning a thorough description throughout each story that puts you right into the scene every time. He also offers a seasonal recipe at the end of each section (Winter’s Bacon, Beer & Brown Sugar Venison Chili for example).

A  Cast Away in Montana/Tim Schulz – Ever wondered what it would be like to pack up your fly fishing gear and head out west to experience the kind of trip you’ve always fantasized about? Imagine, too, that you could skillfully craft your words and thoughts and impressions into a plethora of creative, spot-on analogies and clever metaphors on almost every single page of the keenly description-filled book you’d write about that journey? Well, you’d be Tim  Schulz and this could be his Montana fly-fishing opus.

Schulz’s journey criscrosses the network of backroads that eventually lead from one Montana mountain backdrop, trout-filled honey hole to the next. “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey”  certainly applies here – although there are myriad “destinations” cited throughout that play a definitive role in each telling. His description of flies and casting techniques reveals the author to excel at fly fishing – and writing! 

Let’s Learn To Fish /Dan Armitage – While it easily fits into the “Children” or “Youth” category of books, its detailed information and illustrations clearly makes it a thorough and handy reference for anyone wanting to learn how to fish. Armitage explains to readers all about tackle, bait, rigging and casting – all in preparation for the guidance he offers to actually wet a line (from cane pole to bobber to types of reels) and then land and process the fish you now know how to catch.

Any kid who has ever expressed interest in the sport should enjoy this book for its thoroughness and detail of the basics of fishing. It’s a good choice for the bookshelf in the summer cabin, too…for any wanna-be angler to introduce themselves to fishing. 

I’m Building A Nest/ Saskia Gwinn & Adam MIng – Subtitled “How 50 Animal Make Their Homes”aptly describes what this book is all about. A classic children’s educational “fun learning” book that showcases how and where many different animals (those that burrow, weave, pile pebbles and other techniques) build their nests. Besides learning these techniques, the reader also is introduced to many species of critters they may never have heard of before. 

Encyclopedia Of Birds/ Jules Howard; Editor – Namasri Niumim; Illustrations – Descriptive snippets of characteristics of over 300 birds from around the world are compiled in an easy-to-reference format. Colorful, hand-painted illustrations, coupled with each’s common and latin name, length, diet and where they are found within categories that include: Parrots & Allies, Pigeons & Doves, Tunnel-nesters and an odd collection called “Forgotten Birds”. This, too, is a book that can be appreciated by both children and older readers who enjoy curious facts about our global feathered friends.

Axe In Hand – A WoodChopper’s Guide to Blades, Wood & Fire / Nicole Coenen – This could easily be titled “The History and Intimate Detailed Use of the Woodsman’s Axe”, or more appropriately the …Woodswoman’s Axe! As former videographer, Nicole Coenen, offers a brief overview of pretty much every aspect of the axe: its place in history, chopping wood, caring for, use in the woods, all about firewood and building fires – all featuring her expertise regarding the axe at the heart of each chapter.

Each section is enhanced with little known details about axes and oftentimes about the environment in which they are used. Photo sequences help illustrate information, too.  Even if the only “axe” you own is a Fender guitar, but do love the outdoors, having your “Axe In Hand” will be a great, informative and entertaining read.

Guiding and Planning Adventures – the Art of Leadership/Wayne Horodowich – If you know anyone who’s ever talked about starting their own guiding business, be it canoe trips, custom hunts or leisure backpacking treks, a book literally hot off the presses offers professionally-honed recommendations and advice on developing a well-rounded, structured and experiential approach to all aspects of leading a group.

Wayne Horodowich, a well-respected professional in the field of outdoor leadership, shares 30 years of guiding know-how (and why for?) one needs to be a truly professional guide, no matter what the venue or theme. 

Even if your leadership demands only cover packing up the family coach for a weekend of camping, you might find useful information within these well-crafted, instructional pages.