Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Adirondackman on December 08, 2007, 10:42:00 AM
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My wife purchased this book for me for Christmas. Good thing that I got the mail before she did. I finished it in a few evenings - just couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much that I started to read it again. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves traditional bowhunting. Get it on your Christmas list - for yourself and a friend.
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I'm happy to hear a good report on that book. I saw it in TBM and thought to myself "I NEED that book."
AND...
I know it's not good to judge a book by it's cover, but looking at the cover made me instantly think about the big bull you know is hiding up in that dark timber. Man, it doesn't take much to get me going.
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Where do you find this book. I am in dire need of a good read right now!
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Right Here.
http://www.davidpetersenbooks.com/
Brian
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I thought that book had very little info about Elk hunting. And though I agree with many of Dave's ideas, if I read one more line about how he hates ATV's and elk calling, I was going to be sick. Every chapter he bashed something. I couldn't finsh the book.
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this book is a collection of stories, essays, and columns that appeared mostly in TBM, and other Dave P books, and a wonderful read, as always.
it's not a book about Elk hunting.
Secondly, Hunting needs a good basher like Dave, to keep the "hunting gear" industry on a short leash
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I saw the review of the in the latest issue of Traditional Bowhunter magazine. It's definitely on my "must get" list.
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Originally posted by Alex.B:
this book is a collection of stories, essays, and columns that appeared mostly in TBM, and other Dave P books, and a wonderful read, as always.
it's not is a book about Elk hunting.
Secondly, Hunting needs a good basher like Dave, to keep the "hunting gear" industry on a short leash
:thumbsup: I couldn't have stated the case any better than that myself. Dave is a good, principled man and we are very fortunate to have him and his countless informative posts here at TG.
-Sharps
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I agree, someone has to champion the moral and ethical principles of hunting otherwise our beloved sport becomes another meaningless free for all. The book is about Elk Hunting plus much more. I encourage you to read it and decide for yourself. I have read all the trad classics plus anthing about Traditional Hunting that I can get my hands on and thoroughly enjoyed this book.I would rate it in the top 5.
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I rate it as zero. I hunt the way I do because I want to. I don't care if a guy wants to use a compound, ATV or how he or she wants to hunt. That's up to them and I leave them alone. It's their right. God bless them. I read for enjoyment and to fill in the times I can't be outdoors. That book complains about to many hunters, people building homes on their own land, hikers, hunters other then stick and string and so many other things. Why? What's the point? Try to enjoy what you do and don't worry about the other guy. You are not any better then the next guy because you shoot traditional. That's one of the nice things about being outdoors. If you don't like what's front of you, you can go the other dirction.
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have not read the book, but,I agree with killinstuff
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I recently bought the book, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Seemed like it would be nice winter time reading, so I've been saving it.
I don't have to read the book to be familiar with Dave's ideas on ATV's, development, etc. And while I don't adhere to Dave's principals to the extent he advocates, I certainly do understand that those things can affect far more than the people using them.
If you've humped your butt up a mountain to be at the top by daybreak only to have a yahoo come puttin' up on his ATV, I would think it might upset you. I've hunted wilderness areas and come across ATV tracks in places they never should have been.
The property just to the north of an area I have elk hunted has been parceled off into 40 acres sections, and weekend homes are springing up all over the mountianside. That was some quality elk habitat that will never be the same. Sure, they own it, and get to do what they want, but it does affect more than just what happens on their little 40 acre chunk.
With all that being said, I own an ATV and a hunting cabin on a small farm here in WI. I do try hard to use them responsibly, and not affect or impact anyone else with my use.
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Anyway, I hope Dave shot a nice big fat one this year and makes a few dollars off this book.
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thats what makes this country so great is that we all have our choice on how we choose to hunt or live,americans have died for this right since our birth and are continuing to do so today,we need not bicker amongst ourselves when so much blood has been spilled for these freedoms.
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In these times of threatened seasons and super-hi-tech hunting; we need a guy like Dave to be our collective conscience ;)
It is not about "how" we hunt, rather "why" we hunt. :)
BD
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i truly enjoy dave's style of writting and although i don't totally agree with his philosiphy on certain subjects i respect his passion for his beliefs.the jarhead has a good sense of humor.
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Yes we all don't have to agree on everything, but I enjoy when a guy who might not think just like me can clearly articulate why he believes he is right.
Does that make sense? :confused: :D
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We certainly don't have to all agree...but we do need to keep the debate alive. We don't grow as hunters, or police ourselves with the "anything goes" attitude of many. It takes courage and commitment, and caring, quite frankly to stand up and talk about convictions, especially when you know that what you have to say will make most folks have to look at their own actions and questions their own reasons. I commend David and others like him who take a stand. Those of you who "don't care"...well, I don't have much opinion one way or the other about your convictions...you have none! What we have today, as far as our seasons and opportunities is a result of those few who care to take a stand, and not the anything goes crowd. Brutal honest truth, there, my friends. So agree with him or disagree, but stand for something and be willing to make your case.
ATV's, used legally and correctly, I have little problem with. They can be a legitimate tool. However, like anything else, tools that make lazy, uncaring people even lazier...that degrades our image as hunters. Has nothing to do with traditional bowhunting, but everything to do as hunters who "supposedly care" about the resource and the opportunity to participate in the pastime.
It is getting worse every year. This year, the last weekend of our general season, I was sitting in a cottonwood tree, hoping to fill my last doe tag. My buddy was a half-mile away, doing the same, except he also had a buck tag. We were bowhunting, and it was gun season. That's OK, we do this every year. A group of four ATV's drove by...I could hear them coming a mile away...cruising the edge of the creek bottom we were hunting. This was a small corner of the whole, and it was easy to see our vehicle parked away from the lip of the creek and a half-mile out, so that we would not spook deer going into the area. They knew we were hunting this corner of the property, which is miles long. Every one of those guys, aimed their loaded guns at us in our treestands (we were clearly visable to them and wearing our orange vests) to check us out, before continuing on through the area we were hunting, and crossing the creek and coming back the other side, then once again doing the same. The brush on the creek is maybe 60 to 75 yards across.
Despite our yelling, and giving them the finger as they spied us through the scopes of their loaded rifles....they ignored us. The next day they did the same thing, and we left the area.
These individuals had no right even having a firearm, IMO, let alone cruising around in ATV's ruining our hunt. You think I should "care" about their rights!!!? It is not a big free-for-all out there folks....there has to be some constraints on other's actions. And we all have to be engaged in the debate.
I have a couple of David's other books, and his writing is top-notch, I think. Thanks for your insights and passion David. This book will be on my shelves soon as well.
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Guys who use their scopes to glass other hunters should be arrested for it. Pointing a weapon at someone on the street would get you locked up. There needs to be accountability for idiotic behavior. Having been on the wrong end of some pretty big guns, this is one of my biggest pet peeves.
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i havent hunted with a firearm since i left the marine corps but i don't bash those who do,i made my choice,i own a 4 wheeler but use it on the farm to fix fence,fill feeders and mineral stations for the deer,i don't hunt over these feeders but then again i don't judge those who do.i've used traditional eguipment since 1987 and have never looked back.we make our choices and live by our convictions,we can't expect everyone to live by the same standards that we have set for ourselves,we're differant and thats what sets us apart,wright or wrong it was our choice.they'rs always gonna be people who are of low character in our ranks as hunters and there are idiots out there everywhere that shouldn't be in the woods period.its good to push the envelope from time to time so god bless dave for never tiring from it and i'll also own his new book-go get'em dave.
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First of all, it won't hurt you a bit to read something you don't entirely agree with--might even be good for you. But I didn't get the sense anywhere in the book that Dave would condemn anyone for making a different weapon choice than he has even though he has strong, deeply rooted reasons for his choice. The overall impression I get is more one of celebration and appreciation than complaint although he does clearly state the threats he perceives to the things he dearly loves. There are only a handful of writers in traditional archery who manage, as writers, to be truly worthy of its spirit and Dave is one of them. But don't just read A Man Made of Elk--read all of Dave's books--really, he's one of the best we have.
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I think one important thing to remember is to disagree with respect until given reason not to
such as using your rifle scope to glass another hunter, never heard of that one before, if I saw someone pointing a weapon at me in the woods like that I would probably shoot them.
To me the respect shown for others by everyone here is a big part of why I'm here so much. I thought my member number was high when I joined but now there are so many more here, lets do our best to keep this the best there is :thumbsup: even when we don't see eye to eye.
I've never read one of Dave's books but I've read and loved all his storys I've seen in the magazines.
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I don't care for his writing, there is better out there.
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Take Mr. Petersen's books as you will...I doubt Dave would lose much sleep over if you like his writing or not. He is one "outdoor writer" (Sorry Dave i hate that term) that walks the talk he does. How many elk hunters or hunters in general have the kind of passion and respect for the animals they hunt and the hunt in general. Not only that how many fight for those beliefs?
Read a few of Dave's books and you realize his love for the wild and everything in it. Whether it's a grizzly or down to a wren or mountain flower. He points out the what needs to be changed or looked at in a hardway with todays "sportsman" and hunting. I respect him for having the guts to write his feelings,thoughts,passions and sharing his personal life with the world.
Read more than one of his books, and spend some time walking in his shoes before you judge.
Also grab a couple of Ed Abbey's books, Reg Darling, TJ Conrad, or E. Donnall Thomas Jr and open your mind!
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I have read his books, along with Abbey, Thomas, Olson, Leopold, and a host of others. Like I said, I did not care his writing, some of his attitudes expressed in his book, his postings on some bowhunting related websites, nor his appearance on a tv hunting show.
I don't lose sleep either concerning whether someone agrees or disagrees with my opinion. However, there is more to judge a man by than how he respects animals and whether he is a traditional bowhunter. Sorry Drew, I have an open mind, open your mind to the fact that not everyone may see things the same way you do.
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Thanks guys after reading this thread I ordered the book. I get the impression that Mr. Petersen's book promotes "locals only" type attitude, coupled with "if you don't want to do the work". I guess that I will enjoy the book and my favorite books are by Mr. Abbey.
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Jeff, sent ya a pm.. you seem confused the post was not to bash you or even directed just to you.
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It is comments like these (and others)
"There are only a handful of writers in traditional archery who manage, as writers, to be truly worthy of its spirit"
that makes me wonder about "tradition" archery.
All I wanted to do was sling some arrows with a recurve and longbow (maybe someday a selfbow) and I wanted to do it better. It is frustrating to have to wade through all this worthiness and religion stuff just to do that.
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Drew, thanks for the PM and the comments, I can understand why you are a fan of his work. Good luck and take care.
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I don't get the sense that Dave is "Judging" anyone.
He does call attention to things he believes are the wrong path. I freely admit to that trait in myself. He bases his on experience. I blame mine on having lived in an older, better (to me) time. The "good old days" of archery, really were.
Seems any time a discussion of Ethics comes up, a lot of folks claim that if it's Legal, it's OK. I won't trust my Ethics, or Morals for that matter to a bunch of Politicians.
I like Peterson's writing. No I don't agree with ALL of his opinions, but I do agree with a lot of them.
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Haven't read the book yet, but I should get it this Christmas. To the folks that don't care for Mr. Petersons writings, don't read anymore of them. A writer should write about the things he is passionate about and he should share that passion with his readers. If you find yourself in agreement, great. If you don't, that is great too. I think that we all have a passion for one thing or another and the longer we indulge in that passion the harder it is for us to understand why others don't feel the same way we do. Kind of like bashing the authors of book about different shooting styles....I've read about all of them and learned a little something from each book and have developed my own style in the process. Just because I don't gap shoot doesn't mean it doesn't work. I'm anxious to read Mr. Peterson's book(s). I'll bet I learn something even if I'm not trying! LOL! Mike
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"A writer should write about the things he is passionate about and he should share that passion with his readers. If you find yourself in agreement, great. If you don't, that is great too. I think that we all have a passion for one thing or another and the longer we indulge in that passion the harder it is for us to understand why others don't feel the same way we do."
Well Said Mike, :clapper: :clapper:
T Downing
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I have the great priveledge of calling Dave my friend. He is one of the good guys. His writing is thoughtful, passionate and poignant. Dave really really cares about the wilderness and more importantly about the "Wildness" of things.
While you may not agree with some of his opinions or reasons, I think all would agree that Dave is a wonderful and entertaining writer. I have read all of Dave's books. I'm certain everyone one who spends time in the great outdoors would benefit from reading a Man Made of Elk.
Yes, we all have the right to disagree and I don't fault any man for expressing his opinions. But with that said I encourage everyone to read some of, if not all of Dave's work. Hey, this is a man who cares about Wildness and wild things. He works for the better of all. Like his opinons or not we need more guys like him out there.
As for me...I loved the book!!
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Even when we don't agree with everything he might believe, it has us all at least thinking about some of the issues he is passionate about. And that can only be a good thing - whether you follow his ideas exactly, agree with some but not others, or disagree entirely, thinking about the issues can go a long way to understanding both sides of it.
The more we can all learn to look at these kind of issues objectively and consider other points of view the better off we all will be. We don't exist in a vacuum, and the actions we take and the decisions we make often impact more than just ourselves.
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"All I wanted to do was sling some arrows with a recurve and longbow (maybe someday a selfbow) and I wanted to do it better. It is frustrating to have to wade through all this worthiness and religion stuff just to do that "
lt-m-grow i think your missing the point i have not read this book yet but i can tell you after reading reg darlings book and meeting this man its not about the religous stuff, its about embracing the traditional side of archery being true to the spirit belonging to something special, not just about slinging arrows. just my feelings, and i am sure theese writers feel the same way about being tradtional.
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I just started reading this book last night and found it hard to put down when my eyes became too heavy to continue. Opinionated? Yes. Passionate? Yes. Worth the reading? You'll be the poorer for at least not having given him the chance to make his case, which he does in a very entertaining way. This book is not the usual, run of the mill hunting book. If you can't stand to have your thinking stimulated, then don't read it. Besides, he has some great one liners: "An adventure is not always fun when it's happening." about the third sentence of the first chapter.....Dave
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If all you want is a how-to book there are plenty of good ones out there and they serve a perfectly legitimate purpose. And if that's all you want, don't bother with Dave's books (or mine)But there are many among us for whom archery and hunting are an integral part of our way of life, our spirituality, politics, ethics, aesthetics, etc. in a broadscale way that reaches into every corner of our sense of who we are and how we fit into this world--that's a vast intellectual and emotional territory we love to explore (both as readers and as writers) as much as we love to wander in wild country. In fact, those two realms of exploration are mutually illuminating.
Dave Petersen's books have enriched both my inner and outer wanderings and I'm grateful for them.
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Dave and Mark have it right. There is no question that thousands of acreages in the midwest that used to be available for responsible people to gain permission and hunt are now closed or only accessible to wealthy folks who can join hunting clubs. When talking to multiple farmers about this, it came down to ATV's running all over their lands. Almost NO hunting clubs in the midwest allow ATV's except to retrieve game and then must stay on specific paths. That is good. Unfortunately, you have to have big $$$ to be a member.
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since the amishman killed that brute last year here in southern ohio,all the farmers are leasing their land at average of 14.00per acre whether its pasture ,timber,or crop fields.i don't really blame the farmers cause that'll help pay their expenses but it sure started a bad trend here as it has in other states.if only more people could have lent an ear to what dave & reg have been telling us about all along,not specifically on leasing but it all fits in together.
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I love these books...makes one THINK!!!!mARCO#78
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I consider Dave my best friend, so I'm obviously biased . I just got Man Made of Elk via bush plane, haven't read it yet but have read plenty of Dave's "campfarter" philosophy pieces in Tradbow mag and looking fwd to this book as well. Is he ornery and passionate? Dang right? Do I always agree with him? Hell no. But I don't always agree with my other best friend, my wife of 27 years.
Dave lives what he writes. He's one of the few who do. He is passionate about wild country and the dangers of over-development, roading, atv abuse, and loss of habitat, to name only a few things. To top that off, he can write concisely and eloquently on those subjects and more, in a way that gets us to really thinking about things most of us would rather remain hidden and unsaid.
His work with Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (http://www.coloradobackcountryhunters.org) is another aspect of his true committment to hunting and habitat protection and conservation. Support them if you are in Colorado, for they are doing great work.
I've learned a lot from Dave over the years, both through his writing, personal comms, and around the campfire sharing some George Dickel. Hard to say which of his books is my favorite, but I suppose I'd lean toward Heartsblood, as it really delves into all aspects of hunting, even the "bad" parts that we all see and hear about but too rarely discuss openly amongst ourselves. (It was this book that caused me to also pick up a copy of Dersu the Trapper, a fantastic read which Dave has a chapter on in the book.)It takes courage to speak from within the hunting fraternity and condemn some aspects of it. Ironically, when doing so the hunting fraternity sometimes lambasts Petersen as an "anti." Sigh...that's a shame, because nothing could be further from the truth.
We need people from withing the hunting community to speak out on some things. I'm sure glad Dave does. He does it very well too. You guys might check out some of his other books on his Website (http://www.davidpetersenbooks.com/store) ...and if you are into Abbey at all then Postcards from Ed, a collection of Ed's letters over decades put together by Dave, is a must read.
Okay, end of shameful promotion of a friend . Good hunting and reading to all,
Mark
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This book is simply...FANTASTIC! Impossible for me to put down. I give it an A+. Captures everything that is good about chasing Elk with traditional gear.
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Originally posted by lt-m-grow:
It is comments like these (and others)
"There are only a handful of writers in traditional archery who manage, as writers, to be truly worthy of its spirit"
that makes me wonder about "tradition" archery.
All I wanted to do was sling some arrows with a recurve and longbow (maybe someday a selfbow) and I wanted to do it better. It is frustrating to have to wade through all this worthiness and religion stuff just to do that.
Hold the phone here Hoss!.....Nobody says you have to wade though anything here!!!....
There are many folks that take the "Traditional" part of Trad archery to many different levels. Whether it is becoming one with your arrow...or having a deep respect for the wildlife we hunt and love & respect of the land we hunt. This is religious stuff to many folks....
I believe you are being disrespectful to folks that really care and love about our wonderful sport here....My sincere recommendation would be to set your targets up behind the barn yard, and wade though that instead.....
Sorry i got my hackle up here folks....Kirk
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I was just enjoying a couple of chapters before coming on here. Great book, I recommend it to anyone that has dreamed of going to elk camp.
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Originally posted by Whip:
Even when we don't agree with everything he might believe, it has us all at least thinking about some of the issues he is passionate about. And that can only be a good thing - whether you follow his ideas exactly, agree with some but not others, or disagree entirely, thinking about the issues can go a long way to understanding both sides of it.
The more we can all learn to look at these kind of issues objectively and consider other points of view the better off we all will be. We don't exist in a vacuum, and the actions we take and the decisions we make often impact more than just ourselves.
Whip....you got it going on! My hats off to you sir.....
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I'am addicted to both traditional bowhunting and Elk hunting. This book has helped to quench my thirst during the long awaited upcoming season. I'll probably read it a few more times before Elk season. It has been hard for me to find traditional books that echo my feelings and this is definetly one.
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An awesome book, I will be purchasing more of his work. He writes about things that I hold dear. Also Google Thomas Daly for some awesome wildlife art.
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Dave Peterson writes what he thinks, and I respect that very much. That said, I don't care for his writing, or his interaction on sites like this. He appears a little bit "holier than thou". I could be wrong. I would like to meet him so I could be sure of my opinion.
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I just got "A Hunters Heart" and "Elkheart"... its definitely on my list...
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In my opinion,it's too late to worry about high tech hunting. You either chose to use technology or to not use it. I remember when portable tree stands were a new idea.. :campfire:
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I am almost finished reading the book, It is one of the best I have read in a while.I like Daves style of writing, he is honest with himself and says what alot of us might be feeling but dont have the platform to do so. As a fellow BHA member,I agree that the ATV issue is a very real one, and needs to be addressed often. People for the most part are always looking for the easy route,and dont really care who they affect. and you have to commend Dave for searching a week for a elk he had lost, knowing the meat would be ruined after a day or so, and not for the 3x5 rack it carried. I also enjoy following the writings of a hunter who isnt in it for the horns, and passes animals early in the season to extend his hunting time. A guy who is 60 years old and still insists on doing it the hard way ie: packing the meat out on his back and packing in deep enough to hopefully avoid the atv's, and by his campfire conversations is as passonite a hunter as any of us. I can learn from this man. his book " a hunters heart" also displays his deep passonite feelings for hunting. Again, I think this is a great book from a person we can all learn from. Dave
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Dave Lay, you just summed it all :thumbsup:
Happy New Year
Alex
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"Holier than thou." Nope. More experienced and smarter than thou, and me and a good share of others on this site. Damn right.
Dave carrys a huge burden, seeing the ignorance, abuse and greed both within and outside the hunting community, no doubt recognizing the futility of trying to do something about it, but through his writing and speaking trying to do so just the same.
It's a losing battle, in my opinion. Greed and stupidity are in the lead and will likely win out, but I sure do admire his passion, grit, intelligence and eloquence in taking on the fight.
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I have to agree with Mr Norris.
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""Holier than thou." Nope. More experienced and smarter than thou, and me and a good share of others on this site. Damn right."
Your assuming a bit.
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Funny after rereading his book, my friend and I had a runin with morons on ATVs in the National Forest. "KB definition of moron "anyone who rides an ATV without a helmet, gets lost, follows hunters to ask them how to get out of the woods."
So I agree with most of what he said.
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I just ordered two of his books then the next day I wanted to add to the order and couldn't figure it out so I just ordered the third separately.
A little bit later I got an email from Mr. Peterson asking if I just wanted to have them all sent in one package and have the 2nd postage refunded to me. I was floored that he took the time to contact me about it.
So far I am impressed!
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hey brother i need to borrow this book from ya!
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I just ordered 3 of Daves books after reading all the comments on here. Sounds like a great guy to :campfire: with. Looking forward to some great reading! R.B.
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I would love to read the book.