Last month, I happened to be in Montana visiting family. While up there, I got in contact with Mark Baker and ordered a copy of "Tension on the String". I happened to be traveling from Bozeman to Billings the next day, with Livingston (where Mark Baker resides) in between. Mark was gracious enough to invite me to stop by his house to pick up the book. To me, this would be like meeting Fred Asbell or Fred Bear as I have followed his bowhunting articles.
I met Mark at his house the next day. After inviting me inside, he handed me a signed copy of the book and then showed me around his house. His collection of mounts are impressive and it was cool to see animals on his wall that I recognized from his articles. Unfortunately, our visit was cut short because of family waiting in the car. Mark, being the honest fellow he is, was trying to figure out a way to refund my shipping money. I said it didn't matter but Mark insisted to make things square and gave me a copy of his CD. I said thanks and had to part ways.
I finished reading the book last week and if you have any thoughts about whether to make the purchase, I encourage you to do so. Not only does Mark write a great story, but the underlying tone is even better. Through the book, you begin to see what Mark is made of, which happens to be his family, faith in God and trying to ever challenge himself for the love of the hunt. Though a primitive shooter, he does not try to make a case as that is the "elitist" way to hunt. Much of this was born out of necessity and he encourages those that are looking for the challenge to take it up. Mark is also honest enough to show the shortcomings of the limitations.
The biggest thing is that he is humble and honest. Honest about his successes and failures alike to try and help those to learn. Mark gives back more to the bowhunting community than many know. So, if you are looking for a great read and a great CD to go along with it, buy the book and support our brethren. Mark is truly a class act.
Sorry about the long post.
Charley
Wait until you keep singing and singing and singing the song where "Hunts your middle name" :biglaugh: X2 on Sheephunter
Sheephunter- I was lucky enough to do the same thing a few weeks ago. I was invited to talk at the Traditional Bowhunters of Montana banquet, and Mark picked me up at the airport. On the way to the resort, we stopped at Mark's place for a bite to eat and kind of a show and tell. Just like you, I too got a chance to match up animals with the stories of them I just read about in his book. Mark is a good guy and getting even more "down to earth" in his primative ways. Mike
The intro. to the elk hunting chapter was just amazing in that book! Best description I have read about the feeling of hunting elk. Really got the juices going!
I finished the book last week and annoy the wife with singing his music.
Great Read! I would love to meet the man one day!
Great post, sheephunter, I agree with you about the underlying tone of Mark's book. It's a must read.
Butts2 - Yep, even my grandkids know every single word of that song.
Ain't life grand?
Darryl
Darryl, Iv' enjoyed reading some of your articles. looking forward to more in the future. :bigsmyl:
Hey thanks all for the kind words for Tension on the String...and the CD as well. I just got back from promoting our great pastime and way of life with some folks in the Pittsburgh area at a church game feed. It's real fun for me sometimes to do what is otherwise a presentation for bowhunters, to a group of largly non-bowhunters, and then see "how much" they appreciate it afterwards. I'm always blown away at the responses.
Mike...it was great getting to spend a bit of time with you "behind the scene" so to speak, and pick your brains about books...and bowhunting. Also a great pleasure meeting you, Charley.....wish it had been in better circumstances. Thanks again, all.
Tension on the String is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I would highly recommend it to any bowhunter.
Read what Mark just posted about going to Pennsylvania to speak to non-hunters at a church group to educate them about our way of hunting. The man does a lot for our community, support him in any way. Mark, hopefully get to see you this summer when I am up there.
I'm getting ready to re read mine. For some reason I have a pretty good visual of some of the places Mark hunts. What a beautiful venue!
Great book - should be on every bowhunter's read list.