Diluted hunting info, need something good to read.

[Arwin]

In recent years it seems deer hunting info has become severely diluted. Most magazines(minus TBM)are filled with ads and gadgets with maybe an article sprinkled in somewhere.

 The best reading material I have found dates to the late-mid 90's and early 2000's, right before gadgetry became king instead of superior woodsmanship. It seems nothing current is out that has really added something new or gave me that "A-HA" feeling.

Most of recent reading material is based on food plots, trail cameras or leases, which there is nothing wrong for those who like to do it that way.

I'm really into the art and science of hunting truly wild big woods deer. Not just the typical "how to" article but really digging in deep and getting good current info from a biologic and scientific point of view from seasoned hunters.

In the past 14yrs I have been very successful with traditional tackle on public land, but I'm always thirsting for more info. I feel hunters cannot progress if we stop learning or seeking ways to improve on our methods.

What good recent ground breaking whitetail books have you read? Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails (2003) is one of my favorites and right now I'm reading "For Big Bucks Only"(1989). Both have an "old school" feel to them, when actual hunting methods and techniques were more important than the gear used.

Anyway, hope this all makes sense and I'm sorta rambling cause I'm tired.   :p    
Would love to see something come out that combines science and biology along with the old school woodsmanship skills with guys like Fred Bear, Paul Schaffer, Jerry Simmons, Wensels and probably a train load of people I'm leaving out. Hunters who know how to use the forest and everything within it to bag deer..you know... hunting the natural way.

While we're at it throw in something about the near-lost art of stalking deer by following their tracks. So many small details in that kind of knowledge!! Would love to learn how to do it right.  

[snow leopard]

here ya go:   http://www.gunshopfinder.com/amazon/0873418654.html

[lpcjon2]

Arwin check out whats in the book and video classifieds.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=69

and this in the archives

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=42

and any of these in the legends section.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?category=10

and this in the trad video section.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?category=6

That should get you through for a bit.  

[Blackstick]

Mike Mitten's book "One With the Wilderness" is a pretty good read.

[Tim Fishell]

Arwin, Gene Wensel's newest book Buckskin to Bone has a wealth of good info in it.

[duncan idaho]

Any book by the Wensel's for deer and for excellent bowhunting adventures, anything by E.Donnal Thomas, who has just released a new bowhunting book.

[bowkevin]

Originally posted by Tim Fishell:
Arwin, Gene Wensel's newest book Buckskin to Bone has a wealth of good info in it.

I have to get this one. I read November whitetails a couple times per year and love it. Also like their videos. These are 2 guys I'd really enjoy meeting!

[Gen273]

Bows On The Little Delta, is a MUST read.

Also Fred Bears field notes is good as well.

[Bjorn]

All the above plus "American Buffalo" nothing about deer; great read nonetheless.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I can recommend an awesome book that isn't so much a "How To" on hunting, but very traditional, survivalistic tone to it and I absolutely could not put it down. It's called "Last of the Breed" by Louie LaMore and for anybody who has read any of Louie's works, it's always a treat. I read the book cover to cover in just a few days non stop because it was just that good!

It's basically about a pilot who gets shot down in enemy territory and is captured. The jist of the story is about how he escapes and makes his way back to the US by suviving in the wilderness of Russia and crossing the Bering Strait to get back on US soil. Along the way he must rely on his Indian heritage and what his elders taught him as a child (Specifically his Grandfather) from killing a deer to get the sinew, and a goat if I remember correctly? Then making a survival bow and eventually killing a bear for the fat content and his thankful apology to the bear for taking his brother as some Indians consider bears to be.

Got your attention yet?
Check it out you won't be disappointed.

[hvyhitter]

You might also try "shots at Whitetails" by L. Koller. It was written about 50 years ago and has alot of good general deer hunting info without the gadgets (wernt invented yet). Hes a gun hunter but still a good read on hunting the "Golden Years", about the same time Fred Bear was trying to start bow seasons.

[Doug in MN]

Originally posted by Arwin:
    I'm really into the art and science of hunting truly wild big woods deer. Not just the typical "how to" article but really digging in deep and getting good current info from a biologic and scientific point of view from seasoned hunters.

 
While we're at it throw in something about the near-lost art of stalking deer by following their tracks. So many small details in that kind of knowledge!! Would love to learn how to do it right.          

Whitetail hunters Almanac
By Dr Ken Nordberg

There is a series of them the guy was a whitetail biologist and an avid deer hunter. They offer a great deal of information on whitetail behavior and tie it all to hunting.

Give them a try well worth the read I have the first 5 and refer to them like text books every year.

I should also add if you buy just one of his books get the 5th edition. It has some of the best information on stalking, tracking and still hunting I have ever read.

His books will help make you a better hunter.

I am also reading "Buckskin and Bone" right now great book.

D

[hvyhitter]

Also try "Big bucks the Benoit way" for big woods whitetail tracking.......

[Hot Hap]

"The deer hunters guide" by Francis E. Sell.

I got this book back in the 60's and it is the best.

Hap

[TexasTrad]

I know you asked specifically about Whitetail books but I read a book that is so good I have to mention it even though it is primarily about traditional bowhunting for elk.  It is called "A Man Made of Elk" by David Peterson.   It has alot of relly great tips about how to hunt without all of the gadgets.   Great read

[DEATHMASTER]

As hvyhitter said "Big bucks the Benoit way" for big woods whitetail tracking this book has THE BEST meet marinade recipe in the back.
AND HOW to bag the BIGGEST buck of your life. by Benoits.  They have dvds out also.
Whitetail access by eberhart
LOST by dwight Carter and Ronald Schmidt not a hunting story but bring up information on staying safe and found in the wilderness.

[Arwin]

Thanks guys for the suggestions!