Hunting the HardWay

[Brianlocal3]

Well, it is hot as Blazes here in ST. Louis and Im about to go fire up the grill for some rememberance and good times with the family. Grandma is up from KY.  Well I was in my study with the waterfilled lazyboy recliner looking of Howard Hills book "Hunting the Hard Way" again for about the 10,000th time and was reading "Stalking: First Aid To The Hunter"  and it got me thinking.  

  I am a bookie, in that I love to read about everything from trad to Pathophysiology, and this book is probably the best book I have ever read on a topic.  I do have Traditional Bowhunters Handbook and the way from a fellow Ganger and am looking forward to it. But Mr. Hill had a way about writing where you can learn, but not be drowned to death in bordem.  He wrote as if he was speaking to you in your Front room.  

   I have been contemplating buying GFA's book on still hunting but everytime I read Mr. Hills chapter on said topic I just dont know if anyone can top the advice given. He goes into the details of air current during morning and evening hunt, and tells you to do your homework on the game you are pursuing. The advice on foot placement and weight distribution is spot on. Tracking is not went into depth, but that is a learned skill anyway, and one would be wise to get a Tom Brown book on that or the Border Patrols handbook written by the Crow tribe.

 In conclusion, this is a book to be owned by any Hunting enthusiast and specifically a Traditional Bowhunter.  Have a great day ya'll its time for burgers and brats.

[jsweka]

I build my own Hill Style longbows and shoot with a swing draw and quick release in the Hill Style, but I have never read "Hunting the Hard Way".  I need to get me a copy.

[straitera]

HH junkie here! I put off Fred's book just for the reason you mentioned. My mistake! Bottom line, there is more than one way to skin a cat! Fred has me looking for a pair of stalking binocs & I swore off binocs years ago! Great book!

[Brianlocal3]

Oh I fully plan on getting the book by GFA eventually, I'm sure it's a plethora of usefull info, and he writes so well. It's more a reflection on my feelings for this particular book.
  And I love my binos for hunting. Personally, using the binos makes me move slower , and I need that. I have a habit of moving to quick.

[Ric O'Shay]

A friend of mine bought Fred's book and I've read it several times. But, I too have a copy of Hunting the Hard Way. I bought it off the St. Judes Auction last year. It belonged to Chris Surtees and I reread sections of it weekly.

[Ben Maher]

the GFA book is great read with abunch of good stuff in it that I find really well writen and infrmative ...

But Ol' Howard's book is just a briliant read ... Love it !

[Charlie Lamb]

G.Fred is a great writer, story teller, instructor and you need to read his work.

Hill is basic classic. Every trad archer should read "Hunting the Hard Way".

I just love the chapter, "North of 53". There are pearls of widom throughout the book.

[K.S.TRAPPER]

Originally posted by jsweka:
I build my own Hill Style longbows and shoot with a swing draw and quick release in the Hill Style, but I have never read "Hunting the Hard Way".  I need to get me a copy.

X2, I have tried to bye one a couple of times but they were always out. Guess I need to try again.    

Tracy

[Bowwild]

I'm not an instinctive shooter. However, I received one of Fred's books in the Compton's membership deal. In fact, I joined Compton's and asked NOT to send me the book.  However, the fine folks at Compton's encouraged me to take the book and I'M GLAD I DID! I find the book very interesting and I have great admiration for Fred. I like his friendly, experienced, and thoughtful writing.

The book is a good read. I was able to skip the sections on Long Bows because I've promised my curves not to be fickle.

[Brianlocal3]

I just got Tj conrads book "traditional bowhunters handbook" in the mail, and it is an awsome book. Filled with great history section followed by equipment nomenclature and good tuning information. A touch on string making and everything one would need for traditional archery. I have only scimmed thru it at this point but I'm really liking also.

[mjh]

Sad to say I left my first copy of Hunting the Hardway on a airplane one time,  you know you stick your book in that little back seat magazine pouch, take a little nap, have sack, land and go and lo and behold you don't have the book anymore......well perhaps someone got introduced Howard Hill and the way of the american longbow and trad hunting.....finally picked up another copy at a shoot a couple of years back.....

[straitera]

Depressing story Mike. Did the same w/cassette tapes that cannot be replaced. At least it wasn't my hardback "Hunting the Hard Way".

[ron w]

I have not read Hill's book yet. I do have, and read all the time Asbell's Still Hunting and Stalking book. I really think it's worth the read!

[Brianlocal3]

Ron, I plan on getting that book. It does look good.

[Hud]

I have been collecting traditional bowhunting books and fly fishing for some time, and there are many excellent books.  

[Cato]

Well, thanks.  This thread nudged me to pull mine out and re read it.  Great read.