A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac: The Other Kind of Hunting

Mark Parman

Sep 2010 · Univ of Wisconsin Press

About this ebook

Like that earlier grouse hunter Aldo Leopold, Mark Parman takes to the woods when the aspens are smoky gold. Here, in an evocative almanac that chronicles the early season of the grouse hunt through its end in the snows of January, Parman follows his dog through the changing trees and foliage, thrills to the sudden flush of beating wings, and holds a bird in hand, thankful for the meal it will provide. Distilling twenty seasons of grouse hunting into these essays, he writes of old dogs and gun lust, cover and clear cutting, climate change, companions male and female, wildlife art, and stumps. A Grouse Hunter's Almanac delves into the mind of a hunter, exploring the Northwoods with an eye for more than just game.

"Notable and quotable. Parman stakes out original territory and provides a vivid snapshot of the Northwoods."—John Motoviloff, author of Wisconsin Wildfoods: 100 Recipes for Badger State Bounties

"Extremely rich and detailed. Parman puts forth original and genuine experiences."—Richard Yatzeck, author of Hunting the Edges

Ratings and reviews

Folksy, charming, a lot of fun to read. Mark Parman has distilled his book into concise chapters that put you at his side as he 'saunters' around the coverts in search of grouse and woodcock. Very easy to pick-up meaningful tips without the narrative being an 'instuction' or 'guide' book. Strongly recommend this book if you enjoy bird hunting, bird dogs, keen insights on how to enjoy life, or just a bit backwards in that you'd rather trudge through the woods than zoom to your hunt on an ATV. Well done Mr. Parman!

This book is about a man and his journey hunting grouse but it is also about the "the right" way to hunt anything. The author shares a deep respect for his food and where it comes from and that is something we are losing at a tragic pace.

Beautifully written. I can picture OX and Gunnar like they were mine.

About the author

Mark Parman is a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Loyal Order of Dedicated Grouse Hunters. He is coauthor of Fat Tire Wisconsin: A Mountain Bike Trail Guide and teaches English and journalism at the University of Wisconsin–Marathon County. He has written for Sports Afield, Pointing Dog Journal, and other outdoor magazines.