Meet the unlikeliest of heroes: Gustav, a wooden goose decoy. His story begins after his creation at the hands of an old German craftsman in 1930's Illinois. Over the course of the next half century, he is pulled along by the current of rivers, pushed by the energy of providence and influenced by the power of the human spirit. Through many travels and unexpected travails, his story offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the world of the waterfowler. Who would think that glass eyes, glued into a wooden head, could see the world so clearly?

This story is true. Not even the names have been changed. I may end up being kicked out of camp for telling "what happens at camp", but it's a risk I am willing to take. After all, I'm innocent! Our deer camp, Camp Abahati, started in 1965. Since then we are in our 51st year of hunting the same piece of ground. Not many deer camps can lay claim to that, and two of the three original hunters are still hunting there. The group has grown over these 51 years to include two more Camp Elders - including yours truly - and their offspring, which now numbers 15 children and grandchildren. There are stories that will excite you. Stories that will make you laugh. Stories that will make you shake your head and think, "did they REALLY do that?" If you are a deer hunter, I know you will enjoy reading this tale. If you aren't a deer hunter, the stories of family and friends make for some great reading. It's not about the killing; it's about the hunting, the friendship, and the camaraderie.