Hill and Smith, masters of hunting literature, treat you to the best stories written about grouse and woodcock hunting. Sprinkled in are essays of practical advice on equipment and clothing, guns, dogs, and grouse and woodcock management. In the final chapter, Hill gives one of the finest essays on why we hunt. Illustrated with four full-page Schaldach etchings. The classic book of grouse and woodcock hunting.

Now a USA TODAY BEST-SELLER, The Sound of Wings is a masterfully crafted tale of love, friendship, betrayal, and the risks we take in the pursuit of justice. Seventy-year-old Goldie Sparrows faces declining finances, questionable health, and a late husband who torments her from the beyond. She seeks refuge in her butterfly garden, which is filled with voices and memories from long ago. Jocelyn Anderson is a struggling writer who finds escape from her custody battle in the journal of her late mother-in-law. As she gets pulled through the pages of time, Jocelyn discovers her own husband has a hidden history she knows nothing about. Is this secret now Jocelyn’s to keep? Krystal Axelrod is living a life she never dreamed she could have. And yet the demons of a dysfunctional childhood and mean girl culture from her cheerleading days cast their shadow over her ability to feel whole, capable, and worthy. Does Goldie hold the key to Krystal’s path to freedom?

"It all began high up in the leafy canopy of Connemara's Cloosh Valley where Égbé, a Peregrine falcon lived. Her nest was a twiggy fortress on the tallest oak, overlooking the kingdom below. With her were her two chicks, Otti and Oza, a pair of feathered bundles of energy with appetites that could rival a dragon. Égbé spent her days soaring through the skies, hunting for food. But even a champion hunter could be brought to her knees by picky kids. Otti and Oza were extraordinary snobs. To them, shrews were "unpalatable," dung beetles were "disgusting," and fish had to be just right. Égbé would return home, talons laden with prey, only to be met with a chorus of complaints. One day, Égbé had enough. She announced that whatever she brought back would be the only meal. If they didn't like it, too bad! Égbé found a tiny fish and brought it home. To her surprise, the chicks gobbled it up. Maybe, she thought, they were finally learning a lesson. But the chicks' appetites grew, and their demands became even more ridiculous. They wanted the most succulent insects, the freshest fish, the tastiest frogs, and the plumpest birds. Égbé was exhausted but kept providing. Égbé was a skilled hunter, but she was powerless to satisfy her children's insatiable appetites. It was a humbling realisation. Despite her frustrations, she remained determined to provide for her offspring. She knew her kids were still little and their preferences would change over time. As the day ended, Égbé came back home. She was tired, but she felt determined. She knew her kids were relying on her, and she wouldn't disappoint them. As the adventures in Cloosh Valley drew to a close, it was time to reflect on the journey and the valuable lessons learned along the way. The lush woodlands had been a backdrop for many trials, triumphs, and tender moments, each contributing to the growth and understanding of Égbé and her chicks. The quiet duck observed events with a calm demeanour, understanding that patience and observation often lead to better outcomes. In contrast, the noisy chicken reacted to every situation with alarm, demonstrating that constant drama can be a sign of weakness and unnecessary stress. Calm observation is a strength, while noisy drama often leads to confusion and poor decisions. Égbé, the devoted mother falcon, faced numerous challenges and dangers to provide for her chicks. From hunting tirelessly to enduring harsh weather, her dedication never wavered. She taught her chicks the importance of perseverance, patience, and resourcefulness, even when the odds were against her. Lesson: Parents make countless sacrifices for the welfare of their children, often facing life-threatening situations to ensure their young ones are safe and well-fed. Appreciation for Parents: Otti and Oza learned to appreciate their mother's efforts and the challenges she faced daily. They realised that her love and dedication were the driving forces behind her relentless pursuit of food, happiness, and safety for them. Lesson: Children should appreciate everything their parents do for them, recognising the hard work and sacrifices made out of love and care. Avoiding Snobbery: The chicks initially displayed picky and snobbish behaviour, rejecting the food their mother brought. Over time, they learned to be more grateful and less demanding. Being snobbish and ungrateful can lead to unnecessary hardships. It's important to be appreciative and considerate of others' efforts. And so, the story of Égbé and her chicks came to a close, leaving behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between a mother and her children. The lessons learned in Cloosh Valley would stay with them forever, guiding them through the trials and triumphs of life."

Guaranteed to spark memories of enjoyable time spent afield, this classic collection of stories from well-loved authors Gene Hill and Steve Smith captures the essence and humor of the outdoor life. Whether they're writing about ice fishing, calling ducks, dealing with gunsmiths, or dragging the unwilling dog to the vet, these two wits are sure to entertain. And when it comes to recalling those all-too-abundant missed shots, close calls, and ones that got away, readers might just learn a thing or two about the art of "looking at the truth from a variety of angles," as Gene Hill offers "irrefutable proof that the judgment and memory of the outdoorsman improves, like a fine wine, with time."

Woodcock are one of the oddest birds in North America. They are a shorebird that got lost and ended up in the scrubby parts of the forest, and look like they were put together with the leftover parts of other birds. Oddities aside, each spring they rise to great beauty with their sky dance at dusk. Greg Hoch combines natural history, land management, scientific knowledge, and personal observation to examine this little game bird. Woodcock have a complex life history and the management of their habitat is also complex. The health of this bird can be considered a key indicator of what good forests look like.

Life as we know it seems to be underpinned on electrical energy. Live without it for 2 days and everything unravels. You cannot work, meet deadlines, shop, store or feed yourself. --Suhasini Ayer, Auroville, Pondicherry, India This book describes global natural and cultural biodiversity and the way to unite individuals from various backgrounds through collaboration, natural restoration and peaceful co-existence. It explores Asian culture and economic growth, particularly in India, to promote equality within the Indian social order through a paradigm shift--building a society based on mutual well-being rather than caste distinction. India and the world has the potential to grow and expand in a profoundly sustainable and positive socioeconomic manner. Juxtaposing nature and our human world, this book reveals the parallels found between the worlds of nature and humanity. Learning from the symmetry and harmony of nature, humanity too can co-exist in a peaceful and positive way through the process of symbiosis. Pavan Gills manuscript addresses two of the most pressing issues of our time: inequality and human security. Her...insightful and well-researched work on ecological biodiversity and environmental harmony in India is both creative and original. Professor Gordon Smith -Executive Director of the Centre for Global Studies-Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for international Governance Innovation (CIGI), and Adjunct Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Victoria