Below is a copy of the first Outdoor Sporting Library column I wrote for the Northwoods Sporting Journal, first published in August 2010. Hope you enjoy!
The wealth of outdoor literature we have available to us in today’s books and magazines is amazing. The contingent of talented members of the outdoor writing community continues to put together quality products that educate and entertain readers month after month. Whether it’s an article on hunting pheasants with a good bird dog, an essay on fly fishing a small mountain stream, tips on downing a big buck, ice fishing techniques, or any of several hundred other topics, quality outdoor writing abounds in today’s market.
With so much great content out there for the modern outdoorsman, we often forget, overlook, or perhaps were never aware, that the outdoor writing of the past was much different than it is today. In fact, the average reader of a book or magazine on hunting and fishing from 60 or 70 years ago would probably have a pretty tough time relating to any of the stories in today’s magazine pages. You see, in the old days, which many refer to as the “golden age” of outdoor writing, the focus of writing was geared less toward content describing ‘how’ to catch big fish or tag a big buck, and focused more on the reflective aspects of hunting, fishing and the outdoors. There were many more personal essays on hunting or fishing experiences and outdoor fiction, while almost nonexistent today, was common back then. Characters like Ed Smith’s Jeff Coongate, the One-Eyed Poacher and Arthur MacDougall’s Dud Dean, Maine Guide brought the romance of hunting and fishing in the Maine woods to the national stage. Sure, tips, tricks and techniques were still present in outdoor literature, but the general tone was certainly more philosophical than that of today.
As society changed, so did outdoor writing. A new generation in the 1950’s demanded more results from their forays into the woods. Television was making its way into American homes, and would eventually replace the magazine as the primary means of family entertainment. Outdoor writing began to change accordingly. It became less reflective and more instructive. Entertaining pieces were replaced by “Top Ten Tips for Great Spring Fishing” or “How to Hunt the Rut”. Whether the change in outdoor writing in mid-20th century America was for better or worse is a matter of opinion, but it certainly was dramatic.
As readers, today we are blessed with the best of both worlds of outdoor writing. We have a rich history of reflective outdoor essays, sporting fiction, and other unique books and articles from the past. With enough recognition and interest, these can be resurrected and enjoyed by the next generation of outdoorsmen and women. At the same time, we experience the cutting edge of modern outdoor writing in new books and magazines coming out every day. By experiencing this combination of past and present works in the outdoor sporting genre, I believe we can become more well-rounded hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts overall.
Personally, I’m fascinated by past and present outdoor writers and their works, and it’s my goal to use this column to introduce you to these great writers. Some are well known, some are obscure. Still others were legends in their time, but have faded from popular memory, their books and articles gathering dust in old attics and library shelves. At the Outdoor Sporting Library, we’ll feature a new author each month, talk about their background and the importance of their writing, and let you know where you can find their works. I hope you’ll join me as we discover the great outdoor writers and the literature that has helped shape the way we look, think and feel about the outdoors.
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