Game Management

This book is considered the "cornerstone of wildlife management" by those of us in the field of wildlife biology and ecology; it is absolutely essential to anyone in this field. "Game Management" represents an intellectual revolution that is to wildlife biology what Einstein's relativity was to physics. Leopold is was an eloquent writer, philosopher, professor, scientist, and the first theoretical ecologist. This book was the premier textbook on wildlife biology for decades after its publication.

I'm a bit surprised to be the first reviewer of this classic. When I began my career in Wildlife Management over 30 years ago I was surprised at how many people quoted this work, but admitted they had not actually read it. I had read it in graduate school and was amazed at how prescient Leopold had been. He accurately predicted where Wildlife Management would go in the future and what would be necessary for success. (As a side note, Leopold used the two word term `Wild Life' meaning plants, animals, the soil; i.e. ecosystems. The term was changed to one word by the Wisconsin Legislature and defined as certain animals only.) While this book is technical, it is not obtuse or wordy. It follows in the easily read style of Leopold and is worth the time and money of non-professionals as well as professionals. To the latter, wildlife management professionals however, I especially recommend reading this work. It will hold surprises for even those who think they "know" what Leopold had to say. One more aside; Leopold had little use for political intervention and organizational concerns as is displayed by the fact that he devotes only a few sparse pages to organizational issues in this book. It is, in my opinion, unfortunate that Leopold did not turn his incredible intellect, wit, and writing abilities to this topic as it is, in truth, of more importance in the management of natural resources than the scientific issues. This book is a classic in the field and deserves to be read as much as "A Sand County Almanac." I strongly recommend it.