More Stories of the Old Duck Hunters

My husband is an avid hunter and fisherman. I knew he would like this book as he has another one of mcQuarrie's books so i got him this one for his birthday.

This is the second in a three volume collection of short stories written by Gordon Macquarrie about duck hunting and fly fishing in northern Wisconsin during the 30s and 40s. Gordon Macquarrie was a journalist and author for various Wisconsin newspapers who also wrote short stories for magazines such as Field and Stream. He uses an organization called the Old Duck Hunters Association, Inc (the Inc stands for Incorrigible) as his primary literary device. The ODHA, Inc consists of the author and a much older man (the President, often referred to and deferred to as Hizzoner), originally modeled after his father in law, later a local post man. In both cases, the President is much older (and nominally wiser - but more often not). Through these short stories, Macquarrie recounts the adventures and misadventures as the ODHA, Inc travels around Wisconsin in search of trout, ducks, and the occasional muskie and white tail. These stories are outstanding, Willow Creek Press has done a great service reprinting this collection of stories. GM has captured the anticipation and cold of sitting in the duck blind, the camaraderie and competition amongst friends of the trout stream, and some of the unexpected surprises of each outdoor adventure that makes every one unique and exciting. If you've read the first volume in this collection, I'd say that this book is pretty much more of the same. If not, the stories aren't in any particular order, you can just as easily start with this one (a few of the early stories in the first volume give some background on the ODHA, but it isn't really necessary to enjoy this volume). All but one of the stories centers on the ODHA. Each story is only ten pages or so, so several (or even the whole book) can be digested in one sit down, but I'd recommend a more leisurely reading pace though as each story is to be savored. One place that GM returns to again and again is the Brule River in northern Wisconsin. I've never been there, but if it is half as beautiful as GM describes it, I'm sure it is quite a place. You'll be counting the days till opening day of trout season or duck season after reading a few of these stories. Highly recommended.

I have read everything he has written that I am aware of. These are not how to books. If you are a hunter and love all the little things that suround the hunter and the sport of duck hunting you will love his books. When I hear his name "Gordon Macquqrrie" I smile. In my mind I have been to his cabin, set infront of his fireplace full of pine knots. I have shot Bluebills in the snow and smiled thinking of his hunts for Bills. Like Mr. Macquarrie I am a Bluebill man. I started reading his books 30+ years ago before many knew of him. It's a good thing to see today how so many hunters have come to know him. Many say that Nash Buckingham is the best of the duck hunting story tellers. I have read most of Nash's books and for me he doesn't hold a candle to Gordon. Gordon Macquarri is the best of the best. If you are a meat hunter and care little for the romance of duck hunting maybe you should just read the how to books.

Maquarrie is one of the greatest writers hunting and fishing has ever seen. He brings to life every story, and you can feel yourself in the blind or on the stream with the ODHA. His stories can be read over and over again, without loss of excitement.