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"Grouse, Partridge, and Open Skies"

I've had the distinct pleasure of having been asked to review 3 of the 5 of Craig's books. In fact the only one missing from my collection is Creeks, but I suspect I will remedy that sometime soon.  Craig's latest book "Grouse, Partridge, And Open Skies" in the theme of his other books, is a collection of journal entries detailing his past hunts with his three sons Nate, Matt, and Kip as well as his beautiful Ryman type Setters.  As a guy from Kansas who only discovered the joys of hunting Mountain Grouse within the last 5 years, I must say that this is my favorite book of the five, as it tends to focus on the Prairie Birds of which I am much more familiar. The fact that this book includes not only journal entries from Craig's hunting journal, but there are also journal entries from the Lewis and Clark expedition. If you are reading this review I would be willing to bet that you, much like myself, have always been enamored with the thought of what the west must have been like prior to the arrival of civilization. These journal entries that Craig has included in this book will give you a little insight to what that must been like.  Imagine the sky being darkened by huge flocks of Sage grouse much like the ill-fated passenger pigeon!! 

His latest installment still provides you with the feeling of being along for the hunt much like his previous books. It is almost as though you are there, your legs still feel the burn from miles upon miles of walking, your nose will be filled with the pungent aroma of sage, and the description of his Setters elegantly pointing against a background of the prairie will be etched in your memory long after you have put the book down. The biggest difference in this man's humble opinion between this book and his previous books is that his writing style I've noticed is starting to mature. While his prose is still beautifully reminiscent of George Bird Evans, he is developing a style all of his own that I believe does an excellent job of revealing not only his personality, but gives the reader a bit of a look into his soul. Please don’t hesitate, and be sure to add this to your outdoor library. I promise you, you will not regret it.

Josh Houchin

Clarksville, Tennessee