The Sultan of Spring

In the realm of blood sports, turkey hunting is in a class by itself. To the hunter, it is a study in strategy, a challenge to bag the biggest, strongest, most elusive feathered creature in the woods. Saile, until recently outdoors editor of the Denver Post, currently a staff writer for Field & Stream, came late to what he describes as ""a harmless form of madness."" He delivers some engaging accounts of spring hunts from Florida swamps to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. He charts the comeback of the wild turkey around the country, and profiles some notable hunters. Saile offers advice on safety in the field, and avers that he prefers to hunt alone. He discusses the importance of positioning, calling techniques and camouflage in successful hunting, and he winds up, in the final chapter, with a look at equipment. The two million turkey hunters in the U.S. should find this book rewarding, while even nonhunting, outdoors-minded readers should enjoy Saile's adventures. Drawings. (Feb.)