The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game Volume One: Big Game

Rinella (Meat Eater; American Buffalo) continues his winning streak of crafting passionate, informed treatises on outdoor living in this fascinating examination of hunting bear, elk, and moose as well as more commonly hunted species such as whitetail deer. Rinella thoughtfully walks fellow hunters through the process of choosing the proper weapons, selecting the right tools such as binoculars and navigation tools, the art of loading one’s pack, and getting permission from land owners before setting out on a hunt. Once in the field, readers will appreciate Rinella’s fine points on tactics such as stalking and using decoys as well as tips that can only come from a veteran, such as talking to backpackers for information on animal activity and shooting technique in order to ensure a successful hunt. Once they’ve downed an animal, Rinella offers detailed tips accompanied by helpful photos to aid in butchering for consumption or taxidermy. Surprisingly, the book’s weak spot is its final chapter, covering recipes for making the most of one’s bounty. Rinella doesn’t offer too many tips beyond the obvious grilled steaks and jerky, though wild pig hunters will appreciate his simple but flavorful recipe for smoked ham. It’s a minor flaw in a book that’s terrifically informative and is sure to inspire hunters to start poring over maps and readying themselves for their next hunt. (Aug.)