Books to read in the blind?
Contributors to this thread:Pronghorn
From: Jasper
25-Jul-22
Suggested books to pass the time at waterholes? Thanks!
From: Michael
25-Jul-22
I was always a Tom Clancy fan. Haven’t read any of his new stuff. Books are always better then the movies that are made from the books.
From: Buskill
25-Jul-22
What do you like ? Sci-fi, fantasy, self help, hunting tips, hunting stories, biographies, history …..so many categories
From: Potro
25-Jul-22
Well this will depends on the type of reading you prefer. Historical, police, classic, etc. I like a lot the books from Wilbur Smith, They talk about Africa . And the books from Ken Follet and David Baldacci are also very good
From: JohnMC
25-Jul-22
I read what I can find in the leave a book take a book box in my neighborhood. Because they are free that way and I am cheap. As I have gotten north of 40 I find books with bigger print is better. Never thought a pair of readers would become required hunting gear, but it has.
From: Treeline
25-Jul-22
1491 is awesomeness. As is 1493. Those will change your perspective!
From: Bake
25-Jul-22
I'm a pretty huge book nerd. Read a LOT on my Kindle on my phone.
My favorites:
To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace, by Clarence Anderson
Anything by John Sandford, the Prey Series and his new Letty Davenport book
The Godfather. by Mario Puzo. A classic that I re-read about every 18 months
If you like Native american history, try reading these books one after the other: Empire of the Summer Moon, The Searchers by Allen LeMay, The Searchers THe Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel.
Tell us what you like, I have a LOT more recommendations depending on what type of reading
From: bigeasygator
25-Jul-22
Jack Carr’s books are an entertaining read.
From: Supernaut
25-Jul-22
"Shadows Over Innsmouth" (or any of the Lovecraft or Lovecraft themed collections)
Collection of short stories by Lovecraft and other contemporary authors following Lovecraft's Kthulu mythos theme.
It should fit your waterhole watching theme just beware of anything crawling out of that water.
Hope you find a few good reads and have a great hunt!
From: bghunter
25-Jul-22
As mentioned jack carr, brad thor. Both military type CIA story lines.
Story of Navy Seal Adam Brown, called Fearless is amazing.
From: DanaC
25-Jul-22
Mystery - anything by Preston & Childs.
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
25-Jul-22
Any of Bill O’Reilly’s ‘Killing’ series…Have Killing Crazy Horse for my road-trip later on…
From: Shawn
25-Jul-22
Where the Crawdads Sing!! Don't see the movie, read the book!! Pretty incredible!! Shawn
From: txhunter58
25-Jul-22
Author C. J. Box
Joe Pickett novel series
Pretty much anyone who hunts will like these. I have read all of them
From: Jaquomo
25-Jul-22
Another vote for CJ Box Joe Pickett series. Right up your alley if you are antelope hunting. There are 22 now, I believe.
From: Matte
25-Jul-22
I read alot of books but never have taken one hunting before. Curious if one of you guys were emensed in your book only to look up and see a critter.
From: groundhunter50
25-Jul-22
when I hunt, I hunt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I guess I fail to understand the young bucks today,,,, I think the issue is,,,, those from lets say, 35 to 50, are so wired,,,, family, little time,,, money spent, and on and on, they have lost the talent to just relax,,,, or for the most part, many never learned it.......................... I see this at alot of bear camps I have worked at, after I retired,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I was bringing a guy out, 10 years ago and he said to me,,, any tips,,,, I said, yes I will be back an hour after dark, dont bring a phone,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ha ha
From: 'Ike'
25-Jul-22
"I read alot of books but never have taken one hunting before. Curious if one of you guys were emensed in your book only to look up and see a critter."
I do audio books, that way I'm always looking out...
From: 4nolz@work
25-Jul-22
Audible
From: Bake
25-Jul-22
I enjoy reading. I enjoy hunting. I see no reason to not mix them. I've been doing it for 15 years and have never lost an opportunity due to reading while hunting.
From: bigswivle
25-Jul-22
Audible is great. Lots of tractor time for me this time of year so I can roll through the books. Jack Carr, have done a couple of Box’s books, empire of summer moon, killing Crazy Horse was great, legends and lies(Oreilly) trying to finish “endurance” now. My new hobby
From: Treeline
25-Jul-22
I read on my phone with Kendal or magazines when sitting in a blind. Have rest on treestands and in blinds for as long as I have been hunting from them (over 40 years)… keeps me from just taking a nap!
From: elkster
25-Jul-22
I also recommend C J Box, and Empire of the Summer Moon, Blood and Thunder (Hampton Sides) or anything by Bill Heavy from 5 yrs ago or later. On second thought, his might make you laugh out loud which would be bad.
From: SBH
25-Jul-22
I have been enjoying CJ box on my phone in the stand or to fall asleep in the tent at night.
I do have a great appreciation for those guys who can sit still and quiet for hours on end. I am working on that and agree that we are all too far connected. It has become a lost skill that is good for the soul to just sit with your own thoughts. A few hours in my own head......that's some scary stuff there! lol.
From: Treeline
25-Jul-22
Oh, another awesome read is “A Splendid Savage, The Restless Life of Fredrick Russell Burnham”. Absolutely spectacular!
From: RD
25-Jul-22
Last year I was reading Marv Clyncke's book and looked up to see an antelope eyeing up my decoy from about 25 yards. Set the book down, pulled up my bow and shot the antelope... dead in 50 yards. Worked out great!
From: KSflatlander
25-Jul-22
Unbroken, Undaunted Courage, Empire of the Summer Moon, Inventing Wyatt Earp
From: Charlie Rehor
25-Jul-22
You guys must get to hunt antelope a lot more than me. I get so darn excited when I sit a water hole. I just look and look at all that goes on at a water hole. Magpies, birds of prey, bugs, small beasts, antelope and mule deer coming and going. Good luck to all going this year.
From: P&Y400
25-Jul-22
I recommend Bowhunter magazine as maybe you’ll read something that will help you become a more successful stand/blind bow hunter. Aside from that the Pope and Young publication the Ethic is a nice read as is Eastman’s Bowhunting Journal. I don’t know about you but I like to look at pictures about what I’m reading, so I go with magazines.
From: Buffalo1
25-Jul-22
A Bible and reading glasses normally works for me.
From: jmiller
25-Jul-22
Antelope hunts are long days in the blind. One August hunt in South Dakota I read a Stephen King novella collection each day.
From: DanaC
25-Jul-22
If you like 'military' science fiction, this is a modern classic
From: Catscratch
25-Jul-22
Lone Survivor
The Shining
Night Shift (Stephen King short stories. Shorts are nice on hunts).
Strange Weather (King's son Joe Hill... more short stories)
From: Jasper
25-Jul-22
Some really good suggestions here, I’m set. Thanks and God bless!
From: Brun
25-Jul-22
Another vote for 1491. I also just finished "Men to match my mountains" and would recommend it to anyone interested in our western expansion, particularly the gold and silver rushes in Colorado, Nevada, and California, as well as the Morman settlement of Utah.
From: Toonces
26-Jul-22
If you like CIA, spy type thrillers set in the cold war era check out Brotherhood of the Rose, Fraternity of Stone and League of Night and Fog by David Morrell. Easy reads and really entertaining.
From: DanaC
26-Jul-22
Like history? This is the story of the father of the famous author of 'The Three Musketeers' and 'The Count of Monte Christo'.
From: Lawdog
26-Jul-22
Now that I'm technologically updated, audio books only. I hunt all day. Before that, I read real paper books. I don't think I missed any shots, but .....
From: DanaC
26-Jul-22
I could never do audiobooks on stand. For me hearing is a key part of hunting, even if all I hear is a bird chirping and a squirrel in the leaves.
From: KSBOW
26-Jul-22
Jack Carr series is amazing
From: Lawdog
26-Jul-22
Dana-I don't disagree. But, for me when the wind picks up in late morning, hearing takes a back seat to sight. So, I'll start listening late morning to early evening when the wind dies down. I also only use only one ear bud. It's either that or I'll fall asleep-guaranteed.
From: Ursman
26-Jul-22
“Hunting Trips of a Ranchman & The Wilderness Hunter” written by Theodore Roosevelt.in 1884. Tough dudes in wild country.
From: bigswivle
26-Jul-22
Jack Carr series is amazing
Have been hesitant to watch the show because the books were so dang good!!
From: dizzydctr
26-Jul-22
I'm 73 years old and enjoy huntin', readin' and nappin'. I have indeed missed opportunities at game at times due to the nappin' and readin', but have had my share of success through the years and don't regret it. I have read quite a few of the books above and am also a Joe Pickett/C. J. Box fan. This past deer season I started "The Complete Novels of Charles Dickens" on my phone/Kindle app. Approaching a year of reading, when I can, I have completed 77% of the book. I'm committed to finishing before I get back to Joe Pickett, etc..
From: JSW
26-Jul-22
I download audio books from the library and listen on an Ipod. You can also download to your phone and listen with buds. That way I can keep my eyes up and watch what's going on around me. I go through about 12 audio books per month.
Fiction, John Sanford, CJ Box, Lee Child, Wilbur Smith, Stephen Hunter
Non-Fiction, I just finished AG William Barr's book, One damn thing after another great book, The Harbinger, Jonathan Cahn, The Righteous Mind and the Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt, Stealing America or anything else by Dinesh D'Souza. Geronimo, by Geronimo
Whoever O'Reilly is to killing
From: fuzzy
26-Jul-22
Anything by Pat McManus, Anything by PH Capstick, Aldo Leoupolds "Sand County Almanac ", "The Witchery of Archery " by Maurice Thompson, if you can lay your hands on "Two Years Before The Mast" by Richard Henry Dana, "On The Border With Crook" (author name escapes me at the moment*EDIT John Gregory Bourke-author ) or Francis Parkman's "The Oregon Trail" (all three true accounts of rich frontier adventures and long out of print) you'll be glad you did.
From: Julius Koenig
26-Jul-22
Just listened to the empire of the summer moon, fascinating story of the Comanche people and probably the places you like to hunt.
From: jjs
26-Jul-22
Usually I have a pocket Bible with me, sitting alone in the woods the written word comes more to life.
From: 2Wild Bill
26-Jul-22
Uncle Tom's Cabin.
From: Quick Draw 1
26-Jul-22
Another vote for Empire of the Summer Moon. A very fascinating read.
From: DL
26-Jul-22
Yes on the Tom Clancy. BUT, be warned that you can get so engrossed in his books that you might forget that you’re hunting My first one I decided to read a chapter in bed at night. Next thing I know the alarm is going off to wake up. After about three of his books I said no more. I can’t stop reading them.
From: jjs
26-Jul-22
Quick Draw 1, read Larry Mcmurdy, Zek and Ned, Cherokee Indians in Ok., surprised there hasn't been a movie made. I read Quanah Parker when it first came out, good read.
From: txhunter58
26-Jul-22
I just download books on my Kindle to read. Don’t like anything to mess with my hearing while hunting.
It does come in handy when I go to sleep too. After the adrenaline from the day, I sometimes have trouble going to sleep. Reading at night in the dark gets me sleepy in a hurry.
From: butcherboy
26-Jul-22
I like a lot of fiction based on historical fact. Reading a series now called Prelude to Glory. It’s a fictional story with lots of historical facts. Takes place just before and during the Revolutionary War. Also, my favorite of all time is anything by Louis LaMore. However you spell his name. Lol
From: JSW
26-Jul-22
You have to get into audio books. You can listen while working out, shaving, driving, hiking and even while on stand as long as you don't rely on hearing to hunt. I probably listened to a book for 5 or 6 hours today.
We waste tons of time not really doing anything productive. I never listen to the radio and seldom watch TV. Get into audio books and start learning. I even listen to crap from leftist morons just to keep informed on what they are up to.
From: butcherboy
26-Jul-22
I’ve tried audio books. They put me to sleep pretty quick unless I’m driving. I mostly read at night an hour or so before bed and that helps me wind down. While hunting I read a paper back while sitting at a waterhole or during the hot part of the day. I’m still out in the trees just hanging around listening and waiting for things to pick back up. I should probably try audio again when I’m working out or working in the yard etc. I just hate having ear buds in my ear.
From: Philbow
27-Jul-22
Jim Corbett's Man-eater books (or better, get the omnibus). Benard Cornwell's Archer/Grail series. Louis L'Amour Westerns, they're like snack food, one for the morning and one for the afternoon.
From: Firsty
14-Aug-22
Probably porn hub on the smart phone
From: Papadeerhtr
18-Aug-22
Joe Pickett novels are very good reads. Author is cj boxx
From: Ksboy
19-Aug-22
The Final Frontiersman by James Campbell. It's the story of Heimo Korth and his family living in the Artic Wilderness. Fascinating!
From: craigmcalvey
19-Aug-22
Fearless by Eric Blehm I’m a bit of a nerd and reread the hobbit and lord of the rings yearly. For a genre that’s different than a lot of reads, Jo Nesbo’s books are great.
From: DanaC
08-Sep-22
DanaC's Link
Someone mentioned Louis L'Amour, try 'Last of the Breed' for a good adventure/survival tale
From: longspeak74
08-Sep-22
Anything by Cormac McCarthy
From: fuzzy
08-Sep-22
DanaC "Last of the Breed " was his best imo. He took it to the next level.
From: Boreal
08-Sep-22
I started reading this book when I was at Meekin's Air Service waiting to fly out into the Chugach. When I came back in, I borrowed it from Mike, read on the way home and mailed it back to him. I really enjoyed it.
From: INbowdude
08-Sep-22
Bowsiter's books Eyad Yeyhawi, "Crimson Arrows" Mike Neilson, "Class Dismissed: I'm Going Hunting!" "We're Gonna Need More Arrows" "Pig Tales and Other Hunting Adventures" "Birds, Bucks, and Boars"
From: Muleysareking
08-Sep-22
"A Terrible Glory" very detailed book about Custer, before, during and after. ....Mike
From: Iowa Rut Nut
09-Sep-22
If you enjoy humor try any book by Patrick Mc Manus or Bill Bryson's "A walk in the woods."
From: Buzz
13-Sep-22
Ditto Dana.
https://archive.org/details/Novel57LastOfTheBreed1986LouisLAmour
From: neuse
17-Sep-22
Black Elk Speaks is interesting William Kent Krueger, Cochran O'Connor series Tony Hillerman, Navajo Police Jim Chee and the Legendary Lt. Joe Leaphorn
From: DonVathome
17-Sep-22
Life at full draw. Eastmans antelope hunting book(s)
From: Jaquomo
17-Sep-22
I'm now reading Paul Doiron's mystery series starring a Maine game warden. He is a way edgier character than Joe Pickett, and Doiron is a better writer than C.J. Box. Very engaging stories.
From: Arrowsmith
17-Sep-22
From: Arrowsmith
17-Sep-22
From: Arrowsmith
17-Sep-22
C J boxx Joe Picket series Lee Child Reacher series Also some of Pattersons stuff, and have reread Team Yankee by Harol Coyle a few times. Warning; reading, and getting two engrossed in the storyline, and not lifting your head to look around enough could cost you an animal! I have seen more than one tail end of a whitetail buck walking away that I never saw or heard because my nose was in the pages. It's all good! LOL
From: Tilzbow
17-Sep-22
If you want to read one to keep you awake and on high alert for your time in the blind, while in the tent trying to sleep and all other times while in the field then the “Purification Ceremony” by Mark T. Sullivan is an excellent read! Seriously it’s a great book but I’m not sure it’s appropriate for all readers to read while on a hunt. Those who’ve read it will understand.
From: fdp
18-Sep-22
From: 6x6 bull
24-Sep-22
I enjoy a good book while in the blind. Anything by Michael Connelly, Lee Childs and I love the westerns by Larry McMurtry.
From: Papadeerhtr
24-Sep-22
If you've never read the Frontiersman by Alan eckert highly recommend it. Only book I've read 3 times!
From: brunse
25-Feb-23
Louis lamour has cost me a quite a few critters in the past. You know , I don’t mind a bit.
From: jmiller
25-Feb-23
A shameless plug for a book...
From: INbowdude
27-Feb-23
On KIndle as well.
On KIndle as well.
Atta boy, Jeff! I'm a big fan of the shameless plugs!
From: Deanclarkend
26-Oct-23
Absolutely, spending time at waterholes is a chill way to pass the hours, and having the perfect book can really up your relaxation game. Picture this: you, a comfy spot by the water, and a book that's pure magic. Emily Henry books fit the bill perfectly. They've got that cozy charm, a touch of romance, and a sprinkle of enchantment that makes them just right for those laid-back days by the water.
From: BackwoodsVT
26-Oct-23
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Dueteronomy, Joshua....you get the idea.
From: Pete In Fairbanks
27-Oct-23
Buy the book I wrote while I was bored to tears during Covid! PM me.
Pete
Buy the book I wrote while I was bored to tears during Covid! PM me.
Pete
From: fuzzy
27-Oct-23
I highly recommend Pete's book.
From: Ricky The Cabel Guy
27-Oct-23
From: Beendare
27-Oct-23
I’m with Ike on the audiobooks, my last 20 years of whitetails were shot with an audiobook in my ear.
EDIT- Of course you keep it on low and best not to use noise cancelling earbuds ….. I can hear deer walking in the leaves 50y away. Audiobooks keep your hands free with less movement- easier to sit still without fidgeting.
I didn’t see Vince Flynn mentioned- the Mitch Rapp series is awesome Same with Michael Connelly- everything is good especially if you like crime drama
From: LBshooter
27-Oct-23
Wow, reading a book in a blind, just think of what you miss. All the wildlife in the woods and your reading. Read in bed, or whe. Your locked up at home, not when in the woods on deer stand.
From: Baptist
27-Oct-23
Authorized a King James Bible.
From: DanaC
28-Oct-23
LB, I got bored with 'stand' hunting long ago. A book makes it tolerable. Ain't enough squirrels to hold my attention for six hours ;-)
From: DanaC
28-Oct-23
I get a real chuckle out of hunters staring at their gd phones the whole time on stand.
From: HDE
29-Oct-23
If you take a Pat McManus book with you, you might just scare whatever off from laughing.
From: Stix
29-Oct-23
Bible
From: LuisW.
23-Dec-23
Depends on a genre you prefer. A Killer's Mind (Zoe Bentley Mystery Book 1) by Mike Omer is pretty interesting detective book
From: LarryDawnson
29-Dec-23
I know some good books to read. For example, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara Thalia Book Club: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Mariana Enriquez, tr. Megan McDowell, Our Share of Night. I have a whole list of books but I've read just a few because I'm a student, and I need to read other literature. I study finance, but I have literature twice a week, and I read and discuss a lot of amazing books, This week it's Macbeth. I also need to write a paper on it, and it's a little complicated, even though I've read it twice. But still, even with such literature, it's not a dead end, because I came across this page https://edubirdie.com/examples/macbeth/ where I managed to find and read some examples on that play, and it helped me to understand it better. And if someone is into such literature, I really recommend that play, because it's for sure worth reading.
From: fuzzy
29-Dec-23
"What Happened " by Hillary Rodham Clinton if you can chuckle quietly. ;)
From: DanaC
29-Dec-23
If you are a fly fisherman, anything by John Gierach would work well. Tom McGuane's 'Nothing But Blue Skies' is a hoot.
From: Old School
29-Dec-23
A pocket New Testament Bible works for me.
Just finished reading Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett. True stories told by Corbett of hunting and shooting Tigers in the Indian Himalayas in the early 19th century. Guy had ice water in his veins.
From: PushCoArcher
29-Dec-23
From: be still
29-Dec-23
I’m with LB…if I ever get bored with sitting out there watching wildlife that will probably be the time I give it up.
Late at night though those 2 books up above…meaning of Life and the Caribou one. Just going off the titles might be good reads.
From: fuzzy
02-Jan-24
be still I'm the same. Still like a book along for the long sits when things are slow
From: bigeasygator
02-Jan-24
Have to echo some of the suggestions above. For non-fiction, Hampton Sides and Buddy Levy are two great authors. In particular, I have enjoyed their novels that covered some polar expeditions. Alan Eckert is another one that was mentioned. In addition to the Frontiersmen, I recommend That Dark and Bloody River.
From: Recurve Man
02-Jan-24
Never will I leave thee, Never will I forsake thee.
Great book written by Heather Wilber. Look it up on her website. heatherwilber. com
Shane
From: FORESTBOWS
03-Jan-24
The Bible One second after
From: Paul@thefort
03-Jan-24
Many good reads suggested. The question might be this and my situation once in a while while reading and not paying attention to what is going on out side the blind, a pronghorn or a turkey just shows up unannounced. Yea, you look up and they are walking away. And another: you have been up early and while reading you start to doze or relax into a deep sleep and never see the animal or bird come in until too late. Live and learn by book or experiences.
From: Chris S
03-Jan-24
I was really impressed by this book. Small town kid got into drugs and prison only to find god and rose to top of special forces. Incredible set backs and injuries he overcame.
From: Painless
11-Jan-24
"Wild Sports in the Far West" by Friedrich Gerstacker. This is written by a German who came over here for the sole purpose of hunting in America in 1837. He stayed here 4 years and documents his adventures. If you like hunting and it's history this is a must read.
From: simonvlocka
19-Jan-24
Mysteries, thrillers, and crime books are totally my jam. You should check out Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor if you're into that genre, too. I'm pretty sure it came out in 2023. Aside from that, I think I've read every single WW2 true storybook out there at this point. As for hunting books, one of my all-time favorites has to be One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey. That one really captured the experience of surviving in the Alaskan wilderness.
From: Altitude Sickness
19-Jan-24
The last ivory hunter
The Book of Talbot
The Rigby Dagga Boy book
From: Deebz
28-Jan-24
I recently picked a quite elderly copy of Mark Twain's collected short stories. I really enjoyed reading it in the stand this year. The stories are short, so it's not hard to remember to scan for deer. I just have a hard time not chuckling too loud at Twain's comedy.
From: DanaC
29-Jan-24
Just finished 'The Martian' by Andy Weir and it's a great story about perseverance and ingenuity in the face of disaster. (No, I haven't seen the movie yet.)
From: Keefers
29-Jan-24
If you haven’t ever read it read “ One with the wilderness” by Mike Mitten one of the best traditional Bowhunters in America. Nice humble guy .
From: Philbow
29-Jan-24
"Roughing It" by Mark Twain. Every few years I'll find my copy and reread it. The attack by the unabridged still has me laughing.
From: Beendare
29-Jan-24
I avg 3 books a week on audio while I’m working….
I just finished Jack Carrs latest “Only the Dead” ,this crowd will like his books, its good but not as good as his others IMO
Probably the best book I’ve read in the last year, “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Vergase. Warning- Not all here will like it…..its revolves around a native Indian ( India) becoming a surgeon, Ethiopian and India culture and a thoughtful exploration of medical ethics - its very good.
Verghase is professor of medical ethics at Stanford- an amazing man if you ever have a chance to hear him speak.
