Title: Fish Flies: The Encyclopedia of Fly Tier's Art
Author: Terry Hellekson
Publisher: Gibb Smith Publisher, P.O. Box #667, Layton Utah 84041
Hard Cover, Sleeved: $50.00, 719 Pages, ISBN #1-58685-692-8

Fish Flies is not just another book on popular fly patterns, although it is the authority on those, as well. Angler, fly-tier and author Terry Hellekson also shares insights and interviews with fly-tying greats of years past, along with the history of some of the popular individual flies and fly-tying vises. He also shares years of wisdom and knowledge on colors, fly-fishing techniques and tricks-of-the-trade on the best tools and materials to buy and where to find them.

Newly revised and updated, this book offers the original two volumes of Fish Flies combined into one hardcover edition to create a complete resource on almost 3,000 flies and how to tie them. This new version is organized into two distinct parts: the first section deals with the origins of fly-fishing, the concepts of vision and perception of color, the tools and materials from which flies are created. The second section progresses to insect orders such as terrestrials, then covers the specifics of streamers, shad flies, steelhead flies and more. Even fly-tying beginners will enjoy the illustrations that clarify the patterns in a reader-friendly style.

Title: The Complete Book of Fire
Author: Buck Tilton
Publisher: Menasha Ridge Press, 2204 First Ave. S, Suite #102, Birmingham, AL 35233
Soft Cover: $12.95, 104 Pages, ISBN #0-89732-633-4

What is it about fire that is so captivating? Is it the warmth, the flickering flames, the glowing embers? Perhaps, the understanding that fire, until the not-too-distant past, was necessary to survive. Maybe the destructive power draws us to it.

Buck Tilton's new book integrates the history and science of fires with practical aspects of campfires. Detailed information is provided for the physical act of making a fire, including the best fuels to use, site selection, building the fire and methods of applying heat to start the fire. Because careless use of fire can leave a lasting impact, a chapter is devoted to the ethics of fire building.

If caught unexpected in the outdoors for a night, a fire can mean survival. In addition to cooking food, it will supply warmth, dry clothes, signal for help and disinfect water. The Complete Book of Fire provides the knowledge needed to help you stay alive in such a situation.

Title: Jim Duckworth's Crappie Fishing Tactics
Author: Tim Huffman
Publisher: Huffman Publishing, P.O. Box #26, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902
Soft Cover: $12.50, 112 Pages, ISBN #978-0-9654766-5-2

Jim Duckworth is a well-known, multi-species fishing guide in the Nashville, TN, area. This new book taps into his knowledge to give readers a wide variety of crappie fishing tactics mixed with important tips. He describes when, where and how to put more fish on the end of your line.

Duckworth's presentation of techniques and ideas are unique because “what you see is what you get.” He does not sugarcoat situations when he struggles and he fishes in public waters where anyone can go. The book's purpose is to give real situations, solutions and detailed answers that you can use the next time you go fishing.

The book is 112 pages and fully illustrated. Chapter topics include deep water crappie, beds, night fishing, casting, trolling, spider rigging, catching slabs, and cleaning/cooking. Duckworth's special sections include interviews with guides Steve McCadams and Gary Mason.

Title: The Encyclopedia of Scats and Tracks
Author: Len McDougall
Publisher: The Lyons Press, 246 Goose Lane, P.O. Box #480 , Guilford , CT 06437
Soft Cover, 8x10: $24.95, 425 Pages, ISBN #1-59228-070-6

This is a comprehensive guide to identifying the tracks and droppings of all trackable animals in the United States and Canada . With lots of photography and line drawings, McDougall, an avid tracker and experienced teacher of tracking skills, takes readers step-by-step through this process.

This guide goes from basic identification skills to interpretation and understanding each animal's behavior by means of their tracks and scats. The book includes information for professional biologists, field researchers and wildlife personnel, but is also a handy, easily understandable reference for amateur and hobbyist trackers and hunters.

Chapters are dedicated to animal characteristics and classifications, taxonomy and dental classifications and a tracker's essential supplies and field kit. This book is one you will use and refer to often.

Title: The Shooter's Guide to Classic Firearms
Author: Editors of Guns & Ammo Magazine
Publisher: Stoeger Books, 17603 Indian Head Highway, Suite 200 , Accokeek , MD 20607
Hard Cover: $24.95, 160 Pages, ISBN #0-88317-327-1

Stoeger Publishing is proud to announce its newest title for firearm fanatics and collectors. An amazing collection of articles detailing the history, technology and performance of many of the world's great firearms, this is a “must have” for all gun enthusiasts. For the first time, the best “Classic” articles of the country's foremost gun magazine, Guns & Ammo, have been collected in book form and the their technical experts put each firearm through its paces to examine its capabilities and performance.

From muzzleloaders to automatics, rifles to handguns, you will gain valuable insight into the performance and background of some of history's most famous rifles, pistols and shotguns. Some of the guns studied are the 1873 “Trapdoor” Springfield rifle, the Colt Model 1877 revolver and the Winchester 1877 shotgun. Chapters include the M1 Garand, the Browning Hi-Power and the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight. Featured are over 35 classic firearms for your interest and enjoyment. All in full color, more than 300 photographs show these firearms in detail and in action.

Title: The Pocket Deer Hunting Guide
Author: Stephen D. Carpenterti
Publisher: Stoeger Publishing , 17603 Indian Head Highway , Accokeek , MD 20607
Soft Cover: $7.95, 160 Pages, ISBN #0-88317-331-X

This book is a concise, and portable resource packed with a wealth of important and useful facts that every deer hunter needs, but might not always recall. A primer for beginners and a handy reference book for experienced hunters, it is full of practical, step-by-step information for hunting North America 's most popular game animal.

Whether you need a quick reference on some key point of adjusting a sight or a reminder about deer behavior or field dressing, this guide will be along to fill in the blanks. This pocket book will give you the essentials you need to know for an enjoyable and successful deer hunt.

Title: The Pocket Outdoor Survival Guide
Author: J. Wayne Fears
Publisher: Stoeger Publishing , 17603 Indian Head Highway , Accokeek , MD 20607
Soft Cover: $7.95, 128 Pages, ISBN #0-88317-333-6

This pocket guide provides vital information dealing with short-term survival situations for hikers, campers, backpackers, canoeists, hunters and anglers. In fact, this book is great for anyone who spends time in the wilderness. Every year some outdoor enthusiasts find themselves faced with unexpected emergencies. They get lost, injured or stranded and suddenly find themselves depending on survival skills. This compact book covers skills and gear you need to stay alive until help arrives.

This crucial resource covers everything from shelter and building a fire to finding water and the survival supplies you should always carry. If you find yourself facing that unplanned night in the woods, this little book can prepare you to stay comfortable…and survive.

Title: Fly Fishing and the Meaning of Life
Author: Wade N. Brooks
Publisher: MBI Publishing Co., Galtier Plaza, Suite #200, 380 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
Hard Cover, Sleeved: $12.95, 96 Pages, ISBN #0-7603-2575-8

Fly-fishing is a philosopher's sport. It is an activity best suited for the serious and discerning thinker. From the rivers and streams of fly-fishing country, anglers have long pondered the meaning of fly-fishing, catching (and releasing) trout, and life.

Informative and entertaining, this collection features humor and wisdom from a wide range of sages of the stream. Included on this list are names like Norman MacLean, Lee Wulff, Patrick McManus and Izaak Walton. Illustrated with an array of historical photography, vintage magazines and ads, and beautiful artwork and photography, this book is sure to amuse the streamside philosopher in all of us.

Title: Camping's Top Secrets
Author: Cliff Jacobson
Publisher: Falcon Guide, P.O. Box #480 , Guilford , CT 06437
Soft Cover: $14.95, 262 Pages, ISBN #0-7627-4017-5

Camping out has changed considerably since the days of pine-bough beds, bonfires and fresh-cut trail shelters. No longer is it ethical to shape the land to suit our whims. There are just too few wild places left, and too many of us.

As a result, a whole new style of camping has evolved and is geared to the high-tech, lightweight equipment of today. Equally spacious nylon tents of one-fourth the weight have replaced the old 40-pound canvas models. Camp stoves have taken over for open fires and new clothing materials are lighter and more durable.

This book speaks to all of these and many more modern camping topics. It is not intended to take the place of a sport-specific text on backpacking, canoeing, family camping, or the like. Rather, it details hundreds of ideas and procedures that are never found in traditional camping books. These ideas will make your next campout safer and more fun. Every outdoor enthusiast will appreciate this new guide to modern camping.

Title: GPS Outdoors
Author: Russell Helms
Publisher: Menasha Ridge Press, 2204 First Ave. South , Birmingham , AL 35233
Soft Cover: $10.95, 86 Pages, ISBN #0-89732-967-8

A simple GPS unit plugs you into a multibillion dollar satellite-based navigation system. The device allows you to preview your trip, guides you to the starting point and along the way, and provides a visual record of the excursion. GPS Outdoors provides explanations for the many possible uses of a GPS unit.

Beginning with a short history of GPS satellites, technology discussed includes up-to-date information on the latest equipment, the best carrying method depending on activity and managing a unit in the field.

Using both real and fictitious trip examples, author Russell Helms describes in an entertaining style how to enhance the experience by using your GPS unit to plan your trip, navigate, gather trip data and then analyze that data. Whether hiking, climbing, hunting or skiing, GPS Outdoors will make the experience safer and more enjoyable.