Spring 1999

Hot Off the Press
with R.H. Cleveland and Mary Dayle McCormick

Wild Visions
by Paul Brown
Reviewed by R.H. Cleveland

Taking a quick glance through Paul Brown's new book of wildlife photographs, one might mistakenly think getting photos of wild animals is a breeze. Brown definitely makes it look that way.

Wild Visions is loaded with page after page of incredible photographs catching wildlife in incredible situations.

"This book has photos from over 15 years of traveling North America, and most represent several days of trying to be in just the right spot at just the right time," Brown said.

Brown describes a good example of this. "I had been sitting at this site for three days," Brown said. "There was a deer carcass that a lion had taken. It would feed then move up the hill in some bushes to rest and watch over the carcass. Coyotes and other creatures would come and try to get a meal and the cat would come down and guard it."

"Finally, on the third day, when there wasn't much left, one of the coyotes finally got close enough and the cat came charging down. I was ready and got the shot."

One of my favorite photos is an elk fight. Brown described the story.

"I heard the elk bugling and I knew two big boys were in the area and this was the likely place they'd meet," Brown said. "When it happened, I became part of the action. When it was over I had no idea how many pictures, or how many rolls of film I had burned."

To get in range for good wildlife photography, it takes more than just time and patience. It requires excellent outdoor skills, something Brown is not short on. No way could he get a photo of a mama mountain lion and two of her babies cuddled on the slope of Rocky Mountain peak, without great skill.

But don't let his selection of wildlife from the West fool you. Of the 135 plus pages in this work of art, 27 are dedicated to the whitetail deer. Other furbearers with a slightly southern accent include the black bear, red and gray fox, raccoon, river otter and bobcat. Those southerners captured on the wing include the bald eagle, osprey, barn owl, Canada goose, wood duck, great blue heron, wood stork, brown pelican, show geese, purple gallinule, and of course, the wild turkey.

For more than 25 years Brown has photographed wildlife not only in Mississippi, but throughout North and South America. But he makes his nest in Brandon, Mississippi.

Be sure to check out a copy of Wild Visions at your local book store or you can contact Paul Brown at P.O. Box 5066, Brandon, MS 39047. His telephone number is (601) 829-1222 and his fax number is (601) 829-1656.

The Hunting and Fishing Library
Reviewed by Mary Dale McCormick

There's something for just about everyone in The Hunting and Fishing Library. "The Complete Hunter Series" has one dozen books on wild game hunting techniques, identification and cookery. "The Freshwater Angler" includes 13 volumes and "The Complete Fly Fisherman" is contained in 5 books. All covers are beautiful enough for any coffee table, and the interiors are filled with well-designed text and full color photos. On the bookshelf, standing with only their leather-like spines showing, they look costlier than $19.95 per book.

Dressing and Cooking Wild Game is in "The Complete Hunter Series." Whether the game is big or small, on the hoof or on the wing, you'll find generously illustrated instructions for field dressing, transporting, butchering, freezing, cooking and more. Recipe contributors include Mississippi's Billy Joe Cross. Although this would be a great primer for novice hunters, it might contain more information (that is, skinning, gutting, etc.) than non-hunters wish to know.

For game cooks who’d rather not contemplate what happens in the field, America's Favorite Wild Game Recipes would be a better choice. Handling tips and charts simplify portion and cooking method selection. Recipes for bear and boar to squirrel and grouse are divided among appetizers, main dishes, soups and smokehouse specialties. Some of the more elegant titles are Ground Game with Pepper Cognac Sauce, Lemon Parmesan Doves and Roast Partridge with Figs and Garlic Sauce. For down-home cooking try Crockpot Coon Stew, Creole Okra with Venison Meatballs or Squirrel Pot Pie. Photographs feature beautifully styled serving presentations.

Duck Hunting covers techniques and an identification guide with extensive diagrams and photographs. It's another primer, perfect for the inexperienced or rusty hunter.

North American Game Birds contains information for bird watchers across the continent, but unlike other identification guides, it includes brief notes for hunting strategies and eating quality. As with all books in The Hunting & Fishing Library, this one is as handsome lying on a table as it is standing on the shelf.

It's good to know the publisher has maintained consistent quality throughout the series. Even better news is that each is bought separately, according to the sports person's special interest. See them at your local independent bookseller.