CONSERVATION CORNER
New Books Just In Time For Christmas
by James L. Cummins

Scott B. Williams makes a living out of adventure. He has kayaked solo from the Gulf Coast of Florida to the Virgin Islands, traveled 2,600 miles in a kayak from the lakes of Minnesota to Vicksburg, and has thoroughly explored the waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In Exploring Coastal Mississippi: A Guide to the Marine Waters and Islands (University Press of Mississippi), Williams shares his extensive knowledge of the islands, back bays, coastal rivers and the Gulf. Williams shares his years of experience exploring Petit Bois Island, Cat Island, Horn Island and East and West Ship Island as well as numerous coastal rivers, bayous and bays. In doing so, he hopes to save the reader some trouble. "Much of what I learned about coastal exploring has been through trial and error. By passing on what I have learned, perhaps I can save the reader from repeating my mistakes."

In Exploring Coastal Mississippi, Williams covers the history of the area as well as precise details and directions for navigating the waters around the coastal islands. "Most Mississippians and certainly non-residents of the state may not be aware of the opportunities for adventure and relaxation that await at the southern boundary of our state,” he says.

Exploring Coastal Mississippi (ISBN 1-57806-423-6) is published by the University Press of Mississippi. One may order a copy ($50.00, unjacketed hardback or $22.00, paperback) by calling (601) 432-6205.

Another book that would make a good present for Christmas is Quality Deer Management: The Basics and Beyond by Charles J. Alsheimer.

Quality deer management (QDM) has quickly become the most talked about conservation program in the United States. In his newest book, Quality Deer Management: The Basics and Beyond, Charles J. Alsheimer explains QDM basics, such as food-plot development, QDM hunting strategies, record-keeping organization and proper adult-doe-to-antlered-buck ratios.

Alsheimer's advice is based on more than 20 years of experience. He explains how QDM affects antler size and herd quality. He tells the benefits of QDM, and the differences between other herd-management programs, such as trophy management and traditional management. Landowners will learn about soil acidity, forestry practices, food plots and herd estimation. He also shares his experience with promoting QDM to neighboring landowners.

Alsheimer writes, "As many sportsmen are finding out, the time is right for QDM. It is energizing, and provides a wonderful way to become involved in growing better white-tails. As you are about to see, it's a win-win concept." Alsheimer is an outdoor writer, lecturer, and white-tail consultant and award-winning nature photographer specializing in white-tailed deer.

Quality Deer Management: The Basics and Beyond can be purchased from major bookstores (ISBN 0-87349-335-4) or directly from the publisher, Krause Publications, Book Department PR04, PO Box 5009, Iola, WI 54945-5009, for $39.95 plus $ shipping. Contact Krause Publications at (800) 258-0929, or visit online at www.krausebooks.com.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.