Customer Reviews

Grouse Feathers

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very well-written book with abundant good humor and dry wit. It is one of the classics of grouse hunting literature. It is not a natural history or a how-to book, but is literature written in a very accessible style about one man's adventures while hunting grouse over a period of many years near his New England home.

I am 44 years old. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and so did my 80-year old Uncle who had hunted ruffed grouse for many years in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania.

This is a great book whether you are a grouse hunter or not. I am not but thats only because there are none where I live, but I do thoroughly enjoy other types of bird hunting. Contrary to another review, I found this book re-readable, which I have several times. The only possible downside is that I wish it was longer.

I have read "Drummer in the Woods" and "Grouse Feathers", both by Burton Spiller, and enjoyed them both! Having only hunted grouse twice, but being a hunter and around hunting dogs and hunting all of my life, Spiller's books are jewels of literature to be treasured through out the generations. I have experienced the joy of time afield with special hunting partners (two- and four-legged) and have made wonderful memories. Spiller recounts hunts and hunting partners in a conversational tone that makes you feel like you are sharing a spot around the campfire or the hearth, after a day in the woods. Very warm, comfortable, friendly writing. I can't wait to read "More Grouse Feathers," and re-read his books!

Ruffed Grouse hunters can't miss this one. Anything by Spiller on grouse hunting is a joy to read and this is the one to start with.

Another great nostalgic look at the "good ol days" of upland bird hunting.Definitely a must-read for grousers!

This wonderful books contains recountings of stories, anecdotes, information, and eternal wisdom about grouse hunting in New England and about life. Spiller was an avid grouse (and woodcock) hunter in New England prior to WWII, and he recounts many of the funny stories, strange people, and passes on some of his hard earned grouse-hunting wisdom to future generations of hunters in this book. In the 80-90 years since this book was originally written, grouse hunting (surprisingly) hasn't changed a whole lot. The birds generally aren't quite as prevalent, and it may take a little more effort (and driving) to find that secluded spot, but anyone who has been toting a shooting iron through the woods for hours anticipating a few seconds of excitement at the flapping wings of a thunderchicken will enjoy this book. This book is easy to read, and Spiller's writing style is such that you feel he is sitting right beside you talking to you about his lifetime of experience - there isn't really a single plot line, the recounting just meanders about as Spiller talks about this subject and that, all the while the reader wishes he or she could get out into the woods (at least that is what I kept thinking about). The only reason that I give this four stars is that this book isn't nearly as good as some of the masters of the outdoors/hunting genre (e.g. Robert Ruark, Gordon MacQuarrie, etc.). Decent, but not something that one is likely to read over and over again. I think the other three 5-star ratings overrate this a bit.