Book Description

Morgan's humorous and resource-filled collection of essays centers on turkey hunting, wildlife behavior, and growing up in the small Louisiana town of Jackson in the mid-20th century.A mixed breed of a book, it's what you get when you cross the roguish, homespun charm of a master storyteller with the wisdom of a master hunter, turkey caller maker, inventor, naturalist, and teacher-philosopher.With humility and humor the late Kenny Morgan (1946-2011) uses the antics of his lovable, but uncivilized childhood mongrel dog, Buster, as allegory for human nature, with the gentle reminder that "how you act matters." Morgan offers a witty examination of simpler times, giving voice to characters and shenanigans of his colorful life, with relevance -- life lessons -- for our time. The book's format pairs lush images of wildlife and American landscapes with Morgan's thoughtful musings on 50+ years of pursuing the wild turkey--and the practice he's learned along the way to "live artfully." "My intent is to set standards by teaching the artistry of the hunt: practicing cleverness and integrity in the pursuit of wild things," he says.Indeed, the book brims with expert wild turkey-calling and -hunting technique. But its real beauty comes through Morgan's captivating observations of wildlife, told with vivid tales that ensnare hunters and non-hunters alike with fascinating insights, such as how animals communicate--even across species--to look out for one another.Even more, it's about applying principles learned in the wild to cultivate decency with choices we make on the paths of the everyday.Anyone who appreciates a story well-told and compelling art photographs, or someone looking for first-rate tips to call up and bag a gobbler, will find this book a valuable addition to their library, nightstand, or coffee table.America, Wild Turkeys & Mongrel Dogs is a celebration of the joy that is all around us.