Ron Schara has long been a voice for the midwestern outdoors, as a writer for the Minneapolis Tribune and through his adventures—accompanied by his black Lab, Raven—on the popular Minnesota Bound TV show. His storytelling is inspired by childhood excursions along the Mississippi River as well as later and numerous encounters with wildlife from Minnesota to Manitoba and beyond. Whether hunting squirrels or turkey or whitetails, whether pursuing walleye on Opening Day or retelling fishing yarns, Schara captures the sensory thrills and restorative solitude of being out in nature.
In this collection, Schara gathers favorite stories from fifty-plus years of celebrating opportunities found in natural environments. He relates childhood lessons on hunting safety and treasured memories of summer days at the creek. He champions preserving midwestern landscapes—to the benefit of hunters and fishers, yes, but more importantly for protecting wild habitats so that the grandchildren of today's outdoor enthusiasts might also experience the woods at daybreak, the pristine trout stream, the prolific prairie. In these "mostly true tales," Schara offers wisdom from the tree stand and tells of others' record-breaking achievements. He invites readers to join him in this life out-of-doors—and maybe to see their own adventures in a new light.