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A Hunter's Heart: Honest Essays on Blood Sport

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Without apology, the voices here speak of the verities of the hunt, our connections to the land, and the ethics of blood sport, with essays by the best writers in the field: Edward Abbey, Rick Bass, Tom Beck, Jimmy Carter, Jim Fergus, Barry Lopez, Peter Matthiessen, Tom McGuane, Richard K. Nelson, David Peterson, and Terry Tempest Williams.

331 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

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David Petersen

73 books20 followers
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Andy Horton.
428 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
A collection of essays by hunters about hunting. For clarity, I should say this is a US book, and “hunting” is a catch-all for any shooting of game, as opposed to a British context where it means hunting with hounds as part of the hunting-shooting-and-fishing spectrum of blood sports.
Doesn’t have the class-based issues around hunting you get here, but does have a focus on identity.
There are themes which the writers often share. Contempt for boorish, cruel or careless hunters, and a discomfort at taking life.
An interesting, eye-opening look at the reality of those who hunt and can also
Profile Image for Justin Fry.
12 reviews
April 17, 2024
A thoughtful and purposeful collection of essays on hunting, its history, and the philosophical questions and meaning underlying man’s continued pursuit of hunting tradition and heritage. Rather than merely consisting of time-honored campfire stories of hunters and their experiences, the book presents grapples with the moral challenges and societal pressures facing hunting in the modern age.

The book’s success comes from its understanding that there are hard truths and realities facing a future in which hunting continues to exist. Quickly diminishing resources, harmful and unethical hunting practices, and political opposition require hunter’s to face hard questions about their pursuit, and the collection of stories presents viewpoints from both sides of the aisle to force the reader to consider how these circumstances should dictate one’s own hunting practices.

Ultimately, despite the very real threat of the potential damage hunting can inflict on the natural world, the book stands as a testament of the continued value and purpose of hunting, so long as today’s hunters serve as trustworthy stewards of land, protectors of our hunting tradition, and practitioners of thoughtful, connected, and intentional interaction with the land and what it provides us. This book contains countless examples of hunters possessing those very traits and will continue to serve as encouraging evidence that modern hunters can continue to hunt within the true meaning and purpose of the tradition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
29 reviews
March 11, 2022
Perhaps not surprisingly with a collection of essays, the quality is uneven. With the many different styles, perhaps other readers will prefer different stories than those that were my favorites. I gravitated to the stories that described actual hunting experiences, and enjoyed less those that were more scientific or philosophical in their approach. It was definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Szigetisportva.
2 reviews
May 15, 2023
A leggyakoribb futballfogadási hibák

A Seneca filozófusnak tulajdonított római közmondás így hangzik: "Tévedni emberi dolog, de kitartani (tévedésben) ördögi." A futballfogadás világában gyakoriak a hibák, amelyek pénzbe kerülnek. Ha lehetséges, mindannyian szeretnénk elkerülni őket, de mivel ez szerencsejáték, nem lehet előre megjósolni az eredményt, és nincsenek biztos módszerek a hibák elkerülésére. Vannak azonban olyan dolgok, amelyeket a játékosok gyakran megtesznek, és amelyek elvesztéshez vezetnek. Tekintse meg itt a 2023-as futballfogadási stratégiákat, különösen a magyar játékosok számára!

Nem ismered a sportot

Csak azért, mert az összes barátod focira fogad, nem jelenti azt, hogy minden derbire fogadnod kell, ha nem ismered vagy nem szereted a játékot. Ne aggódj amiatt, hogy nem értesz vagy nem érdekel a futball. Maradjon annál a sportnál, amelyről a legtöbbet ismeri. Akkor fogod a legjobban megérteni az esélyeket és a piacokat, ha tisztában vagy a sportággal és a különböző csapatok teljesítményével. Ha egy véletlenszerűen nem ismert sportágra fogad, az a kudarc garanciája.

A csapatforma és a sérült játékosok figyelmen kívül hagyása

A fogadás nem könnyű út a gazdagsághoz. Keményen dolgozni kell a sikerhez, és ha nem teszed bele a fáradságot, akkor nem fogsz pénzt keresni. Minden részletet tudnia kell a csapatról, amelyre fogad (például a Manchester United), valamint az ellenfeléről. Számos szempontot kell figyelembe venni, de sok fogadó megfeledkezik róluk, vagy inkább figyelmen kívül hagyja őket. A mélyreható kutatás időt és energiát igényel, de a futballfogadásban az apróságok számítanak.

A bank rossz vezetése

Ahelyett, hogy fejjel előre merülne, és rengeteg tétet kötne tudás és tapasztalat nélkül, kezdje el lassan. A kis fogadások nem fizetnek nagyot, de ezek jelentik az alapot, amelyre építeni lehet. A kezdő játékos izgalma, az izgalom és a nagy nyeremények utáni vágy érthető.

Egy katasztrofális hiba, amelyet sok új játékos követ el, hogy játékköltségvetése nagy részét egyetlen fogadásra fordítja. A teljes bankroll elvesztése 1, 2 vagy 3 fogadással, különösen, ha újonc a futballfogadás világában, nem kellemes élmény. Bölcs dolog lenne beállítani a bankroll egy százalékát, amelyet nem léphet túl fogadáskor. Ez a százalék lehet 2, 3 vagy 5%, de semmi esetre sem haladhatja meg a 10%-ot. Így például, ha van 100 eurója, amellyel játszhat, egyenként 10 eurós fogadást köthet. Nagyon valószínűtlen, hogy az összes fogadása veszít, így biztos lehet benne, hogy befektetésének legalább egy részét visszanyeri. A 10 eurós tét nem hangzik lenyűgözőnek, de néhány sikeres fogadás után a bankrollja nő, és ezzel együtt a beállított maximális tét is.

Kerülje a kedvenc csapatára való fogadást

Ha statisztikai adatok, logika és megalapozott döntések alapján fogad, nagyobb az esélye a jó és nyereséges fogadások megkötésére. Ha azonban szubjektív okokból fogad a kedvenc csapatára, és az a vágy, hogy téttel támogassa a csapatot, akkor a dolgok gyorsan lefelé fordulhatnak. Az érzések és érzelmek beavatkozása a fogadásokba a legbiztosabb módja a veszteségnek. Ha nem tud fogadni kedvenc csapata ellen, akkor lehet, hogy a futballfogadás nem neked való. A futballfogadás a statisztikák, a logika és a fegyelem játéka, ezért tegye félre haragját és érzelmeit a következő fogadás megkezdése előtt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sportfogadasonline.
2 reviews
May 19, 2023
Hogyan válasszuk ki a megfelelő bukmékert – második rész

Ez a cikk az útmutatónk folytatása, amely rávilágít néhány fontos dologra, amelyet tudnod kell, amikor bukmékert választasz. Nézd meg itt az első részt, ha még nem olvastad. Folytassuk most.

Weboldal minősége

Az is fontos, hogy olyan bukmékert válasszunk, amelynek jól megtervezett weboldala van. Ennek az az oka, hogy a fogadás megtételekor minden részletet és lehetőséget meg kell vizsgálnia. A weboldalon könnyen, minden nehézség nélkül navigálhatónak kell lennie. A webhelynek mobilbarátnak kell lennie, ahol fogadásokat tehet, és megtekintheti a frissítéseket mobileszközén. Egy adott online fogadótársaság webhelyének megnyitásával meghatározhatja az adott webhely minőségét. Akár telefonján is megnyithatja a webhelyet, hogy megbizonyosodjon arról, hogy mobilbarát (legyen az Android vagy iOS.

Kivételi és befizetési módok száma

Vannak bizonyos kifizetési és befizetési módszerek, amelyek jobbak, mint mások. Ezért fontos a legjobb módszereket kínáló cég kiválasztása. Azt a bukmékert kell kiválasztania, amelyik a legkényelmesebb módszert kínálja Önnek. Az is hasznos, ha olyan cégeket választ, amelyeknek olyan módszerei vannak, amelyek a jövőben nem befolyásolják negatívan pénzügyi nyilvántartásait. A legtöbb ember megpróbálja elkerülni a bankokon keresztüli tranzakciókat, mert pénzügyi nyilvántartásaik szerencsejátékokat is tartalmaznak. Ha ezek az emberek banki hitelt próbálnak felvenni, akkor a pénzügyi nyilvántartásukban szereplő szerencsejáték-adatok miatt magas kockázatúnak minősülnek. Tehát keressen olyan bukmékert, amely az Ön számára megfelelő fizetési és befizetési módokat kínálja.

Promóciók és bónuszok

Ha egy bizonyos fogadóiroda szolgáltatásait veszi igénybe, akkor pénzt termel. Így igazságos, hogy a fogadóirodák félúton próbálnak találkozni veled. A fogadótársaság ezt bónuszok és promóciók biztosításával érheti el. Szinte minden online fogadó cég kínál promóciókat és bónuszokat. De vannak olyanok, amelyek jobb bónuszokat és promóciókat adnak. A különböző cégek összehasonlításával azonosíthatja azt, amelyik jobb promóciót kínál. Rendkívül fontos annak biztosítása is, hogy a bónuszok és promóciók valódiak legyenek. Ennek az az oka, hogy vannak bizonyos bukmékerek, akik azt hirdetik, hogy bónuszokat és promóciókat biztosítanak, de nem tartják be ígéreteiket.

Hírnév

Vannak bizonyos online fogadótársaságok, amelyeket sok ember jól ismer és megbízható. Az ilyen cégekről ismert, hogy kiváló minőségű szolgáltatásokat nyújtanak, beleértve az időben történő fizetést. Ha egy ilyen céget választasz, akkor szinte garantáltan megkapod a pénzed, ha nyersz. Jobb szolgáltatásokat is kap, beleértve a megbízható ügyfélszolgálatot. Egy adott bukméker hírnevét megalapozhatja a terület szakértői által írt értékelések alapján. Ismerősöktől vagy más személyektől is kaphat ajánlásokat, akik egy adott online fogadócég szolgáltatásait vették igénybe.

Számos ajánlást kaphat, és kiválaszthatja az igényeinek leginkább megfelelőt. Az ajánlások különösen hasznosak, mert olyan emberektől származnak, akiknek nem áll szándékában egyetlen online fogadócéget sem reklámozni. Ezért a megadott irányelvek betartásával kényelmesen és egyszerűen találhat megbízható bukmékert.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sophie.
46 reviews
April 2, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ 2.5 stars, sadly.

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, and I feel that was in part because I expected an anthology of hunting stories. And to the book's credit, it was in aspects; but not entirely in the way I anticipated.

There was a surprising few of actual stories from the perspective of hunters that I expected- detailing the memories of hunts gone by, hunts to come, hunts that changed the authors' trajectories in life and pursuit of game. I was prepared for more stories like David Petersen's 'A Hunter's Heart', and others in this book like 'I Like to Talk About Animals' and 'A Childhood Outdoors'. These narratives captured the emotions around hunting while discussing the complexity proposed in the very beginning: WHY do we hunt? These few stories were heartfelt and entertaining while still educating the perhaps non-hunter who may be reading this book on topics like morality, mortality, and ethics.

The other 85% of the book, however, struck me as a case for the pursuit against hunting. Now while this approach in and of itself is not WRONG, I was not expecting to read so many more stories about how authors have grown apart from their sporting heritage, and the reasons to why others should too- or implying the reasoning to do so- while also ingesting more rhetoric than I care to admit about biologies, sciences, and overdone investigations of the like. I was taken off guard by the number of stories about hunting in the arctic, and the references to Thoreau, and what read as general distaste for hunting as a whole...particularly about hunting lions or bears with dogs, hunting birds on private preserves, and baiting.

Edward Abbey's story especially put a bad taste in my mouth, as the way he spoke about hunting being unnecessary post 'boyhood' and how as days modernize it should be expected and normalized that hunting dissipates as well just made it out to be that anyone who still takes up hunting in any fashion is comparative to a neanderthal.

I don't know, there were a few stories I enjoyed and felt connection to, and I was ready to read many perspectives about the hunt and sporting lifestyle as David Petersen noted in his introduction of the book, but by its end I was left to wonder if this collection of 'stories' were really intended to teach anything? Perhaps the contents are too abstract and complex for me, as it is a topic of such nature in general, but I finished this read feeling generally uncomfortable- like I just got done being scolded for having had enjoyment in something considered taboo.

Most of the stories were hard to follow, too oversaturated in details or words, had a lot of run-on sentences, and were generally just challenging reads out of sheer lack of enjoyment or connection on I, the reader's, part. I understand that a collection like this will have inconsistent qualities among its writers/contributors...but I question whether everyone that DID contribute to the collection had the same motives of teaching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Huechr.
2 reviews
June 15, 2023
Vodič za sportsko klađenje

Da biste se počeli kladiti na sport, morate poznavati osnove golemog svijeta klađenja. Ovdje nudimo potpuni vodič koji će vas voditi do najboljih online kladionica. Naš cilj da vam ponudimo korisne informacije doveo nas je do izrade ovog kratkog i detaljnog vodiča za sportsko klađenje u kojem smo prikupili najvažnije i bitne informacije za početnike kako bi naučili kako se kladiti online.

U sljedećim odlomcima pronaći ćete savjete za sportsko klađenje i ključne teme koje trebate znati prije nego što se počnete kladiti na sport. U našem kratkom vodiču za sportsko klađenje također pružamo praktične informacije o najpopularnijim sportovima tako da možete naučiti sportsko klađenje uz pomoć našeg vodiča za sportsko klađenje. Nastavljamo s prvim važnim korakom našeg vodiča za sportsko klađenje, a to je naučiti kako odabrati kladionicu.

Prilikom odabira kladionice moramo uzeti u obzir sve ove karakteristike koje smo naveli jer su one dio izvrsnih performansi svakog portala za online klađenje.

Međutim, važno je zapamtiti da je prvo što trebate učiniti provjeriti licencu kladioničara kojeg ste odabrali. Ova autorizacija mora biti važeća kako bi se osigurala najbolja moguća sigurnost Vaših osobnih podataka i novca položenog na portalu.

Valjanost pojedinačnih licenci operatera možete provjeriti izravno na službenim stranicama Uprave za igre na sreću (vidi ovdje).

Portal bi trebao nuditi širok izbor popularnih i pouzdanih metoda plaćanja kao što su Skrill ili paysafecard, visokokvalitetnu uslugu prijenosa uživo, aplikaciju za klađenje kompatibilnu s iOS i Android uređajima i, naravno, korisničku službu, učinkovitog korisnika.

Što su kvote?

Jedna od najvažnijih stvari koje treba znati o kladionicama su koeficijenti. Ovo su glavni alati kladioničara i odražavaju vjerojatnost mogućeg ishoda sportske oklade.

Izgledi funkcioniraju ovako: što su veći, manja je vjerojatnost da će se dogoditi ishod na koji se kladite. Stoga kladionice postavljaju niže koeficijente za događaje koji imaju veću šansu. Postoje dva osnovna oblika koeficijenata: decimalni koeficijenti i frakcijski koeficijenti. Postoji i treći tip množitelja - američki, koji se ne koristi na europskim tržištima klađenja.

Na europskom tržištu najčešći su decimalni množitelji pomoću kojih je najlakše izračunati potencijalni profit. Frakcijski koeficijenti najčešće se koriste u Velikoj Britaniji. Primjer decimalne kvote je 1,7, što odgovara frakcijskoj kvoti od 7/10. Što se tiče američkih kvota, one se izražavaju pozitivnim ili negativnim brojevima.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cameron M.
59 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2017
What a brilliant collection of essays / articles. I had come across this book as means of researching various hunting books. Not so much "how-to's", but more of the "why's" of hunting and the philosophy, sentiment, and emotion that fills the realm of the predator-prey relationship.

I plan on getting into hunting relatively soon. I grew up angling and I like to think I'm somewhat of a bass-whisperer, but hunting was never on my radar, as my father never raised me to do it. As I've grown, had a child, and begun to learn more and more about the general thought of an agrarian lifestyle, farming, and providing for my family by the means of what God has provided, hunting has inevitably entered the question. So, what do I do? I read. I want to learn from those who are experienced, those who have heart within the realm of what I want to become immersed within. This past year for my birthday, I bought my first gun, a 12 gauge shotgun; I plan to turkey hunt next spring, and God willing, deer hunt next fall/winter.

This book was edited and arranged in a wonderful way. I appreciated all of the articles, whether they were from hunters themselves, or from those closely acquanted with hunting and hunters. There were many thoughts offered I hadn't considered (or known to consider, rather) that have opened my eyes and helped me create a foundation of ethics and virtue whilst I engage in the understanding and overall underlying principles of hunting.

I found myself engaged in every essay submitted here. I'm sure David Petersen had collected many, many more articles initially and somehow, whittled it down to the fine selection of that which was composed of here. I consider it a grace, really, that I was able to join the minds of these hunters during the hunts they scripted, and found myself quite immersed in the hunter's thoughts and emotions for the duration of their story. I was also able to step back and read objectively the less story-oriented pieces and critique and agree with virtually everything in here.

I would say this book is a great read for any of those who want to get into hunting for whatever reason, perhaps any hunters who entered in for the wrong reason to reflect on appropriate reasoning to hunt. Excellent book!
Profile Image for Emily.
60 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2025
An interesting collection of essays on ethics in hunting. All are written from an exclusively North American perspective. Some of them I would sincerely disagree with, some seem to be more of the authors wrestling with their own doubts about their pursuit of game, some highlight practices which the author finds unacceptable and then lashes out at, some take an almost sermon like tone advising us how what was once acceptable is no longer and how we must consider the charges laid against us by the antihunting groups and change and adapt else we deserve the ridicule heaped upon our sport. And some are well written though provoking works that are most definitely good reading.
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
239 reviews
July 13, 2022
Great collection of essays on blood sport marred by a couple clunkers. This volume includes some of my favorite authors: Tom McGuane, Russell Chatham, Jim Harrison, Guy de La Valdene, Barry Lopez, etc. It also suffers by including pinkos like Jimmy Carter and eco-terrorist Edward Abbey. Some of the essays even read like they were written by anti-hunting apologists or guys embarrassed that they hunt at all. No matter, the good outweighs the bad. I would recommend.
Profile Image for Steven Wilson.
23 reviews
January 5, 2025
Overall, this was a pretty good book, though, I started getting a little bored with it about 2/3 of the way through. Some essays were more enjoyable to read than others. Reading this collection of essays will cause one to think deeply and consider their relationship with hunting, nature, death, life, and the outdoors. This book is a necessary read for any hunter or outdoorsman/outdoorswoman.
Profile Image for Mike.
75 reviews19 followers
March 29, 2019
I haven't read every essay, nor did I read them in order. But this is likely the greatest collection of hunting essays ever assembled. On a variety of topics, from a variety of perspectives (including anti-hunters) - I'll likely read a few essays out of this book every hunting season.
35 reviews
May 13, 2018
Great anthology of short stories which are honest, reflective and thoughtful.
Profile Image for Sean Finn.
155 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2021
A great series of stories dispelling the notion that hunters are totally barbaric.
Profile Image for Carrie.
146 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2015
This is an amazing collection of beautiful, well-written, thought-provoking, essays written by hunters. They vary in style and opinion and approach but there isn't a weak piece among them.

I grew up around family and friends who are fiercely anti-hunting and have always had mixed feelings about it myself. I've rarely had a chance to talk to anyone from "the other side." I found the perspectives in this book incredibly valuable and interesting. As difficult as it may be to reconcile, it is absolutely true that there are hunters who both love animals (sometimes to the point of devoting their lives and careers to them) and kill them. This is the subject of many of the essays, and it is clearly a difficult thing to express, but the authors do a beautiful job trying. Other essays are deeply critical of particular aspects of hunting, such as baiting, hunting contests, and overuse of technology, and I'm glad these were included. This is ultimately a pro-hunting book, but it does not glorify hunting or hide from its problems, and is as honest as it promises to be.
Profile Image for Kip.
90 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2019
I loved this book. We hear from a range of voices, including ex-hunters and anti-hunters. Topics run the gamut from the ethics of hunting itself to the demonization and repudiation of those who disrespect the animal. Many authors were able to make real the tension the hunter faces with the dilemma of intense love for the animal and the subsequent killing of that animal. It is something that I have felt and something I believe should not be lost, because as a meat eater, whether you hunt or not, an animal dies to sustain you. One author puts it best, "Why do I hunt? To accept personal responsibility for at least some of the deaths that nourish my life."
Profile Image for Neal.
1 review
March 24, 2012
Remarkable collection of short stories and narratives from some of the best outdoor writers practicing the craft. It provides a lot of insights into why I, and others hunt. While I may not agree with every premise discussed, every author makes me think. And I become a more thoughtful hunter as a result.
Profile Image for Kyle Hess.
3 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2012
Whether you're against hunting, for it, or indifferent, the short stories in this book provide some rare insight into why we hunt. Unlike author's who write with a like-minded audience in mind, those chosen for this collection seem to be trying to reach a broad audience of nature-lovers, anti-hunters, and hunters alike.
1 review1 follower
July 19, 2007
Short stories and essays about hunting and wildlife. Very inspirational, emotional, spiritual and enlightening. Recommend to those who love wildlife and have an interest in hunting or even if you don't, offers insight into the heart and mind of a hunter/wildlife enthusiast.
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