Sidetracks: 40 True Stories of Hunting and Fishing on Paths Less Traveled

by Gary Oberg, Trina Holt

Discover Some of the Best Hunting and Fishing Spots in North America! Avid outdoorsman and successful entrepreneur Gary Oberg shares a lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures, and some misadventures, in a series of 40 entertaining true stories. His book “Sidetracks” reveals locations where the finest game and the feistiest fish live ▪ Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness▪ Lake Wenasaga, Ontario, Canada▪ Arctic Lodges, Reindeer Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada▪ Rice Lake, Ontario, Canada▪Skyline Guest Ranch, Cooke City, Montana▪ Fishing Charters in Seward, Alaska▪ Eagle’s Nest Resort, Alaska▪ Sawtooth Mountain, Craig, Colorado▪ Sioux Lake, Meeker County, Minnesota▪ Spirit Lake, Iowa▪ Rochester, Minnesota▪ Lake of the Woods, Minnesota & Canada▪ Rowleys Bay, Door County, Wisconsin▪ Bear Lake Lodge, Alaska▪ Floating Lodges of Sioux Narrows, Ontario, CanadaABOUT THE AUTHOR–Gary Oberg, BME, PE, has spent his life on the edge. As an engineer and entrepreneur, he’s taken a lot of chances, but he really learned about risk mitigation over a lifetime of pushing the limits outdoors. He grew up on a farm in Minnesota, where he learned to appreciate nature and her ways, and spent much of his life fishing and hunting throughout North America. These are the stories he’s accumulated over decades, and the lessons they’ve taught him. Gary says, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re takin’ up too much room.”

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2018

Reviews

[Scott Dagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUN!

Often, hunting stories are an excuse for a hunter to show off their bravado and their mastery over their prey. Gary tells his stories in a way that feels real. Of course, he boasts when he does well, but he shows equal humility when things go off course. As amazing as his life is, his stories reflect true humanity that anyone can empathize with. I only wish that I could fulfill my life's "bucket list" as well as Gary did. I'm glad that Gary gave in to his friend's suggestion and finally sat down to write down his life's story to share with the rest of us. Thank you, Gary.

[Jon McCleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I read while in my deer blind in Kansas. I really enjoyed the stories and the recap of so many experiences hunting and fishing. Well written and honest.

[Jack T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a witty, real, and personal memoir, the book works. As a commentary on the rapid disconnection between generations, it is frustrating to say the least.

A hunter myself in his mid-20s, the hunts and experiences described would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars today - if attainable at all. Perhaps rather than a memoir, this book serves best as a historical timekeeper of hunting's yesteryear.

[Scott Baer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Northern read

If you've spent any time in the UP or upper Midwest then you will enjoy these stories . interesting read

[Stephen]

Gary Oberg grew up in Minnesota hunting and fishing, and has continued to do so for seventy years -- mostly for fun, but sometimes for business as he was also a mechanical engineer who designed reels and other sporting equipment. Here he shares forty stories of his adventures in the wild, set mostly in Minnesota and Canada but reaching Alaska, too. While I was expecting something like Giant Whitetails, this was more about mishaps and adventures Oberg and his friends got into while hunting and fishing. Moose appears to be Oberg's prey of choice, at least in this collection: he and his friends are constantly making deep treks into the wilderness to find and shoot them. There are are fishing stories, too, both on land and sea and sometimes on ice: Oberg has special passions for walleye and halibut. Not all of the stories actually involve hunting and fishing: he includes, for instance, his memories of biking to Alaska with his wife on the Alaskan Highway, or the ALCAN. If you aren't remotely interested in hunting or the outdoors, there are still amusing stories here -- like Oberg doing some night fishing, and then being startled by the sight of a human head breaking the surface. Turns out a resident on the lake liked night swims and was curious about his floating neighbor! Another one sees Oberg and his hunting party arguing over whether they should duct-tape a failing part on their moose-meat wagon: Oberg and a friend make a trek to the nearest city, only for the mechanic to say, "Ehhh, duct tape would work, my welding options for this are pretty dismal." All in all, an enjoyable if not memorable collection.

[Dan McNeal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some funny stories but lots of unethical shots described. From complete misses to wounded animals that required follow up shots. I got a little over halfway through the book and had to stop reading. Just disgusting.

[Michael P Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

I’ve spent some time fishing and backpacking in a few of the same areas that Mr. Oberg writes about. His stories ring true and brought back some wonderful memories of my own.

[Judith L. Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life on the Edge

He brought n many memories for me. Hunting with my 2 sons, brother-in-laws & of course my dad.Thanks for bringing them all back & hopefully many more!