They Used to Call Us Game Wardens

by Bill Callies, Photos (Illustrator), Ivy Hanson (Editor)

Bill Callies was a Minnesota Game Warden who retired in 1980. He wrote 60 stories in this book. Some of the stories are funny, some are exciting and all are informative. They are all factual accounts that describe the job of a Minnesota Game Warden during the era from 1960 to 1980. Bill thought being a game warden was the best job in the world and he wrote wonderful stories of his adventures.

Genres: Biography

271 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2006

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were given this book as a gift from a parishioner because she knew my husband’s father was a game warden in Itasca County years ago.
I knew from a few stories the dangers that game wardens faced over their lifespan in the service of managing vulnerable creatures from greedy hunters.
The stories told in this book were revealing, detailed and fascinating to read.
My respect for all game wardens (conservation officers) has reached new heights.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Good look into the interesting, yet dangerous work! I was born in Winton (back when there still was a hospital there). My dad (Walt Sova) was a Game Warden headquartered at Winton. Many of the stories shared by the author were reminiscent of the stories I heard during my childhood. Also, a few of Bill’s fellow wardens/trainers who were mentioned in the book were familiar names to me.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Thanks to the writing style of the Former Game Warden author, it is a very quick easy read. The area he served in is a little bit out of the parts of Northern Minnesota that I am familiar with but I enjoyed them just he same.

In several instances I felt like I was out on a stake out with Bill waiting for shiners with him and his thermos of coffee.

[Mum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Especially fun since it is written by a friend of Harlan's and I know some of these people and places!!!
Tattle tales on lots of folks :o

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. Bill Callies engauging style puts you right in the moment with him.