Shadows on the Tundra: Alaskan Tales of Predator, Prey, and Man - Hardcover

Drawing on 25 years' experience as a hunter, licensed guide and photographer, Walker writes a superb account of Alaska's big-game animals and their habitat. Following him, we observe and track grizzly bears, moose, wolves, caribou and Dall sheep. Seeking the latter is a severe test of skill and endurance; Walker, who argues that hunting should be work , offers an eloquent apologia for the sport. On the dark side, he reports on aerial slaughter of wolves and bears (now restricted), wholesale shooting of migratory caribou from snowmobiles, and trapping cruelties. Alaska's native peoples and government agencies are in conflict; Walker addresses these and other problems of wildlife management. Although readers may fret about declining animal populations and loss of habitat, they will enjoy wilderness excursions in the company of a consummate outdoorsman. Photos.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Walker does an excellent job of putting wildlife management techniques into the context of the wilderness outdoors for the general reader. His fascinating accounts of encounters with moose, wolves, grizzlies, and caribou provide the reader with a view of these animals and their environment without the philosophical heaviness of John Haines's The Stars, the Snow, the Fire ( LJ 6/1/89) or the anthropomorphic fluff of Hope Ryden's Lily Pond ( LJ 9/1/89). In addition to his authoritative treatment of the use and management of Alaska's wilderness, Walker also outspokenly addresses controversial issues such as aerial wolf hunting and Native American claims on caribou. He subscribes to the "wise use" philosophy of natural resources. An excellent book for all public libraries.
- Mary J. Nickum, Fish and Wildlife Reference Svce., Bethesda, Md.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.