The Shotgun Conservationist
The book is a little of everything that I write and talk about: conservation, history, taxidermy, and food systems. But it’s all woven together through my personal story of being an anti-hunting animal lover who became a hunter because I loved animals. A common story from those who take up hunting later in life. But mine probably has more Simpsons references.
“MacDuff’s conversational writing will keep readers hooked, and his well-considered reflections offer plenty of food for thought. Nature-minded readers will find this full of insight.”
“MacDuff presents a strong case that birders, backpackers, and everyone else should acknowledge the vital role hunting has played in protecting habitat—and welcome efforts to grow and diversify the dwindling ranks of hunters—even as we explore new ideas for sustaining and growing those efforts.”
More praise
“A self-described ‘hunter blatherer’, MacDuff cheerfully covers a lot of ground with grace, humor, and plain old-fashioned common sense. Rarely have the connections between hunting and environmentalism been made so clear.”
- Jim Tantillo, Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources
“MacDuff skillfully navigates the choppy waters of modern hunting with humility, sincerity, good humor and authority. Weaving facts and figures into an engaging personal narrative, he explores the many sides of hunting, from conservation and politics to ecology. An excellent read.”
- Professor Adam Hart, University of Gloucestershire, author of Unfit for Purpose: When Human Evolution Collides with the Modern World
“MacDuff provides a wonderfully fresh take on sportsmen and women, and the unique role hunters and anglers play in supporting the foundation of conservation funding in America. I encourage hunters and non-hunters alike to pick this one up!”
- Christy Plumer, Chief Conservation Officer, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
“All wildlife enthusiasts, whether they hunt or not, should understand hunters’ contributions and that successful wildlife programs would cease to exist without them. Brant paints a complete portrait of the value of hunting to all wildlife species and their management.”
- Kip Adams, Chief Conservation Officer, National Deer Association
