A FINE COLLECTION OF HIGHLY DESIRABLE TURKEY BOOKS FROM A MAJOR FIGURE
IN NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION HISTORY
Soon after the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, the organization began publishing its house magazine, Turkey Call. The publication’s first editor, Gene Smith, was a veteran in the field who had cut his editing teeth working for Florida’s state wildlife agency. An easygoing, meticulous, and highly skillful editor, Smith not only steered Turkey Call to ever higher levels of appeal and readability during his long tenure as editor, he also served as something of a mentor to scores of sporting scribes. He had an uncanny knack for making writers better without intruding on their “voice,” and I’m confident that many others owe him a debt of gratitude for making us better.
The hallmark of a first-rate editor is to do just that, make writers look better and give their words great impact even as they avoid stealing whatever elements of style and expression that gives them their voice. Gene Smith was masterful on that front, and that no doubt explains why so many books in this collection carry warm, sometimes winsome inscriptions from their authors. The result is dozens of books with great appeal to anyone who cares about the lore and literary legacy of our grand American big game bird.
Payment by check or cashier’s check only, and the checks should be made out to Jim Casada and mailed to me at 1250 Yorkdale Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Telephone inquiries at 803-329-4354. Postage and handling will be $6 for the first book and $3 for additional ones up to a maximum of $12.
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R. Wayne Bailey and K. T. Rinell, History and Management of the Wild Turkey in West Virginia. Charleston, WV: WV Dept. of Natural Resources, 1968. Paperbound. x, 59 pages. Illustrated. Fine and carries an absolutely delightful inscription: “Gene, you’re one of my favorite persons (and I don’t think highly of the human race in general). Wayne Bailey 1994.” Also carries Smith’s signature on the title page. The association and inscription make this a dandy item. $95.
Otha Barham, Spring Beckonings: Gobblers Call and We Must Go. Meridian, MS: Old Ben Publications (published by author), 2013. Hardbound in dust jacket. 190 pages. Illustrated. Signed copy with author’s business card tipped in. Book and dust jacket very fine. $35.
Horatio Bigelow, The Best of Bigelow: A Collection of Fine Gun-dog and Bird-hunting Stories (edited by Jim Casada). Columbia, SC: Pointing Dog Classics, 1994. Leatherbound (without dust jacket, as published). Xii, 204 pages. Copy # 840 of a limited edition of 2300 copies. Illustrated, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Signed and inscribed by the editor. $75.
Gerry Blair, Turkey Hunting with Gerry Blair. Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1991. Hardbound (issued without a dust jacket). 280 pages. Illustrated, bibliography. Signed by Gene Smith on front endpaper. Very fine. $7.50.
Dwain Bland, Some Turkey Scratchings. Delmont, PA: Penn’s Woods, 1983. Paperbound. [iv], 104 pages. Illustrated, bibliography. 1st (and only) edition of the rarest of Bland’s books. Fine to very fine (other than a handwritten title on the spine, which was blank when printed). Signed and delightfully inscribed: “To a buddy, Gene Smith, who is sick and tired of turkey stories. Get out the baking soda, here’s another batch of ‘em. Dwain Bland.” A dandy association item along with being a quite collectible title. $150.
Scott Branton and Ray Berryhill (editors). Three-volume Neil Cost collection—Making Turkey Callers in . . . The Gobbler’s Shop, Neil Cost Talks Turkey, and The Last Hurrah—all carrying #1400 of 1500. The first two volumes are signed and warmly inscribed by Cost (as well as both editors), while the third has the bulletin for Cost’s funeral service taped in. The books were edited by Smith and he wrote the Preface for the third volume. The Foreword to Volume 2 by Jim Casada is signed. A highly desirable set in its own right, made more so by the associations. $1200.
Ron Brenneman, James Earl Kennamer, Mary Kennamer (Compilers), Managing Openings for Wild Turkeys & Other Wildlife. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1995. Paperbound. Xii, 56 pages. Illustrated, index. Fine, with Gene Smith’s name on the title page. . $15.
Monte Burch, Pocket Guide to Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting. Humansville, MO: Outdoor World Press, 1989. Paperbound (pocket size). 80 pages. Illustrated. Fine. $12.
Donna Burks, The Wild Turkey in West Virginia. Charleston, WV: Dept. of Natural Resources, 1988. Softbound pamphlet. 18 pages. Illustrated. Fine other than perhaps a third of the stiff back cover being cut away (I think this occurred in binding). $7.50.
Gary Clancy, Wild Turkey (a volume in “The Complete Hunter” series). Minnetonka, MN: Cowles Creative Publishing, 1996. Hardbound (without dust jacket, as issued). Large format. 128 pages. Illustrated. Index. Good. $8.
Bob Clark, Bob Clark’s Cure for Turkey Fever. No place given. Published by the author, 1987. 1st edition. Paperbound (large format). 160 pages. Illustrated. Tipped in are a typed and signed note from the author reading: “Hi Gene: Hope all is great with you. Enclosed is a review copy of my new book. The 2,000 OWAA members are helping me sell it all over the nation and it is going very good. See that Carl Brown sees the story on Wilson Moore. Hope this will help heal some wounds we seem to have had. Will get copies to them in a few weeks.” Also tipped in is an informational form on ordering the book. It is signed and inscribed on the title page: “To gene—Keep up the good work on Turkey Call. You have made a great contribution to the American wild turkey. Bob Clark. 6/1/87.” Like many other works listed here, a one-of-a-kind association item. Very good. $300.
William Morris Daskal, The Complete Turkey Hunt. NY: El-Bar Enterprises, 1982. [vi], 129 pages. 1st edition, 1st printing. Paperbound. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed: “To Gene, Hope you enjoy and approve of my book. Best wishes. Bill Daskal. Book is in fine condition. $175.
James G. Dickson (Editor), Proceedings of the Seventh National Wild Turkey Symposium. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1996. Hardbound in dust jacket. [xii], 284 pages. 1st edition. Illustrated, index. Book and dust jacket fine. $20.
James G. Dickson (Editor and Compiler), The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1992. Hardbound (large format) in dust jacket. xvi, 463 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. Warmly inscribed and signed to Gene Smith: “To Gene Smith—I’ve really enjoyed knowing & working with you over the years. I wish you the absolute best from St. Hubertus & other appropriate saints for the future. Your friend, Jim Dickson” July, ’94. With Smith’s signature at top of front endpaper. Near fine. $75.
Charlie Elliott, Field Guide to Wild Turkey Hunting. Delmont, PA: Penn’s Woods, 1984. Paperbound (pocket size). [iv], 83 pages. Illustrated. Signed by the author AND by Gene Smith. An association item of note in fine condition. Rare unsigned, this is truly a “one of a kind” item. $200.
Charlie Elliott, Turkey Hunting with Charlie Elliott. NY: David McKay Co., 1979. 1st edition. Hardbound in price-clipped dust jacket. xii, 275 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed by Elliott. Also with Gene Smith’s signature on the front endpaper and with a letter (on Elliott’s letterhead) from him to Smith dated Jan. 30, 1995, a printed invitation to the formal opening of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, and a copy of the program for that dedicatory event. A truly special copy thanks to all these “extras.” Book is fine, dust jacket good. $150.
Ray Eye (with Michael Pearce), Hunting Wild Turkeys with Ray Eye. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1990. 1st edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. 207 pages. Illustrated. Book and dust jacket fine. $16.
Rich Faler, Urban Turkey: Hunting Spring Gobblers Close to Civilization. Greenville, PA: Beaver Pond Publishing, 1991. Paperbound. 96 pages. With an advertising brochure tipped in. Good. $7.50.
J. Wayne Fears, On Target for Successful Turkey Hunting. Mequon, WI: On Target Publications, 1983. Paperbound. iv, 92 pages. Illustrated, bibliography. Very good. $15.
J. Wayne Fears, Turkey Guide. Elba, NY: Scotch Game Call Company, 1983. Paperbound with a hole in the top for displaying the book in a “hanging” mode. [iv], 36 pages. Illustrated. Very fine with Gene Smith’s name on title page. Rare and seldom offered. $225.
J. Wayne Fears (Editor), The Wild Turkey Book. Clinton, NJ: Amwell Press, 1982 (2nd trade printing). Hardbound. xvi, 274 pages. Illustrated. Good. Gene Smith’s signature on front endpaper.
Russell A. Fink, A Catalog of the Wild Turkey Stamp Prints with Biographies of the Artists. Lorton, VA: Privately published by the author, 1977. Heavy stock pages in a plush three-ring binder with gold imprinting of a turkey in flight on the front and the title on the spine. There’s a short biography of each artist, a small illustration (in color) of each print, a place for the NWTF stamps that accompanied the prints (the stamps are not present), and detailed descriptive information about each print. This is signed copy #888 of an edition of 1500. There’s also information on the author, a table of stamp print evaluations, and other details. There’s a scuff to the front cover; otherwise everything is very fine. The volume comes with a slipcase in matching brown color. It is fair plus, with some scratches and one small break at the bottom. Quite obscure. I’ve only seen two or three copies and don’t have one in my own collection. $175.
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, The Florida Wild Turkey. 1956 revision of the 1952 original. Softbound in pamphlet-like form. 18 pages. Illustrated. $15.
Tom Gaskins, Tom Tells Tall Turkey Tales: 62 ½ Tips on Hunting Wild Turkey. Palmdale, FL: Published by the author, 1965. Paperbound. 36 pages. Illustrated. $25.
Tom Gaskins, We Talk Turkey. Palmdale, FL: Published by the author, 1983. Paperbound. No pagination. Short pieces written by several dozen hunters. With an order form tipped in that is stamped in red with “It will outsell all other turkey books combined.” Fine. $25.
Denny Guerink, Hunting the Wild Turkey in Michigan. Farmington Hills, MI: Michigan Wild Turkey Federation, 1989. [vi], 106 pages. Illustrated. Fine copy, signed and inscribed “To Gene. May your beards be long and your spurs sharp! Denny.” A nice copy of a work that is moderately rare and increasingly difficult to obtain. $80.
Howard L. Harlan, Turkey Calls: An Enduring American Folk Art. No place given: Harlan/Anderson Press, 1994. Hardbound in dust jacket. xxii, 170 pages. Illustrated, index. Copy #6 of the limited edition of 1000. Signed by Howard Harland and Rob Keck. Also signed and inscribed on front endpaper: “To my good friend Gene Smith. Best regards and thanks for your help.” Howard. 4/95. With a gobbler breast feather in a glassine envelope tipped in along with a photocopy of an early ad for a turkey call. Book and dust jacket are fine. $150.
William and Georgette Healy (Editors), Proceedings of the Sixth National Wild Turkey Symposium. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, no date (circa 1991). Paperbound (large format). Iv, 228 pages. Illustrated. Fine except first signature set of pages are loose from back. Carries Gene Smith’s ownership signature on title page. $25.
Steve Hickoff, Fall & Winter Turkey Hunter’s Handbook. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2007. Paperbound. xvi, 240 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. Warmly signed and inscribed: “To my good friend Gene Smith—You’ll never know how important your acceptance of my ‘Sweet Addiction’ for Turkey Call was to me. It’s almost two decades ago and I still appreciate it. Thanks again. Steve.” Fine. $35.
John Higley, Hunting Wild Turkeys in the West. Palo Cedro, CA: Privately published by the author, 1990. Paperbound. 153 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed to Gene Smith: “Gene, Hope to see you out West one of these days. Even the jakes weigh 20 pounds out here! John Higley. 7/91.” Also with a press released tipped in. Fine. $30.
Larry Hudson, Bearded Bird. No place given: Privately printed, 1981. Paperbound (large format). Xii, 144 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed: “For Gene Smith, I have enjoyed what you have written and hope you enjoy what I have written.” Larry Hudson—7/12/98.” Good with spine a bit faded (as is almost always the case) and with two small stains to front edge. $75.
Another copy. This one with no signature or association. Very good. $40.
Yet another copy, this one in a format I have never seen. Instead of the normal glued cover in green color, this one is a muted tan with black tape on spine. [x], 137 pages. The pagination is different. I have not compared the contents but suspect they are very similar if not the same. Illustrated. Includes a few comments, corrections, and underlining in pencil by Gene Smith, whose signature appears on the front endpaper. Signed and dated by the author. Fine and an unusual variant. $90.
Tom Kelly Collection—Four volumes in box reprinting eight of his books. The books are Tenth Legion, Better on a Rising Tide, The Season, Dealer’s Choice, The Boat, A Year Outside, Faces in the Crowd, and A Few Loose Chapters. In uniform maroon binding with all edges gilt, gilt imprinting on spine, and ribbon markers. Books are very fine and the slipcase poor (repaired crack, scuffed bottom—this is typical for the set, which was printed in the Orient with somewhat predictable results). Signed and numbered copies #240 of an edition of 1000. $300.
Mary Kennamer, Ronnie C. Brenneman, and James Earl Kennamer, Guide to the American Wild Turkey. Part 1: Status—Numbers, Distribution, Seasons, Harvest and Regulations—1992. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1992. Comb bound (large format). Pagination by various parts of the item. Illustrated. Very good with Gene Smith’s signature at top of title page. $60.
James Earl and Mary Kennamer (Editors), Proceedings of the First Western Wild Turkey Workshop. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1984. Paperbound (large format). Iv, 185 pages. Fine. $30.
James Earl and Mary Kennamer (Editors), Proceedings of the Fifth Wild Turkey Symposium. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1985. Paperbound (large format). x, 339 pages. Illustrated (graphs). With a manila envelope pasted in back containing brochure and other materials associated with the Symposium. Gene Smith’s signature on title page. Very good. $45.
Tom Kelly, Dealer’s Choice. Spanish Fort, AL 1983. 2nd printing. Hardbound in dust jacket. vi, 100 pages. Inscribed and signed: “To Gene Smith—all the Best. Tom Kelly.” Also tipped in is a note from Kelly, date stamped “Sept. 5 recd,” and with this note: “Dear Gene Didn’t think you were old enough to retire. Must be because you are rich. Thanks for the kind words. Dealer’s is on the house. Keep in touch. Tom. 9-1-95.” Highly desirable association item linking two icons of the sport. Book and dust jacket are fine. $100.
Roger Latham, Complete Book of the Wild Turkey. Harrisburg, PA: The Stackpole Co., 1956. Hardbound (rebound in quarter leather-like fashion). Xviii, 265 pages. Illustrated. What otherwise would be a completely unremarkable ex lib. (Butler University, with all the normal library markings) is rendered otherwise by the distinctive rebinding and a distinctive inscription: “To Gene Smith—Sometimes one finds a rare treasure in a book sale and sometimes one finds a rare treasure in an Editor of a Magazine. May you remember these days and our friendship always. Kindest personal reguards(sic), Bob Besch. 11/9/95.” $25.
James C. Lewis, The World of the Wild Turkey. Philadelphia and New York: J. B. Lippincott, 1973. Hardbound in dust jacket. 158 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. With Gene Smith’s signature and the date 1973 on the inside front. Book is near fine and the dust jacket good. $20.
John M. McDaniel, Spring Turkey Hunting: The Serious Hunter’s Guide. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1986. Hardbound in dust jacket. 219 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. With Gene Smith’s signature on the front inside. Book and dust jacket good. $20.
Michael F. Marks, Neil Cost: Magic with Wood—A Photographic Collection of Unique and Rare Turkey Calls. Pittsburgh, PA: Long Cane Press, 2004. Hardbound (large oblong format) in dust jacket. vi, 234 pages. Lavishly illustrated. This is a truly special copy, one of a very few signed by Marks and the two guys who wrote introductory material, Steve Mann and Lamar Williams, in brown ink. A letter from Marks that is tipped in explains the background to this presentation edition. It is inscribed and signed on the title page: “Gene, Thanks for contributing the very unique Cost calls. It was a pleasure working with you on this project. I’m happy to have been able to meet you last year in Edgefield. Michael Marks.” Also tipped in is a brochure for the book. Book and dust jacket are fine. This one is a bit difficult to price. Standard copies (remembering that this was a limited, numbered edition book) are selling in the $600-$800 range. This one is special in any number of ways. While there is no such thing as the “very unique” of the inscription since there can be no qualifying description to something that is one of a kind, I can safely say this is a unique association item of the utmost in collectability. $1000.
Earl Mickel, Turkey Callmakers Past and Present: Mick’s Picks—Stories and History of Callmakers. Beach Lake, PA: Privately published, no date (circa 1994). Paperbound (large format) viii, 252 pages. Illustrated, index. Copy # 251 of the limited edition of 500. Signed and inscribed to Gene Smith: “3/10/94—Dear Gene, Thanks for your help with Rob Keck and for the photos. Keep up the good work with the N.W.T.F. Earl Mickel.” With promotional material tipped in along with tear sheets from Turkey Call magazine with information on book values. The book is in far better shape than normally encountered and even has a note from Smith reading: “Don’t open this book wide. The pages will come loose. See Jim Casada’s note in the Literature book, p. 51.” A highly collectible item in its own right, and far more so thanks to the association. $900.
Gerald Moore and Vernon Bevill, Game on Your Land Part 2—Deer & Turkey. Columbia, SC: S. C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, 1978. Paperbound (large format). [ii], 59 pages. Illustrated. Two copies, both bearing Gene Smith’s signature. $25 each.
Ken Morgan, Turkey Hunting: A One Man Game. Baton Rouge, LA: Published by the author, 1987. Hardbound in dust jacket. xiv, 194 pages. Appears to be a 1st edition. Signed and inscribed by the author on front endpaper: “Gene, Here’s hoping you will enjoy this writing. Thanks for all you have done for THE BIRD. Kenny Morgan.” Also present is a long inscription, covering the rest of the page and a portion of the next one, from Bill Jordan. An important association item and a highly prized book. Book and dust jacket are fine. $125.
National Rifle Association, Turkey Tips. Washington, DC: NRA, no date. Paperbound. Illustrated. A small, pocket-size, staple-bound item of 22 pages, mostly illustrations with brief accompanying text. With Gene Smith’s name written on front cover. An obscure item that is seldom offered. About fine. $20.
Another copy, very fine but lacks Smith’s signature. $18.
National Wild Turkey Federation. Annual Report. Two reports (for 1995 and 1999). The 1999 one has a letter from Rob Keck tipped in. Both are paperbound and in large format. $20 for the pair.
National Wild Turkey Federation, Defensive Turkey Hunting. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1984. Paperbound. A pocket-sized item of 12 pages with illustrations by Rob Keck. Very fine (6 copies available). $7.50.
Robert Hitt Neill, The Flaming Turkey. Leland, MS: Mississippi River Publishing Co. (self-published). 1986. 1st edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. xiv, 178 pages. Illustrated, brochure tipped in. Signed and inscribed “To Gene Smith who really kinda started things off. Thanks! Good hunting.” Presumably Smith was one of the earliest editors to give Neill a start as a writer. Association copy. Book very fine; dust jacket good. $75.
Another copy. This one signed and inscribed on the front title page “To Gene Smith—Best of turkey luck! Robert Hitt Neill. 12/28/87.” Also tipped in is a letter from Neill to Gene Smith, on Neill’s letterhead, in which he attempts to explain why he had missed various deadlines due to illness. Also tipped in is promotional material. Book and dust jacket fine. $85.
Gene Nunnery, I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes unto the Hills. Meridian, MS: A Portals Book (self-published), 1986. Hardbound in dust jacket. viii, 144 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed: “To Gene Smith with my regards and best wishes. Gene Nunnery May ’87.” Book is fine and dust jacket good. $140. SOLD
Gene Nunnery, The Old Pro Turkey Hunter. Meridian, MS: A Portals Book (privately published for author). 1980. Hardbound in dust jacket. viii, 144 pages. Illustrated. Warmly signed and inscribed in front: “”To Gene Smith—Your being a turkey hunter puts a heavy hand on my efforts to add to your enjoyment of our wild turkey—who am I to compete with a crafty old gobbler vying for your entertainment? Gene Nunnery 6-22-81.” Also included is a statement, frequently found in this book: “I certify this to be an authentic copy of my book. First Edition. G. N.” Book fine; dust jacket about good. A delightful association item. $60.
David C. Payer and Scott R. Craven, Wild Turkeys: A Problem for Wisconsin Farmers? Madison, WI: Cooperative Extension Publications, 1995. Paperbound. iv, 20 pages. Illustrated. List of references. $6.
John E. Phillips, Outdoor Life Complete Turkey Hunting. NY: Outdoor Life, 1988. Hardbound in dust jacket. 318 pages. Illustrated, index. Book fine; dust jacket good. Gene Smith’s signature on title page. $10.
John E. Phillips, The Turkey Hunter’s Bible. NY: Doubleday, 1992. Stated 1st edition. Paperbound (large format). 176 pages. Illustrated. Fine. $25.
P. W. Phillips, The Grand Obsession: A Half Century of Hunting the Wild Turkey in Florida. NY: Vantage Press, 2001. 1st edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. xvi, 176 pages. Illustrated. A nicely done work by a man who worked for the Florida Game and Freshwater Fishing agency for some three decades and saw restoration, along with his own devotion to hunting, from an unusual perspective. The book has a warm and lengthy inscription that reads: “Dear Gen—Well, old bird of a feather I guess you had given up on getting a copy of this drivel but here it is. I hope you enjoy it. I didn’t lie too much in writing this but I think it was Honest Abe that said “It’s a poor piece of cloth that can’t stand a little touching up.” I hope you kill one this season that has a beard so long that the birds feeding in back of him are stepping on it. Warmest regards. P. W. Phillips. Dec. 13, 2004.” A moderately obscure book rendered far more appealing because of its readability and contents. $100.
James A. Powell, The Florida Wild Turkey. Tallahassee, FL: Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission, 1965. Paperbound (large format). 28 pages. Illustrated, bibliography. Near fine with Gene Smith’s name written on front cover. $20.
Proceedings: First National Wild Turkey Symposium. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, 1986. Paperbound (large format). 200 pages. Illustrated. A reprint of the original proceedings for the event, which was held in Memphis, TN in 1959. With Gene Smith’s signature. Fine. $15.
Corky Pugh, Family and Friends. Cecil, AL: Longbeard Publishing, 1994. 1st edition. Paperbound. [viii], 104 pages. Illustrated. Very good. $30.
Remington, Turkey Tactics: Hunting America’s Big-Game Bird. No author, date, or place of publication given. Circa 1980s. Paperbound. 18 pages. Illustrated. Fine. $20.
Archibald Rutledge, America’s Greatest Game Bird: Archibald Rutledge’s Turkey-hunting Tales (edited by Jim Casada). Columbia, SC: Univ. of South Carolina Press, 1994. 1st edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. xii, 211 pages. Bibliography. Inscribed and signed by Casada. Book and dust jacket fine. $30.
Glenn Sapir, Secrets of the Turkey Pros. Minnetonka, MN: North American Hunting Club, 2000. Hardbound (issued without a dust jacket). 176 pages. Illustrated. Fine. $15.
Mike Strandlund and Earl Hower, Wild Turkey Hunting . ..Tips on Spring and Fall Hunting Tactics, Calling and More. Washington, DC: NRA, 1991. 2nd edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. x, 182 pages. Illustrated. Carries Gene Smith’s signature on front inside. Book fine; dust jacket about good with small tear at top front. $15.
Another copy, this one in paperbound form. Notable for an inscription by Rob Keck (longtime CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation) to Gene Smith on the title page. It reads: “Gene: To a member of the team who has helped make modern wild turkey hunting possible. A friend, conservationist and turkey hunter. May all of your gobblers bring you the thrill and satisfaction of the first. Rob Keck. 4/20/88.” Delightful association item. Near fine. $30.
General Wm. E. Strong, Canadian River Hunt (with an Introduction by Fred P. Schonwald). Norman, OK: Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1960. 1st edition. Hardbound in slipcase. Xviii, 48 pages. Illustrated, folding map. Book is about fine; slipcase very good. Tipped in is a personal letter to Gene Smith. $65.
James M. Sweeney (Editor), Proceedings of the Fourth National Wild Turkey Symposium. Edgefield, SC: NWTF, no date (circa 1981). Paperbound (large format). Viii, 292 pages. Maps. Gene Smith’s signature on front cover. $40.
Tom Turpin, Hunting the Wild Turkey. Delmont, PA: Penn’s Woods, 1966. Paperbound. 54 pages. Illustrated. A much-changed reprint of the extremely rare original. Fine. $22.
Lovett E. Williams, Jr., The Art & Science of Wild Turkey Hunting. Gainesville, FL: Real Turkeys, 1989. Hardbound in dust jacket. 1st edition. x, 331 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. Book very fine; dust jacket fair. The book is signed and inscribed “To Bryan with love. Mom & Dad. Christmas 1989. Below that Gene Smith, ever a man of total transparency, has written: “I don’t know Bryan, but I didn’t steal this book. I don’t know how or where I got it. GS-9/24/12.” Association copy with a “Real Turkeys” brochure tipped in. $35.
Lovett E. Williams, Jr., Managing Wild Turkeys in Florida. No place given: Real Turkeys for the Florida chapter of the NWTF, 1992. 2nd printing. Paperbound. [iv], 92 pages. Illustrated, index. Signed and inscribed: “To Gene Smith, the best of editors with my best regards. Lovett 1/12/93.” Fine. $50.
Another copy. Not signed by Williams but with Smith’s signature on title page. Fine. Two copies available at $35 each.
Lovett E. Williams, Jr., The Voice & Vocabulary of the Wild Turkey. Gainesville, FL: Real Turkeys, 1984. Hardbound in dust jacket. 1st edition. x, 85 pages. Illustrated, maps, index. Brochure for Fisheating Creek Hunting Camp tipped in. Warmly signed and inscribed to Gene Smith by the author: “To Gene Smith. You are doing a fine job with Turkey Call as you did with Florida Wildlife before. Keep up the high standards. Hope you enjoy my little book. Best Regards, Lovett. 6/22/85. A brief funeral notice for Williams is taped in. Book is very fine; dust jacket good plus. A special association item from one of the giants of the sport. One-of-a-kind. $110.
Lovett E. Williams, Jr. and David H. Austin, Studies of the Wild Turkey in Florida. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, 1988.1st edition. Hardbound in dust jacket. xxiv, 232 pages. Illustrated, bibliography, index. A definitive study. Carries Gene Smith’s signature on the inside front. Book is very fine; dust jacket good. $30.
Wade S. Wineman, Jr., East of the Slash. Greenville, MS: OK Publishing Co. (self-published), no date (late 1990s). Hardbound in dust jacket. vi, 220 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed to Gene Smith with the date 3/17/97.” Book and dust jacket fine. $125.
NON-TURKEY BOOKS
Vernon Bevill, William Mahan, and Tommy Strange, Game on Your Land: Part 1—Small Game and Wood Duck. Columbia, SC: S. C. Wildlife and DNR, 1978. Paperbound. ii, 74 pages. Illustrated. Fine with Gene Smith’s signature on cover and inside flap. Three copies available. Near fine. $6
Monte Burch, Pocket Guide to Bowhunting Whitetail Deer. Humansville, MO: Outdoor World Press (self-published), 1989. 80 pages. Illustrated. $5.
Proceedings, Third Annual Governor’s Symposium on North America’s Hunting Heritage. Minnetonka, MN: North American Hunter and Wildlife Forever, 1994. Paperbound (large format), 289 pages. Fine. $15.
Bill Stevens, Upland Game Birds. Anoka, MN: Federal Cartridge Co., no date. 48 pages. Paperbound. Illustrated, maps. $5.
Un-endangered Species: The Success of Wildlife Management in North America. Riverside, CT: National Shooting Sports Foundation, no date. Paperbound. Illustrated. 48 pages. Good. $5.
OTHER ITEMS
Archibald Rutledge, Life’s Extras. NY: Fleming Revell, 1956. Hardbound in price-clipped dust jacket. 60 pages. Illustrated. One of Rutledge’s delightful little inspirational books. The book is fine and the dust jacket fair. $15.
A copy of the 1981 wild turkey stamp on a sheet with an illustration of the stamp as well as the actual stamp and a USPS stamp. Postmarked Turkey, NC on Nov. 26–obviously a Thanksgiving connection. In a sturdy Fleetwood binder with a sheet telling about the stamp and the artist (David Maass) also included. $35.
Wild Turkey Stamps. Volume 1 (only volume as far as I know). No place given (but it is Edgefield, SC): NWTF, 1978. A small album consisting of a page, with slots for existing NWTF stamps and those to come covering the period 1976-1995. There are no stamps in the protective slots for them but tipped in are lots of early NWTF stamps, mostly in full sheets, with margins and plate numbers, for the organization’s early years. These include six 10-stamp sheets of the $3 1976 stamp with four information sheets written by Lovett Williams (no plate number on this first NWTF stamp); seven 10-stamp sheets of the $3 1977 stamp (plate #77050 with plate positions at top right on one sheet and bottom right on the other six) with an information sheet written by Wayne Bailey; six 10-stamp sheets (one sheet has a single stamp removed) of the $3 1978 stamp with all blocks carrying the plate #78050 at the bottom right); six 10-stamp sheets (one sheet has a single stamp removed) of the $3 1979 stamp with all blocks carrying the plate #79050 at the bottom right); five 10-stamp sheets of the $5 1980 stamp with all blocks carrying the plate #80050 at the bottom right); and five 10-stamp sheets of the $5 1981 stamp with all blocks carrying the plate #81050 at the bottom right. The stamps, in mint, never-hinged condition, are very fine. Total face value is $1244.
Also, a single 10-stamp sheet, with each stamp signed by Rob Keck and the stamps priced at $5 each (sheet plate #00010 at bottom right); a single six-stamp sheet of the NWTF’s 20th anniversary (1993) with the stamps priced at $2 each and there is no plate number; single copies of the $5 1983 and 1984 Quail Research stamps; two copies of the USPS three-cent wild turkey postage stamp; a single copy of the 1976 NWTF stamp, two copies of the 1984 one; seven copies of the 1989 one, and single copies of the 1983 and 1984 Missouri Chapter of the NWTF stamp; and, finally, a single copy of the first Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF stamp, with an invitation to the state’s 1983 convention on an ornate invitation card in its envelop. Total face value $135.06.
Asking price for all the stamps, the invitation, and the album is $300. If broken down and sold on eBay it should be possible to quadruple this cost (or make even more).
Ed Zern, To Hell with Fishing. NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc., 1945. Hardbound in dust jacket. [viii], 88 pages. Illustrated. Signed and inscribed to Gene Smith by the famed humorist—“For Gene Smith with the warm regards of Ed Zern 11/14/80.” Also tipped in is a signed post card from Zern to Smith as well as a tear sheet from the newsletter of the Outdoor Writers Association of America in which Smith shares some absolutely delightful anecdotes about having dinner with him at one of that organization’s conferences. Book is near fine; dust jacket tattered and torn. $55.