Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Guide to paddling Florida
This is a good guide packed full with good info.You are going to need to buy a DeLorme atlas for Florida along with it.The maps in the book are pretty scant. ... Read more

Product Description
At-a-glance information for each river section helps paddlers determine the river that's right for them. Stream overviews, gauge and shuttle information, names of rapids and suggestions on how to run them, along with a little history, make this guide not only an interesting read, but a must for every boater hitting the Kentucky streams.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Kayaking
Good book, but not very detailed for put in/out of rivers. I wished it had GPS coordinates.

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Kentucky, 5th
This guide is pretty accurate. I just went on a kayaking trip this past weekend. This was my second time kayaking so I depended on this guide, it was a perfect trip.

A Midwest Paddler's Dream
Technically accurate and informationally superb!This guide is THE ONLY guide to buy for midwest paddlers interested in the rivers and streams of the Bluegrass State.There is more information in this guide than most paddlers are likely to digest in a lifetime.It is an easy read and as hard to put down as a good novel.Each page is packed with details that drive the "home stranded" paddler to the next page.It will make you crave the flowing waters of Kentucky.A MUST OWN!!!

Sweet book.
If you live in Kentucky and do any kayaking or canoeing, you need this book.If there is a more comprehensive guide to the waterways of Kentucky, I'd like to see it. ... Read more

Product Description
Though it sports a new name and look, A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Ozarks,3rd (formerly Ozark Whitewater) is still the definitive guide to whitewater in the Ozarks. Fifteen years after it was first published, this book continues to bring paddlers the best of Ozark streams: from classics rivers, such as the Buffalo National and Little Missouri to steep creeks like Bryant and Turkey.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Good book, no map
If you are needing a comprehensive guide for canoeing the ozarks this is a good book.It doesn't, however, have an overall map.The ozarks are spread across many states and this book explains where the rivers are but without any overall maps it requires a lot of cross-referencing with maps and other guidebooks.

Very Good Guide
I really like this book for it's no non-sense practical descriptions of the streams listed in the book.I have been to a couple not listed in the book that I wish he would have covered, so I could compare my experiences (Black River by Lesterville thru Sam Baker State Park for example).But that said, this is a comprehensive guide, very helpful.

Beginning Paddler in Texarkana
I was looking for a guide to the many rivers and creeks to take multi-day excursions with my family in Arkansas and the close by rivers to Texarkana where I now live.I am a beginner paddler and need to have details but as any person who is overwhelmed by information, a concise and clear presentation is very helpful.On both counts, this book delivers.Having GPS coordinates is particularly helpful and the maps are very clear.The book is divided by regions, and this is also helpful.I can recommend this book without question.

A brand new classic!
Kennon's Ozark Whitewater was by far the best whitewater guidebook for the Ozarks (and the only one to find information on many streams), and it neve left my shuttle vehicle.It is in tatters now, so the timing of his updated guidebook is perfect timing for me.Though I will always refer to this and any of his books as "Ozark Whitewater" the new name reflects the fact that this is a big upgrade from version two.Much more up to date info, extremely good maps (much improved from the last version), and many new streams (some I've never heard of!).If you're a paddler in Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Missouri, Kennon has again produced the must have book for your paddling library.My copy is already on its way to being destroyed in the back of my shuttle rig!Highly recomended! ... Read more

Product Description
Don't get caught without a paddle...

Filled with nearly 100 photos and illustrations, this must-have guide-written by the foremost paddlesports experts-gives the aspiring canoe or kayak adventurer everything he or she needs to know before taking the plunge. Inside, discover how to choose between buying a canoe or a kayak, understand paddling techniques and strokes, and find out how to plan a trip and choose an outfitter or guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good basics for beginners
Definitely has some important basics that beginners need, as well as plenty of information beyond beginner phase.

Good for learning beginning skills
Good basic book for the beginner learning about kayaking/canoeing.Filled with many good tips for picking a boat, paddle, and good ideas about what to buy to outfit boat and yourself.Good safety tips too.Since I've never done any kind of boating, this was a worthwhile purchase for me.

Just what we wanted
We had already purchased a kayak,are novices,and wanted to learn a few basics without going through classes, since we were going on lakes, not white water. The book is packed with all kinds of interesting tips, terms, and knowledge. I looked over many books and decided on this one. Glad I did, it was just what I wanted. ... Read more

Product Description
Skill is determined by ability and attitude, and people at all skill levels, with and without disabilities, can find enjoyment in canoeing and kayaking. All that paddlers need are the willingness to accept instruction and be challenged and the ability to adapt to new situations. Canoeing and Kayaking for People With Disabilities presents strategies that give people of all abilities the opportunity to discover the challenge, freedom, and renewal found in paddling.

The book, written by adaptive paddling pioneer Janet A. Zeller, will help you build on your existing knowledge of paddling techniques so you can share the sport with a variety of people with disabilities. Zeller presents best practices based on her years of experience as a paddler with a disability and the experiences of other instructors and recreation and health care professionals. The text includes tested instructional techniques and equipment adaptations as well as safety information and rescue protocols.

By focusing on each person's ability, outdoor professionals, paddling instructors, and recreation providers can learn how to make paddling available to those with disabilities. These topics are presented in the text:

• General guidelines for working with people with disabilities
• Information on legal requirements, including accessibility at facilities and launching and landing sites, program access, development of eligibility criteria, and assessment of facility accessibility
• Thorough coverage of common disabilities, their implications for instructors, and teaching strategies and adaptations for each disability
• Guidance in choosing gear and modifying or building equipment to meet the needs of paddlers with disabilities
• Consideration of safety and risk factors, rescue priorities, and adaptations for rolling
• Factors to consider when planning a trip, including the ratio of paddlers with and without disabilities, taking wheelchairs and mobility devices on the trip, and route selection

The book also includes numerous resources, checklists, and forms to assist you in running your program. Pretrip resources such as the medical information form and the Paddler's Interview will help you collect information about each paddler's medical history and discuss expectations, ability levels, and concerns. You'll also find tips on choosing trip and instruction locations, gear checklists, and an emergency response plan checklist. A glossary provides information on diseases and conditions to assist paddling instructors in developing appropriate accommodations.

Paddling provides unique opportunities for people of all abilities to overcome personal challenges, master new skills, experience the outdoors, and enjoy physical activity with fellow paddlers. Packed with information about safe adaptations, techniques, and integrated opportunities, Canoeing and Kayaking for People With Disabilities is your resource for making paddling a reality for those with disabilities. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Good starting guide.
This guide gives the new to Florida kayaker a starting menu of possible trips. Coupled with Google maps, the trip can be previewed from start to finish. These trips are mostly Class I waters and even the scenery is graded. There is an Appendix listing Outfitters but it is somewhat outdated. Use the yellow pages to get a more current list. Don't forget your camera!

Finding New Water Trails
A good comprehensive review of paddling waters in Florida.Very useful in planning trips.Lists section distances, and entry/exit points, and some places of interest along the way.Over all a good planning tool.

buy something else
Maybe if you live in Florida you can make sense of these maps.There are no cities on them.If you're not from Florida, like me, they make no sense at all.Also, the distances he lists are sometimes self-contradictory.One of the maps shows the Pacific ocean.Last time I checked Florida is not near the Pacific.If this were the only fault with this book, it would be one thing, but I think it is just symbolic of the general quality of this book.I have only paddled on one of these rivers, which he lists as good paddling, but it is actually choked with fallen trees - you have to portage about every fifty feet.

If you want to know where you can paddle near some city in Florida this book is useless.You can't figure out what listed rivers are near that city.Even if you can figure out where these rivers are, he doesn't give you enough information to know which one you want to paddle on.

Get this book, you won't be disappointed
I own this book and it does a great job covering the entire state's top paddling spots. The book breaks the state down into nine geographic sections and cover the rivers and spring-runs in the area with notes, a sketched map(drawn accurately from topo maps) and other info on the waterway being covered. This is the FIRST EDITION and there is a second edition supposedly coming out in April 2007, but I'm pretty sure both books contain the same info.

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Florida
There are a lot of rivers in Florida and this book does a good job of letting you know where they are and it also includes a short review on each river. I have paddled many of the rivers in the book and I find their reviews are very accurate. ... Read more

Product Description
Though it sports a new name and look, A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to West Virginia (formerly Wildwater West Virginia) is still the definitive guide to whitewater in the Mountain State. Thirty years after the initial printing, this book continues to bring paddlers the best of West Virginia's waters: from classics rivers, such as the Gauley, the New, and the Tygart, to steep creeks like North Fork of Blackwater and Meadow River. At-a-glance information for each river section helps boaters pick rivers to match their ability and current weather conditions, while river descriptions, gauge and shuttle route information provide additional critical information. Whether boating in kayaks, canoes, or sit-on-tops, paddlers will find more than enough rivers to fit their interest or skill level. In addition, literary interludes scattered throughout each book will invoke the spirit of paddling, encouraging readers' contemplation of past and future trips. Appendices include websites, gauge information, and safety information, making this book a valuable resource in planning out the next trip.From meandering riffled streams to on-the-edge, in-your-face steep creeks, these guides contains the best each state has to offer.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Will never be on the bookshelf
I just recently discovered this book when a friend loaned it to me, and I can't wait to order my copy.This is a nice reference book that will stay on my coffee table from April to September.I do a lot of canoeing/fishing on the rivers in the summer, and this book has already led me to a lot of great floats that I didn't know about, even though I'm a native West Virginian.It's not going to tell you what to expect around every bend, but it does list the more notable areas of each river, including the dangers and problems you may encounter.

The first section of the book has basic information on canoeing and kayaking, terms and definitions, dealing with locals, phone numbers and other sources of information, and more (Much of this is written in a humorous way, reminding me somewhat of Pat McManus).

The book then lists each river basin, and after a short description of the area and a little history, it breaks it up into sections.The layout for each section is as follows:

1.TABLE - Contains capacities and ratings of the section including rapid classes, river gradient, water volume, scenery rating, time of trip, and river level.

2.MAPS - List of the names of the USGS maps and county maps that cover the section area.

3.DESCRIPTION - Describes the river, the scenery, and any other noteworthy aspects of the trip.

4.DIFFICULTIES - Notes any dangerous areas or other problems you may encounter along the way.

5.SHUTTLE - Suggests put-in and take-out spots or if there are any shuttle services provided.

6.GAUGE - Notes locations of river level gauges, phone numbers to call for river level information, or just basic references to gauge the level of the river for navigability.(I especially like this.Many times it goes something like, "If there are three stones showing on the so-and-so bridge, you should have no problems from point A to point B."This is nice since so many of our rivers have isolated sections that are nearly impossible to scout.)

If you live in West Virginia and want to canoe or kayak, or if you are planning a trip here for some river sports, this book is a great buy for the money. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first comprehensive and authoritative canoeing and kayaking guide to the streams of Kentucky. Bob Sehlinger spent a year and a half doing the numerous hours of mapwork and research that are supplemented with information gathered from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, local police and sheriff departments, rangers, river lockmasters, and fellow paddlers.Based on the state's drainage systems and geography, this guide is divided into ten separate sections. For each stream there is descriptive text, a data sheet and at least one map.The descriptive text conveys the nature and character of the stream and its surroundings in non-technical terms and provides a feeling for the stream based on the author's own observations. The data sheets present a quick reference to basic technical and quantitative information on each stream.The maps illustrate the general configuration of the stream and provide a quick reference to key information such as access points, surrounding shuttle networks, river and shuttle mileage, and nearby towns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful and detailed review of the float streams of KY
With painstaking detail, the author takes us along on virtually all thecanoeable waters of the state.Mileage, access points, skill levelratings, esthetics, hazards to watch out for, and a synopsis of what youwill see along the way.Indispensible for those seeking information aboutcanoeing destinations in Kentucky. ... Read more

Product Description
85 color photos, 6 x 9
Expert instruction in beginning and advanced whitewater strokes
Techniques illustrated in on-the-water photographs of a champion paddler

When a kayaker perfects fundamental strokes before attempting to tackle whitewater, he is rewarded with efficiency, simplicity, control, and speed. Expert kayaker Eric Jackson provides detailed lessons on 16 such strokes, each illustrated in step-by-step photos of EJ in action on flat water and in the rapids. Each section includes advice on the early correction of common paddling mistakes, warm-up and practice drills, as well as how each lesson combines with others to improve technique. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book with practice exercises
I am very left-brained and this book is very easy to follow and he includes good color pictures and step-by-step directions and he includes exercises to reinforce the methods.

Great Book
This book places a strong emphasis on technical perfection.Which is rarely found in todays rodeo-centric paddling community.

Eric, for themost part, focuses on pure paddling technique and skips any superfluousinformation.

Using the exercises Eric recommends here will certainlyimprove your river running.

If whitewater kayaking is your interest, this is the book
Eric Jackson has put together the most concise and well thought-out book in modern kayak technique to have come out in years. An experienced class V+ kayaker myself, I found improvements I could apply to my everypaddlestroke from this book. Even expert boaters will benefit on key pointsregarding modern school techniques from catching eddies andsnappingsprayskirts to finding the optimal pressurization for floatbags. A mustread for all serious paddlers.

Next best thing to an EJ clinic
If you can't take an EJ clinic, this is the next best thing.This book discards much of the "old school" of kayaking which was appropriate for older, longer boats, and replaces it with newer, smartertechniques appropriate for today's fast-turning playboats.Eric clearlyunderstands the physics of kayaking, and communicates this to his readersin a concise, easily understandable style.This book is a wealth ofinformation ina small package. ... Read more

Product Description
The only complete women's guide to sea kayaking. Shelley Johnson, a professional guide and kayak instructor, takes you through the process of becoming a kayaker, from deciding where you will paddle, to dealing with common fears and stumbling blocks.... .getting quality instruction. . .choosing your boat. . .learning paddling techniques. . .and planning your trips.Amazon.com Review
Novice paddlers and seasoned veterans alike will find this ahighly readable and eminently sensible guidebook to the essentials ofsafe and enjoyable sea kayaking. Forget the macho approach--this is aninstructional for women, written by a woman. Basing her instructivetechnique on the premise that women hail from the "talk it overand think it through first" school of outdoor learning, authorShelley Johnson's tone is friendly and conversational. Whetherdiscussing useful ways to carry and transport a kayak, getting in andout of it, or staying afloat, she is quick to offer supportive,practical advice. Yes, for instance, proper paddling techniques aredifficult to master; but with the easy-to-follow captioned photographsprovided, forward, backward, turning, and support strokes are a wholelot easier to understand and ultimately execute. If your greatestfears are the "wet exit" (capsizing) and hypothermia, you'llbe pleased to learn there are myriad ways to prepare for and/orprevent such safety hazards. In addition to lending her own expertise,Johnson also includes comments, stories, and instruction from veteranwater women of all ages. Chapters on weather/tidal conditions,equipment, and heading out with children all brim with excellent tipsand straightforward advice. A resource listing is also included. So ifyou want the lowdown on how to be well prepared, properly geared, andsafety conscious in a sea kayak, this edition of the Ragged MountainPress Woman's Guide series points the way. --Martha Silano ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Like new, great book on kyaking for women
This book is perfect for new kayakers.It has everything you need to know with good illustrations and kind advice and encouragement.

A good book for either sex.
I checked this out from the library for my girl friend, but was very impressed with the content when I went through it myself.She never did, so now she's getting it for a birthday gift.This is a well written book that I'd recommend for anyone interested in kayaking.I went through all the kayaking books the library system had to offer, and this was definitely one of the best.

A Pleasurable Read
I enjoyed reading thisbook.I feel more at ease about going out and kayaking without the "aide" of my husband.Great ideas for women only!

Excellent Resource
We're all out on the water. Excellent source of information with a target audience.

Lots of kayaking info for all!
I had been looking for an informative book that covered the many aspects of kayaking when I found this bookwhile on a kayaking/camping trip in Maine.The book caught my eye, because it said it was a woman's guide to sea kayaking.However, it is much more than just a "woman's guide".As the others have said, all kayakers will benefit from reading this book.It is an interesting and easy-to-understand guide with lots of descriptive photos and drawings. It covers a wide range of topics such as:getting to know your kayak & paddle, safety and emergency info, carrying and transporting your kayak, weather and navigation, and much more!I would recommend this book to any person interested in learning more about kayaking! ... Read more

Product Description
Georgia, the largest state east of the Mississippi, has ten major river basins and an estimated 20,000 miles of streams. A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia combines and expands the information gathered in A Paddler's Guide to Southern Georgia and A Paddler's Guide to Northern Georgia, the classic paddling guides for this state for over twenty years. From the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia to the Atlantic Coast of Southeast Georgia, this redesigned and completely updated guide to paddling the creeks, rivers, and coastal waterways of Georgia covers thousands of miles of paddling that range in difficulty from scenic floats down the Oostanaula to whitewater runs of the Dog. New maps; new river profiles; completely updated contact information; and at-a-glance data that includes class, length, time, gauge, level, gradient, volume, and ratings for solitude and scenery make this guide almost as indispensable as the paddle and life jacket.
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Customer Reviews (9)

great guide
This updated version is a fantastic list of the best hikes throughout the region. Includes the most important features of each location, and is helpfully organized by both distance and geographic area. I especially appreciate the detailed driving directions and GPS coordinates of each trailhead. I already have of list of my future hiking destinations.

Great info for the great outdoors
Very helpful information on hiking trails, with details of type of scenery you will see, difficulty of terrain, expected crowds, etc.Excellent source.

Good book for outdoor activities
I bought this with some nice aluminum water bottles for a gift. It has a lot of good suggestions for hikes in and around the St. Louis area.A lot of them are don't require too much driving to get to the location which is nice for those that don't want to make a whole day event out of it, but it also offers some fun day trip ideas.

Have no Idea what this means-The books title is already on this page
Very good information about put in/take out places. Directions good. All necessay information on rivers and creeks is included. One other bit of information could have been included, however, detailed descriptions, or landmarks, or physical features identifiable from the water to help guage distance traveled. Examples of these are illustrated in "The Georgia Coast-Waterways and Islands"by Nancy Schwalbe Zydler and Tom Zydler on pages 81 thru 108 regarding the Savannah River. Specifically, this information is labeled "Shoreline Descriptions for Savannah River Chart # 2 thru 17.

Disappointing
I found this book a relatively little use in a recent trip to the Altamaha basin.During my limited scouting, I found at least five errors on the maps which resulted in extra miles driven.Moreover, the narrative fails to mention the pervasive impact of the pulp plant stench on enjoyment of the lower river.I wonder if the information available has really been updated from the earlier guidebooks.While there is some useful information in this book, I strongly recommend using online sources and local maps to augment trip planning. ... Read more

Product Description

• Written by the "granddaddy" of the river running world
• Completely updated, with new text and photos
• Sidebars describing real-life river running situations threaded throughout

First published in 1975, River Running inspired a whole generation of river runners. Now this classic text is back in print in a completely rewritten and updated guide. Reflecting changes in the regulations, equipment, and popularity of hte sport, River Running introduces the modern river runner to craft and gear, technique, planning and preparation, health and safety, environmental issues, and basic river sense.

Long-time expert Verne Huser shares his insights on the nature of rivers-how they act, why they flood, and what to look for when scouting out rapids, holes, and other obstacles-and discusses how to choose from the many types of craft, from traditional wooden canoes to inflatable kayaks and catarafts. Also covered are the different means of propulsion and the latest in safety equipment. All information is presented in the context of running rivers safely, with as little impact on the river environmental as possible.

Verne Huser has been running rivers for more than forty years, and has been writing about it for thirty. He has written for numerous magazines, and is the author of Paddle Routes of Western Washington. Verne residess in Albuquerque, New Mexico. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Completely Revised?
Out of date, nothing new. I was very disapointed in this book. The information is the same as are the photos as the first edition 20 years ago. There are too many other books on the subject to waste your time with this one. ... Read more

Product Description
In this guide, veteran paddler John Dowd provides the foundations of sound seamanship and good risk management, including lessons on how to read the weather and the water, how to navigate, and how to travel with a group. He covers the basics of equipment and technique, detailing types of paddles and strokes, and presents practical, concrete advice on dealing with potential hazards and carrying out rescues. The book also contains information on expedition planning, instructional methods, and sea kayaking for people with disabilities. Completely revised and updated, this edition features new photographs, charts, diagrams, and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

a little low of a rating but...
i was not expecting just a to do list for if you want to long distance kayak.it talks about gear and items you need and thats about it, i expected more and didnt get much.if i need reviews on gear i can find that, plus its outdated.

The essential sea kayaking book
Represents what you really need to know about kayaking, presented in a friendly, straightforward manner.

Excellent for beginner or seasoned kayaker
This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.

Any level kayaker will learn something here
This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)

One of the best books on Sea Kayaking that I have ever read!
I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This is a book for beginners going out on the water for the first time. It includes practical advice on where and when to paddle, clothing and equipment needed for safety and comfort, and how to prepare the body with fitness training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good primer for those wanting to get on the water
My wife and I are just getting started in this sport and this was a great primer.
Gave us useful information in way we could understand, and the pictures are great and show us as well as tell us. A very good buy. ... Read more

Product Description
Spanning the 200-mile stretch of the Florida Keys, this field guide to the entire island chain highlights 50 paddling adventures, many for canoeists as well as kayakers. Trips include short paddles suitable for beginners and children, half-day trips as well as day-long and overnight excursions.

Kathleen Patton provides an overview of the region's environment, describing its terrestrial and marine habitats. She covers equipment needs, safety concerns, weather patterns, and adapting tide tables for specific areas. Trips are arranged geographically, beginning near Miami at the top of the Keys in Biscayne National Park and stretching 73 miles past Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. Each profile includes directions to the launch site, estimated paddling time, kayak rental availability, a detailed itinerary, and a route map. Icons mark each route's particular strengths: for example, great snorkeling, historical interest, camping, and appropriate trips for canoeists and for children. Patton also directs paddlers to the best reefs, swimming holes, and pristine sandbars for wildlife viewing--birds, manatees, dolphins, tropical reef fish, coral heads, sponges, sea stars, and huge spotted eagle rays.

Clear, concise trip descriptions and detailed maps make Kayaking the Keys the most complete guide for paddlers of all ages and abilities who want to explore the only tropical waters in America that are accessible by automobile. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Captures the magic and practical info of kayaking the Keys
If you, like me, are a deep lover of nature and someone who likes discover new adventures in the natural world this book is a prize!It's prose excited me about the wonders waiting for me in the Keys, and it's information gave me the confidence to take those three free days I had in South Florida while on a business trip and rent a kayak, throw it on my rental car, and explore.Wow!What a trip.Thank you Kathleen Patton for your passion and attention to detail.

good but lacks features
Nice book, engagingly written.Unfortunately, it lacks a good naturalist section, which is indispensable for answering those "ohmigod, what did I just see?!" questions.Bill Keogh's book has got all the trips, with better maps and precise GPS coordinates, plus a comprehensive "about the flora and fauna" section with fun animal facts and drawings that make it easy to identify your quarry. ... Read more