Shadow on the Tundra: Alaskan Tales of Predator, Prey, and Man

Walker, Tom

ISBN 10: 0811717240 / ISBN 13: 9780811717243

Published by Stackpole Book, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1990

About this Item

177 pages. Hardcover. B/w illustrations throughout. Clean inside and out. From the front flap: "Tom Walker knows Alaska. He knows the moose, caribou, dall sheep, musk-ox, and other large mammals that roam North American's remnant frontier, and he also knows their wild predators, wolf and grizzly. In these unique tales of man and wild animal, he animates the drama of life and death that plays itself out in the Alaskan wilderness." Record # 30472.

Seller Inventory # 30472

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Shadow on the Tundra: Alaskan Tales of Predator, Prey, and Man
• Publisher: Stackpole Book, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Publication Date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0811717240
• ISBN 13: 9780811717243
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Discusses hunting in Alaska, the Alaskan wildlife, and the dangers that threaten the Alaskan wilderness

Reviews

YA-- These short narrative pieces are Walker's observations on the grizzlies, moose, wolves, caribou, and dall sheep that live in Alaska. They bring to life all aspects of these animals' environment, temperament, and breeding habits. As a hunter, Walker presents insights into tracking and killing these animals. As a writer, photographer, and guide, he shows their beauty and explains how they fit into Alaska's frontier. He realistically intertwines stories about predators and prey and man against nature. Good for collections that emphasize animals in their science curricula or that need nature books. --Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX

Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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.