The original manuscript of On Hunting was presented to the Hafsid Sultan of North Africa al-Mustansir bi-Allah, known as al-Mansur, in 1247. He was a passionate hunter with Saluqis, falcons and other predators on his estate at Bizerte. The complete book apparently dealt with all aspects of hunting and falconry but only Parts VII and VIII of Volume IV of the original seven volumes remains, which Abdulhafedh Mansour of Tunis University published as an edited text in Arabic in 1989. This book covers in particular the selection, breeding, feeding and training of Saluqis for hunting, and the treatment of canine diseases. It also deals with hunting with other predators, such as cheetahs, and by other means. It concludes with a long catalogue of animals and birds suitable for hunting. This work draws heavily on earlier classical sources probably in Arabic translations and combines the essence of the medieval Arab view of both the theoretical and practical sides of preparing the Saluqis and other predators for the chase and on the objects of the chase themselves. It is therefore a fascinating window on both the medieval Arabic world, and the history of hunting and dogs.

Sportsfishing enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest are blessed with the opportunity to fish for one of the world's most powerful and awesome sport fish. West Coast Steelheader celebrates this sea-going species of rainbow trout. The contributing authors draw upon their years of experience and offer readers suggestions and recommendations to truly enjoy and appreciate fishing for winter and summer steelhead.

The definitive resource on tunas and billfishes from the world's top authorities. Tunas and billfishes are peak predators of the oceans. Admired by scientists and naturalists for their speed, grace, unique physiology, and diversity, they are important both ecologically and socioeconomically. Vital sources of food and income for many maritime nations, whose fleets of vessels target them with huge purse seines or miles-long lines, these exhilarating fishes are also highly desired and avidly sought by big game fishers across the globe. In Tunas and Billfishes of the World, Bruce Collette, a leading marine ichthyologist and conservationist, and John Graves, an expert on the biology, fisheries, and management of tunas and billfishes, focus on three families of fishes: Scombridae, the mackerels and tunas; Istiophoridae, sailfish and marlins; and Xiphiidae, the Swordfish. Over the course of 61 in-depth species accounts, Collette and Graves * describe what each species looks like and where it lives * include detailed summaries of the fishes' biology-size, food, habitat, reproduction, and early life history * offer current information about fisheries interests and conservation status * provide up-to-date evaluations of the threat status for each species Accompanied by full-color, scientifically accurate illustrations by renowned illustrator Val Kells, along with range maps for each species, this spectacular volume is the essential book on these majestic inhabitants of the sea. Destined to quickly become the standard reference for scientists, students, and naturalists, Tunas and Billfishes of the World will also be prized by all fishers who pursue these species.

Master every fishing knot you'll ever need-and never lose a big bass, trout, salmon, pike, or striper again When you're fishing, there's nothing more frustrating than letting a poorly tied knot cost you the catch of the day. Knot expert Lindsey Philpott has written a guide to save anglers everywhere that anguish. The Complete Book of Fishing Knots, Leaders, and Lines contains directions for fifty kinds of knots, ranging from easier knots for beginners to specialized knots for more experienced fishermen. Each knot is explained with step-by-step instructions and color photographs, all done using a thick monofilament to make them as easy to see as possible. Here are just a few of the various types of knots you'll learn: Arbor Australian braid Palomar Japanese fisherman Bimini twist Paragum And many more! Also included is a glossary of terms to ensure that every part of the knot-tying process is easy to learn. The Complete Book of Fishing Knots, Leaders, and Lines offers clear instructions for tying winning leaders, tips for selecting lines, and up-to-date information from the field that will bring you the quickest, slickest, and best catch ever. Whether you're trolling for huge marlin on the open seas or fishing for blue gill in your favorite fishing hole, this book is a must-have for fishermen of all abilities.

Flying imprint sparrowhawks is often unfairly portrayed as being overly complex and highly technical. Sparrowhawks - A Falconer's Guide aims to paint a far more informed picture, and to perhaps dispel some of the myths. Written with the beginner in mind, it is based on considerable first-hand experience of the author and a number of other respected falconers from the United Kingdom, Croatia, Ireland and Turkey who have specialized in flying sparrowhawks. By drawing comparisons with some of the most ancient trapping and training techniques of the East, and by making a connection with modern Western falconry practices, this remarkable book encapsulates the timeless beauty and joy of sparrowhawking, which crosses all cultures. Topics covered include: equipment, preparing to receive your sparrowhawk chick and imprinting; training, behaviour, quarry, entering, field craft and hawking in many different types of terrain; methodologies of captive breeding in the West; problems associated with the rehabilitation and release of wild sparrowhawks in the United Kingdom and finally, the vitally important subject of sparrowhawk health and welfare.

Presentation Fly-Fishing is your comprehensive guide to fly-fishing for trout and grayling, using a minimalistic approach. It explores leader-to-hand and leader-only techniques with nymphs and dry flies, and from the basis of the contemporary state of the art in fly tackle and skills pushes the boundaries of the sport. The established dogma of the old school is questioned, reaching the limits of what is possible with the conventional approach, and presentation-based technique, which is radically changing the single-handed fly rod sport, particularly on rivers, is explained. Both the fly line-dominated Western style and the Japanese fixed-line style are considered, converging into the leader-only style. Watercraft, techniques, tackle and flies are explained in depth, with consideration of the potential for development on both rivers and lakes. Taking on a fish-orientated approach, rather than one that focuses on the fly, casting or tackle, has been enormously liberating within the sport, and has resulted in a form of fly-fishing that is comprehensively more effective and efficient than hitherto, whilst also being supremely elegant. This book is ideal for anyone who is interested in the many benefits of this groundbreaking approach to the sport.

This invaluable, well-illustrated book presents a carefully crafted, step-by-step programme which teaches the complete novice air pistol shooter how to attain a high level of marksmanship. The training begins with a detailed consideration of safety procedures, basic pistol craft, range construction and the types of air pistol that are available (spring-powered, pneumatic and CO2) and how they work. The author then moves on to consider holsters, targets, and the advanced skills associated with trigger control, the hold, presentation, the stance, the fast draw and rapid fire shooting. Finally, detailed attention is paid to markmanship exercises but the author emphasizes that these should only be undertaken after all of the techniques set out in the previous chapters have been mastered. Whether you are a novice or more experienced, if you are interested in the fast growing pastime of air pistol shooting for pleasure, then this is the book for you.

Zane Grey fished up to 300 days of the year. But, with all that time on the water, there was nothing more exciting or more compelling than the really BIG fish-the giants of the sea. Blue fin tuna are (even today) still sometimes pursued with harpoons! There's the story of a swordfish that was hooked at 10:30 in the morning and played until 11:30 that night-only to...! Tales of Swordfish and Tuna will dazzle and thrill any fishing heart.

The village of Shimae is thrown into turmoil when master carp-catcher Katsuro suddenly drowns in the murky waters of the Kusagawa river. Who now will carry the precious cargo of carp to the imperial palace and preserve the crucial patronage that everyone in the village depends upon? Step forward Miyuki, Katsuro's grief-struck widow and the only remaining person in the village who knows anything about carp. She alone can undertake the long, perilous journey to the imperial palace, balancing the heavy baskets of fish on a pole across her shoulders, and ensure her village's future. So Miyuki sets off. Along her way she will encounter a host of remarkable characters, from prostitutes and innkeepers, to warlords and priests with evil in mind. She will endure ambushes and disaster, for the villagers are not the only people fixated on the fate of the eight magnificent carp. But when she reaches the Office of Gardens and Ponds, Miyuki discovers that the trials of her journey are far from over. For in the Office of Gardens and Ponds, nothing is quite as it seems, and beneath its veneer of refinement and ritual, there is an impenetrable barrier of politics and snobbery that Miyuki must overcome if she is to return to Shimae.

Experienced bow builders and practical archaeologists describe the history, evolution, and construction of European style longbows in the revised second edition of this engaging book. For the beginner, clear, uncomplicated instructions are offered, including updated descriptions of construction techniques, tools, materials, and shooting styles. For more advanced bowyers there are tips on choosing wood and adhesive, and explanations of the evolution/adaptation of bow design, including precise dimensions for replicating special historic bow types, from Stone Age bows to modern laminated longbows. This book also offers comprehensive instructions on how to properly test your newly built longbow and construct arrows. This guide is ideal for the bow hunter, bowyer, and marksman looking for a new challenge.

Fly fishers often ask Tom Rosenbauer how they can take their angling to the next level, and in his latest book the Orvis manager, expert fly fisher, instructor, tier, and award-winning author sets out to help them do just that. With forty years in the business, Rosenbauer knows the information fly fishers need to step up their game-whatever the level. Tom answers the top questions asked by anglers looking to take the next step. He offers advice on casting and rigging techniques that are beyond the basic level taught in fly-fishing schools but are essential if you want to be more successful, and he includes QR codes to take you to videos of his teaching tips in action.