Gene Hill was one of the most respected outdoor writers in America for a number of years. He had regular columns in numerous outdoor magazines and wrote a number of books, mainly about wingshooting. I own and have read several of his books and i can assure you they are all first class reads. Enjoy and hang on to that autographed copy. His books will leave you wanting to save up for a fine Parker sxs and a couple of setters to go with it.

Probably my favorite of all the outdoor writers, he authored ths one ...

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason
for being by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not
along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.

When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.

He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.

With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and
unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever--
in case I need him.
And I expect I will--as I always have.


This piece originally appeared in Tears & Laughter by Gene Hill. Copyright Gene Hill.

Gene Hill's writing is captivating, some of the best of our time. After you read that book, go find a copy of A Listening Walk.

Your post prompted me to dig out some of my old books. I've also got a copy of "Mostly Tailfeathers." You might also want to look for "The Duck Hunter's Book" and "For Whom the Ducks Toll!" Both are great books.

Kind of late...... but, I know who Gene Hill is, wish I had known the man.