Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper (ePub)

Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper' is a vivid memoir penned by Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock, which transports the reader back to the rugged wilderness of Northern Pennsylvania amidst the turn of the 19th century. Woodcock's narrative is rich with the allure of bygone adventures in camping, hunting, and trapping as he traverses a landscape that today bears the imprint of civilization in the form of State Parks and Forests. The book's unornamented prose and firsthand accounts offer not only a historical document but also an insight into the ethos and survival tactics of a seasoned outdoorsman. The text thus stands as both a testament to the transformative power of nature and a compelling reflection on human resilience and ingenuity against its untamed beauty.

As a man of the wild, E. N. Woodcock shares his experiences spanning five decades (1855-1905) with a veracity and detail that only a true frontiersman could provide. His legacy is framed by the experiences and knowledge amassed during a lifetime of interactions with the natural world. These encounters, whether perilous or routine, shaped his understanding and respect for the environment. Eldred's exploits, recounted in his later years, indicate a longing to preserve the memory of a frontier rapidly disappearing as the 20th century loomed near.

Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock's 'Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper' will undoubtedly fascinate those who yearn for a window into the realms of early American wilderness exploration. The book is an essential read for enthusiasts of historical hunting and trapping literature, as well as for contemporary outdoor aficionados seeking to connect with the ancestral spirit of adventure. Woodcock's memoir induces appreciation for the rugged individualism that characterized America's pioneering past and inspires a sense of adventure and humility before the majesty of the natural world.