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Current: John Barsness and Jon Sundra
I believe these two are masters at what they write, Barsness with optics etc. and Sundra as the "American Rifleman"

Past: John Wooters, the man always could make a guy feel like he was part of the hunt.

So often I find myself flipping to the back of a sporting periodical to read the final story. It's usually an essay format and I enjoy them very much. That being said, I always enjoyed Charlie Dickey & Garry Sitton. I also like Tom McIntyre's work in Sports Afield and believe Walt Prothero is especially good when writing about hunting big mule deer.

I liked Ed Nixon's storytelling when it used to appear in Petersen' Hunting years ago. When it came to writing about hunting dogs and being afield with four-legged companions, I thought Bill Tarrant did an excellent job.

I'm easy to please so many of the afore mentioned writers are "favorites" too. I will add that Norm Strung came across as a real woodsman hunter that would have been a fine next-door neighbor and a neat guy to share a hunting camp.

Strung did real well for a guy that I think was born and raised in NY or NJ or similar. This is not a criticism and I could be wrong. He left us some time ago. The point is it's not where you're from but what you learn and how you communicate it.
T

My favorite classic writer is Jim Corbett, understated, well written, and very good reading.

Modern day would have to be John Barsness, he stands behind what he says, even if he makes a mistake, he'll own up to it, correct it and move on. He is probably the most logical writer i have ever read when it comes to rifles and hand loading.He has some great one liners also.....

For me , no contest on current - John Barsness , Great at communicating technical issues in a way anyone will understand. Any articals , advice , or opinion I've seen offered is backed up by reasearch , facts, and open minded observation. Write's what he observes good or bad . Accessable and giving of time here on this form .

Honorable mention to pretty much the all the writers at Handloader and Rifle. I like Brian Pierce, And of course Phil shoemaker .

My classic Jack O'conner , Bob Milek or, Jim Carmichel can't really single one out. I'm sure I've forgotten a few.

Humor is Patrick McManus , hands down.

Good hunting KH

Days past - Skeeter Skelton

Newer - Ross Seyfried

I'm afraid I have to hedge a bit and call a toss up between Mule Deer and dogzapper. I've had the pleasure of sharing a cup of coffee at the local diner with dogzapper and I can tell you that he speaks as he writes. He combines a world of practical and technical knowledge with a casual style that reads like, well, like you're sitting and having a cup of coffee with him.

I admire the same elements of Mule Deer's writings. He never talks down to his audience, but he manages to cover the basics without putting the more experienced shooter and hunter to sleep.

The only other writer that made me feel that way was Bob Milek. He was the reason I bought Guns & Ammo.

one i really miss from the past is don zutz. always a good read and he took ya huntin'.

when he walked the woods and fields and reported it, it was like being there with him.

Ken Howell,

Since a couple of us have mentioned Col. Askins ( the younger) perhaps you could share some insite about him.
He never struck me as the 'warm and fuzzy' type but I enjoyed Unrepentant Sinner and have often wondered if he was as tough as he protrayed himself.

Thanks for your time.

Band...,

Sorry I started this and haven't finished it. Soon as I can contact my Pard I'll get back with the title. It was a good book for Corbett fans. Though I warn you, not the best written.

Wish I knew. If he was half the man Jim Corbett was I'da been proud to carry his water and extra ammo.

The big three of course. Whelen, Keith and O'Connor. Annabel and Jobson. I like Gene Hill and Steve Smith. But Ted Trueblood is my favorite. You reaslly could feel his love of the Wild in his writing.
NYS

O'Connor was an excellent storyteller. I had the pleasure of meeting him at an Idaho hunting ranch in 1973. He gave us a lift in his International Harvester Travelall. Stories were told in his booming voice.

I have to go with Mule Deer.Very informative but not in some lingo that we have a hard time understanding. Great style! And then along comes Spomer. What a joke! Not only is his latest attempt at trying to be a writer of some sort way stupid but then after reading part of whatever he is trying to say, I realize that that same ignorant had been written before! Sure enough, Bullett Diaries is a word for word reprint. Yeah, some of the pictures are different but ths article is just as goofy. Dig up April-May of 2004,#228. Is Wolfe really that hard up for quaility writers? I think not.

GRACE God's Riches At Christ's Expense

I enjoy reading most any gun related prose. I love to read anything written by Elmer Keith,Jack O'connor,Robert Ruark, Or Ernest Hemmingway,As well as A bunch of others I haven't mentioned! My personal favorite is Craig Boddington!

If I run across a John Barsness or Steve Timm article I read it, period. Same with Phil Shoemaker.

I really liked reading Bob Milek, sad he's gone.

White-tailed deer articles I like Gary Clancy. Bowhunting articles I like Bill Winke.

Band..,

Sorry for the long delay. My Pard was on an extended fishing trip. Finally got it:

Jim Corbett,Master of the Jungle by Tim Werling ---Safari press.

Another book of interest Ghosts of Savo by Phillip Caputo (a sometimes writer for Field and Stream) this is a sort of follow up to Patterson's great book.

My all-time favorite writer is Jack O'Connor. His writing is what I read as I grew up. Due to his column in Outdoor Life, I spent a lot of paper route money on subscriptions and outdoor books. John Barsness is the activet writer I enjoy the most. Ward

Favorite Author Today: John Barsness.
He is by his own definition a "generalist",
but his knowledge of topics is phenomenal.

Favorite Classic Author: Elmer Keith.
A superb storyteller bar none, that can
make you believe you are right there
with him during his incredible lifetime
of adventure.

just remembered one i forgot in my first list.

don zutz, loved his stuff on shotguns.