Author and outdoor journalist Dan Ladd of West Fort Ann, Washington County, has recently released his latest book, Well Seasoned in the Adirondacks: People, Places and Pastimes of Northern New York. The book is a collection of articles and essays, many that have appeared in Ladd’s weekly outdoors column in The Chronicle newspaper of Glens Falls. The book also includes a collection of Laddʼs personal photos.

“Many of my friends in the writing industry, especially those at The Chronicle have suggested I do a book like this,” said Ladd. “In fact, I would encourage any outdoor writer who is regularly published, or has been, to share their experiences and adventures with their readers.”

Well Seasoned in the Adirondacks is organized by the four seasons of the year. Winter features a story on vintage snowmobile restoration as well as others on ice, fishing, small game hunting, skiing and snowshoeing. The Spring and Summer chapters feature everything from fishing, camping and hiking to paddling, including a story about a historic Adirondack canoe trip. The Autumn section is dedicated primarily to hunting and features several of the authorʼs relatives who had an influence on his hunting interest.

Among the hunting stories is a two-part feature Ladd wrote for The Chronicle in 2007 about a friend of his who was shot while hunting. “This was one of the hardest and most important articles I ever wrote,” said the author. “To sit across the table from this man who I have known for many years and hear him talk about being near death and dealing with the hardships of recovery really hit home. Fortunately it doesnʼt have a tragic ending. Still, I feel it is a story that ever hunter should read or hear before they load their gun.”

Well Seasoned in the Adirondacks comes on the heals of a second edition printing of the authorʼs first effort, Deer Hunting in the Adirondacks, which was first released in 2008 and updated last year.

Both books are available through the Laddʼs website, www.ADKHunter.com, where a mail order form can be downloaded. The book is also available at many local and retail outlets throughout the Adirondack region.

Note: Books noticed on this site have been provided by the publishers.