10 Books (and Then Some) Every Upland Hunter Should Read

There’s something timeless about settling into a good book that captures the spirit of the uplands. Whether it’s the smell of autumn woods, the bond between hunter and dog, or the wild flush of a grouse, these stories stay with us—season after season.

This week on the Birdshot Podcast, we welcome back upland hunter, author, and longtime friend of the show, Andy Wayment. Andy is not only a passionate bird hunter but also a dedicated reader and writer. He’s spent years chasing birds and words, and he graciously shared his personal list of recommended upland hunting books to inspire your offseason—or just your next quiet evening.

Below you’ll find some of Andy Wayment’s Top Upland Reads, broken down into his all-time favorites, a collection of upland fiction, and a special section featuring books that include blue grouse hunting (a personal passion of Andy’s).

🏆 Andy’s Top Five Favorite Upland Hunting Books

These are the books Andy returns to time and again—the ones that have shaped his understanding and appreciation of the uplands:

1. Drummer in the Woods – Burton Spiller

2. Partridge Shortenin’ – Gorham Cross (Grampa Grouse)

3. My Friend the Partridge – S.T. Hammond

4. That’s Ruff – George King

5. Grouse Feathers, Again – Burton Spiller

Runner-Ups:

6. Upland Days – William G. Tapply

7. Upland Autumn – William G. Tapply

8. A Passion for Grouse – Anthology edited by Tom Pero

   
   

📖 Andy’s Picks for Favorite Upland Fiction

For those who enjoy storytelling that blends upland lore with narrative depth, these works of fiction are sure to capture your imagination:

1. A Millionaire’s Dream – Brett Wannacott

2. A High Lonesome Call – Robert Holthowzer

3. Jenny Willow – Mike Gaddis

4. Irish Red – Jim Kjelgaard

5. Brad Dog – Vereen Bell

6. The Dumbell of Brookfield – John Tainter Foote

🐦 Books Featuring Blue Grouse Hunting

If you’re drawn to the high country and the elusive blue grouse, this selection highlights stories and essays that celebrate these remarkable birds:

1. Fool Hen Blues – E. Donnell Thomas, Jr.

2. A Hunter’s Road and The Sporting Road – Jim Fergus

3. Best Birds: Upland and Shore – Worth Mathewson

4. Plateaus of Destiny – Mike Gould

5. Kicking Up Trouble – John Holt

6. Grouse of North America: A Cross-Continental Hunting Guide – Tom Huggler

7. The Wild Ones: A Quest for North America’s Forest and Prairie Grouse – John D. Taylor

8. Winston – Ben O. Williams

9. Idaho Upland Days – Andrew Marshall Wayment

10. Hunting Upland Birds – Charley Waterman

🗣️ Share Your Favorites

Have a book that’s not on Andy’s list but deserves a place on the upland bookshelf? Drop us a message, share a photo, or tag @birdshotpodcast in your next reading post. And don’t forget to tune in to this week’s episode to hear Andy talk about his favorite reads, the stories that shaped him, and his thoughts on the future of upland literature.

🎧 Listen to the episode here

📬 Subscribe to the Birdshot Newsletter for more picks like this, podcast updates, and upland news.

Happy reading, and we’ll see you in the woods.

— Nick