The first installment of an expanded version of Scoop’s Books e-catalog, a collection of fishing, hunting and natural history books, is done. Oh, there will be some other stuff added to tempt an angler of hunter’s reading pleasure, and there is much more to come.
In upcoming weeks, I will be offering a wide assortment of old outdoor magazines, which people enjoy for the sheer pleasure of reading about fishing and hunting from the 1920s through the 1950s, which was the heyday of original color outdoor art on the covers of old magazines.
Once completed, there could be as many as 500 old magazines for sale, and another 500 fishing and hunting books. If I’m nothing other than a writer on fishing and hunting, I also am an historian with interests that run deep into the world of outdoor literature.
Richey shows off but one book that he has for sale.
Some people would have us believe that reading has become a lost art. For those with that incorrect belief, just jump on an airplane for a 100- or 1,000-mile flight. Walk up and down the aisles, and check out how many people are reading a book, magazine or newspaper.
The historian part of me encourages reading about our fishing and hunting heritage and pastimes. I want to know why things outdoors occur. For instance, I know why ducks take off and land into the wind; how many different riseforms a stream trout could make as it takes a mayfly off the surface; why rabbits run in a circle and why hares run an egg-shaped route. and much more. But at age 71 (on July 22) there still remains much I want to learn.
Not only have I spent a lifetime outdoors, fishing and hunting, but during that same period I’ve collected fishing and hunting books for more than 50 years. I’ve bought and sold outdoor books for more than 40 years, and it’s a never-ending adventure for me.
I don’t stock all outdoor books but do stock and sell books on topics of interest to me and other sportsmen. Many books are relatively inexpensive, some are expensive, and a few would make any sane person wonder what would make that book worth so much money.
Good books in fine or better condition are the best buys.
Two things determine book prices. Supply and demand, and scarcity. A book can be scarce, but if there is no demand for it, the book is virtually worthless.
An interesting fact about selling fishing and hunting books is that I also must buy books to stay in business. A bookseller without inventory has little to sell. I want to buy books from you.
I have more than 7,500 different books on fishing and hunting in in my inventory. If, by chance, I don’t have what you need, it’s quite likely I can find it for you. I don’t list all of my books at once because it can be sicj a time-consuming and tedious project to put everything up at once, and that would mean no fishing or hunting for me. That is something that won’t happen.
All I ask is to have my readers take a look at what I have and what I do. Don’t be nervous about telling your buddies, friends, neighbors and relatives about my booksite that sells used fishing and hunting books. Books always make a wonderful gift for the sportsman in your life at any time of the year, and everything can be easily handled on the internet.
I take PayPal, personal checks, business checks, bank money orders but I do not take credit cards although PayPal does. There is a short wait for business or personal check while they clear my bank but bank money orders of PayPal provides instant shipment.
One caution, and this is vitally important to both you and me: E-mail me at <dave@daverichey.com> before ordering a book. Check with me by email to determine book availability, and I will inform you if the book is still in stock. Many books are one-of-a-kind, and I may have just sold the desired book. It’s a possible waste of your time and mine to order a book that has just been sold. This problem happens more often than I’d like.
Great books appreciate in value, especially in today’s confusing market.
If you love to fish and hunt, then we share a bond. If you love to read, that makes our budding relationship even more special. I’m honest, helpful and want to be of service to you. If you wish to contact me by snail mail, write to: David Richey, PO Box 192, Grawn, MI 49637.
Thank you and kindly think of me when you need a fishing or hunting book. Tight lines. — Dave
