Ordering Information
6×9, 144 pages, 13 b&w photographs
Publication date: October 25, 2024
ISBN 978-1-942155-76-8 (print) $24.95
ISBN 978-1-942155-82-9 (eBook) $14.95
To order copies visit Casemate IPM .
Featured in Midwest Book Review Magazine
What’s Wild
A Half Century of Wisdom From the Woods and Rivers of New England
By Eric Orff
As the state’s first bear biologist in the 1970s, Eric Orff began a half-century career as a “forest ranger who works with animals,” his childhood dream job. After 31 years at the NH Fish and Game Department and another 15 years with the National Wildlife Federation, he currently publishes an environmental video blog via YouTube and Facebook live called “What’s Wild in NH” that regularly receives over a million views each month.
Known for his educational programs and political action—If Only Moose Could Vote—Eric has been a literal voice in the wilderness, declaring the threat of climate change to be real, based on what he has seen in the woods. From stories of rehabbing bats in the laundry room, to riding a whitetail buck who didn’t quite cooperate with a tagging effort, Eric’s stories will make you laugh, and help you connect with the wild nature that lives within us all.
Advanced Readers’ Comments:
“Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, What’s Wild: A Half Century of Wisdom from the Woods and Rivers of New England is an extraordinary, engaging, informative, and memorable read from start to finish. With a special value to readers with an interest in wildlife conservation, the impact of climate change on ecosystems, and laced throughout with a distinctive style of humor, What’s Wild is an ideal and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections.”
—Paul T. Vogel, Midwest Book Review
“Eric Orff has seen it all: boisterous bears, feisty fishers, injured otters—and the dramatic comeback of New Hampshire’s native wildlife from eels to moose—a thrilling revival in which he played an important part. My favorite fur-bearing biologist (yes, he has a beard!) relates these stories with wonder and wit, and provides an essential window into understanding how these wonderful animals were restored to our state. Whether you’re an ethical vegan or a hunter, a fisherman (or fisherwoman) or a forest-bather, this account of half a century’s work in New England’s woods and rivers is a must-read!”
— Sy Montgomery, NYT Bestselling author, Soul of the Octopus, Of Time and Turtles
“Amazing, often humorous, real-life tales of decades of personal encounters with wildlife and wisdom gained … You can’t make some of this stuff up! …informs on the important role of the NH Fish and Game Dept. and the challenges wildlife faces in a climate-changing world. A riveting, educational, fun, page-turner.”
— Lillian Stokes, co-author 36 Stokes Guides including; Stokes Field Guide to Birds of North America and Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada.
“What’s Wild is a must read for sportsmen and residents alike. If you enjoy NH’s wild creatures, they are not all here by accident…Eric kept field notes and wrote these short stories over his career, keeping the facts straight and the stories fresh. I highly recommend this book to everyone.”
—Ben Kilham, author Among The Bears: Raising Orphan Cubs In The Wild, and Out On A Limb: What Black Bears Have Taught Me About Intelligence And Intuition.
“Eric’s work at the NH Fish and Game Department had long lasting benefits we are all still enjoying to this day…. as a Wildlife Biologist working with NH native species… Eric’s expertise was unmatched.”
—Colonel Kevin Jordan, Chief of Law Enforcement, NH Fish and Game Department
About the Author
Eric Orff has wanted to be a Forest Ranger ever since he can remember. He graduated from college with a degree in Wildlife Management, and launched his childhood dream career as a “Forest ranger who works with animals” in 1976. As a Wildlife Biologist, he spent over thirty-one years with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and another fifteen years with the National Wildlife Federation as a Field Biologist. Always a voice for conservation, Eric has spent decades as a popular writer, speaker and now social media personality. His trademark humor and kind heart, coupled with a solid scientific foundation, make him someone people like to listen to when they want to know what’s happening in the woods, rivers, and fields of New England.
Visit www.nhfishandwildlife.com to learn more.
