Heart and Blood: Living with Deer in America

by Richard K. Nelson

"When it comes to deer, wildness is the greatest truth. And tameness is a tender, innocent lie."  So writes Richard Nelson, award-winning author of The Island Within, in this far-ranging and deeply personal look at our complex relationship with this most beautiful, but amazingly elusive, creature.Heart and Living with Deer in America  begins with the author tracking a deer on a remote island off the Alaskan coast. From there he takes us on a kaleidoscopic journey, visiting such disparate territories of the deer as a hunting ranch in Texas; a state park in California; a Wisconsin forest on opening day of the hunting season; Fire Island, New York; and the suburbs of Denver--where the deer have become so numerous that they pose hazards to landscape, motorist, and pedestrian alike.

Nelson examines the physiology of the deer, explaining how its unique digestive system and grazing habits have enabled it to thrive in the varied environments of the United States, whether wild, suburban, or urban. He investigates the different methods of controlling the deer's skyrocketing numbers, from the more "humane  methods of relocation and sterilization, to hunting--in all its forms. Nelson also explores the role of the deer in traditional Native American life, takes us with him on a hunt, and awes us as he witnesses the birth of a fawn--an event rarely seen by humans.

By the end of this journey we understand the deep reverence in which the author holds this magnificent animal. For to know the deer is to glimpse the hidden heart of wildness itself. In Heart and Blood, Richard Nelson has produced a book of outstanding insight and intelligence that brings us closer to our natural world and, in the process, closer to our own true nature

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Conservation, Wildlife, Outdoors, Animals

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Richard K. Nelson (born 1941) was a cultural anthropologist and writer whose work has focused primarily on the indigenous cultures of Alaska and, more generally, the relationships between people and nature. He was the host to a public radio series called Encounters aired nationally.

Richard K. Nelson, known to his many friends in community of environmental writers as “Nels,” died on November 4, 2019, having asked that he spend his final minutes, after being taken off of life support, listening to the recorded sound of ravens. For those familiar with Nels’s life and work, such a request was fully in keeping with his tremendous passion for the natural world, especially for animals, and most especially for ravens and other animals he knew well from many decades of living in Sitka, Alaska. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 1, 1941, Nels earned his B.S. and M.S. in anthropology at the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Nels first began to live among the Eskimo hunting communities in Alaska as a master’s student at Wisconsin in 1964, eventually producing the book Hunters of the Northern Ice (1969). He later published such works as Shadow of the Hunter: Stories of Eskimo Life (1980) and Make Prayers to the Raven: A Koyukon View of the Northern Forest (1983). from his memoriam by Scott Slovic.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a hauntingly lyrical voice, cultural anthropologist Richard Nelson captures the beauty, the essence, the ethereal and elusive nature of deer in America. Nelson's respect for and love of these wild and beloved creatures is examined in the context of man's intricate relationship with nature: "When I come into this wild place, it seems right to shun all notions of power and accept thankfully whatever is given." After witnessing the ardently hoped for yet rarely seen birth of a fawn in the wild, Nelson's feelings of euphoria give way to profound thankfulness: "The fawn and I live from these same earthly gifts--the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. Looking at the fawn I see myself, being born and flinging out into the world, to live and grow and die, and someday to feed other life, nurturing further generations in turn."

I absolutely loved this book; it spoke to me in the way the Koyukon elders spoke to Richard Nelson and I too share in the belief that "everything we receive from nature comes to us as a gift." In my own life this is particularly true of the lives of my spirit animal, the intelligent, powerful, mystical North American whitetail, whose presence I give thanks for every day.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, by the title, you're probably thinking that this book is rather dry. Actually, it's a really interesting look at people's relationships with deer from all angles (our spiritual and ecological connections with wildlife, the dilemma of controlling overabundant deer, trophy hunting, hunting deer for venison, the anti-hunting movement, etc.). Again, it sounds dry at first blush, but the author engages the reader with challenging questions and delves into man's spiritual as well as physical connection with deer.

[Mike Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great natural history book that includes humans within the natural world. Focuses on deer yet broadened to consider Native American beliefs and spirituality, hunter culture, and the role of nature in our modern world. Most compelling to me was Nelson’s growth from a suburban kid to a naturalist and hunter who was patient, experienced and spiritual enough to observe a mother deer give birth to her fawn.

[Bookwyrmgyrl]

Takes a look at how the hand of man has changed the landscape of our country and how this has impacted wild animals here. I found it fascinating, and read parts aloud to my family that I thought were most interesting. This book also showcases those who want to conserve and manage wildlife and those who almost maniacally defend the "rights" of any and all animals.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written. Covers the issues from all viewpoints with great passion. Excellent arguments with poetic language.

[João · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I had just finished reading Deerland by Al Cambronne, which fundamentally covers the same issue, but is more recent and condensed. The extra denseness and prose in this one made me almost bounce right off it, but I'm glad I persevered.

The highlights for me were the fairly in-depth explanations of some of the studies that inform this book; the information about indigenous practices interspersed throughout; and the deeper exploration of the various issues surrounding deer overpopulation & its impacts (particularly some of the horrifying first-person accounts of starvation).

Despite being a more ponderous read, I think it does the subject matter more justice than the lighter Deerland. If you've got some extra time or the subject really interests you, this might be the better pick for you.

[Karen Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Nelson does a great job of looking at all sides of living with deer. A very sensitive, informative book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Everything you ever wanted to know about deer

[Andrea]

Need to send to my uncle... (recommeded by don)

[Lisa]

very good

[Marney Hillen]

A truly great book. Never dry or dull. Constantly interesting.

[Dreamersemporium]

very good

[Junio]

Seemed interesting, but never got around to really reading it. Anthropology about "deer people"