From PETERSEN'S HUNTING Magazine
by Wayne Van Zwoll
February/March 2010 issue
"I hardly had time to get an arrow nocked and drawn…. Having to
think on your knees in front of a charging grizzly has a way of speeding up
your thought processes…. Either he would not see the obstacle in his
path and would run right over the top of me, or else…."
Archer Dennis Dunn didn't kill that bear. In fact, he traveled North
seven times before he made an 8-yard lung shot that anchored the
biggest grizzly ever taken by an archer of record. That's a hunt worth the
telling; but it's just one of 29 North American big game animals. Dunn
wanted to take them all "barebow." Using stick bows and compound
bows without sights, he completed that quest in September, 2004. But
his accomplishment consumes only a few paragraphs in this new,
gigantic and lavishly illustrated book. The best part of hunting is in the
process, not the product. Dunn takes us not only on trips that brought
him luck, but on those that left him empty-handed. He tells about missing
a pronghorn at 11 yards, of losing a desert ram to a thief, of hard trails
and disappointments every hunter has known. He writes forthrightly, but
with the intensity of one with memories still vivid.
What's most unusual about this book is what it is not – it is not a
photo album of carcasses. Noted artist Hayden Lambson (who first
impressed me with paintings for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and
son Dallen have illustrated BAREBOW! with images of live animals.
Though he makes no apology for killing, Dunn doesn't let collecting get in
the way of hunting. His appreciation for the rigors of the chase, for the
country and the animals themselves, comes through on every page. This
book brims with emotion. Besides celebrating trophies, it focuses on the
adventure to be found in the wild. It's a book you'll show to people who
don't hunt, especially to people who can't understand why others do.
From SPORTING CLASSICS Magazine
by Jim Casada
November/December 2009 issue
An exquisite new coffee table book documents in
words and art the author's fair chase pursuit of
29 species of big game with a 'barebow.'
Coffee table books aren't exactly a dime a dozen. After all, most of
them cost a mighty hefty stack of dimes. Nonetheless, each year brings
a number of large-format books that range greatly in merit, from nothing
more than eye candy to works of great quality.
Big, lavishly produced books have been with us about as long as the
genre of sporting titles. Fairly early in the 19th century, William
Cornwallis Harris, with his Portraits of the Game and Wild Animals of
Southern Africa (1840), set an exceedingly high standard for such
books. Other similarly impressive works emerged throughout the
Victorian era, including John Guille Millais' A Breath from the Veldt and
Count Potocki's Sport in Somaliland.
The trend has continued, with exponential expansion in quantity
(though not necessarily quality) right up until today. On the shelves in
my home office are scores of coffee table books. Some are genuine
treasures; others are little more than high-dollar trash. That's why,
when I hear about a new book with the physical features usually
associated with the genre — folio size, high-quality paper, extensive use
of art or photographs, perhaps both a limited and regular edition — I tend
to be skeptical.
That was precisely my reaction when Randy Eaton contacted me
about a new book written by one of his friends. I agreed to give the book
a look-see, as I always do, but didn't make any promises about coverage,
praise, or anything else. No honest reviewer will promise such things in
advance. In truth, I e-mailed something to the effect of "send it along, I'll
be glad to peruse it," and then promptly forgot all about it.
A few days later, that blasé attitude changed in a big way. Dennis
Dunn's BAREBOW! An Archer's Fair-Chase Taking of North America's
Big-game 29 came to hand.
It is an impressive work in every sense. For starters, it is huge,
measuring 10 1/2 by 15 1/2 inches and weighing a whopping 9 1/4 pounds.
Then there is the artwork: dozens of illustrations by talented father-andson
wildlife artists Hayden and Dallen Lambson. Dallen's superb pencil
drawings are the perfect complement to Hayden's oil paintings, which
depict all the North American big-game animals listed by the Pope and
Young Club.
The 500-page book also features striking photography; basic facts
on each species, including description, behavior, habitat, and
distribution; maps showing where each species is found; and quotations
from fine writers at the end of each chapter.
The heart of BAREBOW!, however, what takes it well beyond the
plateau of a nicely produced volume of the coffee table genre, involves
the author's lifelong quest for the continent's big-game species with a
"barebow" (i.e., instinctive shooting without any assistance from sights,
distance pins, or other archery aids). This isn't just a chronicle of one
success after another of the sort all too common on today's outdoor
television programs. There are failures aplenty, and Dunn's quest
covered a full four decades before he took his last animal, an Alaskan
Brown Bear, in 2004.
All animals were taken under strictly fair chase conditions; there
was no hunting within fenced areas or under so much as a hint of
"special" circumstances. Indeed, 17 of Dunn's kills have made the Pope
and Young record books, which attests to his passion, persistence, and
skill.
Dunn's quest for each animal is described in detail, in effect
presenting an unfolding hunter's autobiography. He writes well, and his
words make it obvious that his senses embrace the ethos of the hunt —
mood, setting, spirituality, and the bittersweetness of that magical
moment when an arrow flies on a true, telling path to its target.
This is a book to be read and pondered by anyone who treasures
fine writing, holds a deep appreciation for wild places and the animals
that inhabit them, or who seeks a full understanding of the special link
between predator and prey that bowhunting provides. BAREBOW! will
appear in this magazine's catalog section, which lists other high-quality
books, collectibles, and other items. That's apt testimony to how much
we think of it.
From THE WOMEN'S OUTDOOR WIRE
By Liz Madison
November 18, 2009
BAREBOW! The perfect gift
I'd just returned from my annual fishing trip with my Dad, when three of the stories you will find in BAREBOW! arrived in my email inbox. Dennis Dunn had promised me a sneak peak of his epic work, "BAREBOW! An Archer's Fair-Chase Taking of the North America's Big-Game 29."
I promised myself that I would take a quick look and then email Dennis with my impressions. Two hours later, I leaned back in my chair and marveled at the stories I had just read, the places to which the stories had transported me, and the vivid wildlife scenes I had witnessed. I wanted to call my Dad, my daughter and my brothers to share these stories. Dennis' work captured how truly magnificent this nation is in both wildlife and landscapes and left me smiling and in awe.
BAREBOW! also magically unlocked the mysteries of a secret language that until now was revealed by my eldest brother, a bow-hunter, and my father, a rifleman, occasionally as they talked of their hunting adventures in a shorthand known only to them.
Dennis captures America's wilds like Jack London with the wit and humor of Mark Twain in more than 100 campfire tales. His words transported me into the wilderness of America such that I felt like I too had crawled on my belly up onto the back edge of an Alaska mesa to witness the majesty in a band of Dall's Sheep.
A mere reply to sender would not do. I called Dennis. "Dennis, these stories are amazing. When do you publish, I have an extensive holiday list. I've been writing about these animals and their habitat for nearly thirty years but my descriptions pale in comparison to your work." Dennis replied, "Wait until you see the artist's prints. I teamed up with Hayden Lambson, and he produced the first-ever gallery of the Big-Game 29 in oil."
"Sign me up," I told him. "Let's start with four copies of the Limited Edition. I'll need one for my Dad, my brother, the bow-hunter, my younger brother, the artist, and a signed copy for my library."
When Dad received BAREBOW!, he laid it on the kitchen table and carefully slid it out of its case. He was beaming. We were celebrating his 71st birthday. We began looking at the art work and reading stories. Mom soon joined us. My father reached over and took my mother's hand and said, "Honey, we are going to need to change the will. Sis already gave a copy to the boys, but there are grandsons to consider."
I saw my brother the bow-hunter a week later. The grin on his face reminded me of childhood mischief. "Did you like the book?" I asked. "Sis, it's the most beautiful book I've ever owned. Jason and Andy came in the shop to take a look. I told them, 'Your Aunt sent that to me. You can look but don't touch it!'" We laughed and began discussing the stories.
I called my younger brother. "Did you like the book?" He was quiet. Then he let out a long breath. He spoke in a rapid pace. "Sis, this book is marvelous. The paintings stir the soul. And I see that Hayden's son, Dallen, contributed the wildlife drawings. The talent it takes to capture such realism. I've always been proud of what you do in conservation and this book really shows just how important it is to preserve places in the wild. Not just for the wildlife but for us." We talked for an hour.
Start your adventures with family and friends in the outdoors with BAREBOW! Order your copy on-line at Lambson-Art.com.
From the Editors of Hunting Illustrated Magazine
Summer 2009 issue
A review by Bill Krenz, Editor of BOWHUNT AMERICA
October 2009 issue
A review by Lisa M. Snuggs
BAREBOW! Hits the Bullseye
A few months ago, Randall Eaton sent information to me
about a new book called BAREBOW! – An Archer's Fair-
Chase Taking of North America's Big-Game 29 by Dennis
Dunn. I explained that newsletter coverage of books is generally
reserved for SEOPA members. Well, lo' and behold, next
thing I knew, Dunn joined SEOPA.
Upon receipt of my "welcome to SEOPA" e-mail, we
started an exchange that included more information about
Dunn's book. While the promotional material is very impressive,
I'm here to attest that it doesn't do the book justice.
BAREBOW! is a 504-page masterpiece in all aspects of truly
fine publishing.
Dunn explained his book is more than a journal of his epic
feat coupled with extraordinary artwork. BAREBOW! is a mission
– meant to educate non-hunters (not anti-hunters, but rather
those who simply don't hunt) about the heritage and purpose of
hunting. Dunn thinks it's important for non-hunters to understand
that the basic, primal instinct to hunt stems from a simple need
for food, and that we have every right to feed ourselves.
Dunn encouraged me to read the Preface and Afterword
in the book to fully grasp his intentions. In doing so, I quickly
thought, "Wow, he really gets it and knows how to explain it
to others — even to those of us who don't hunt!"
Dunn's appreciation for hunting, and his understanding of
the importance of gaining support from the masses is eloquently
displayed in BAREBOW! I've not even
made it to the stories in BAREBOW! yet,
concentrating instead on the preliminary
entries. I am impressed by the Preface
beyond words.
A review by Don Muggli for Bear Hunting Magazine
(Jan./Feb., '09 issue)
This 504-page coffee-table-style book is strikingly elegant in its
large format of 15" X 10". It weighs nine pounds and is nearly two
inches thick. The captivating painting of a grizzly bear on the front
cover sets the tone for the high-quality standards that are maintained
throughout, and is just one of 30 color plates of all the North
American species painted for the book by renowned Idaho artist
Hayden Lambson. This is a book which will be highly prized by those
fortunate enough to own it, and I would be surprised if it does not
become a much-sought-after collectable.
Only 16 individuals have taken all the species of North American big-game
with a bow, and the author was the first to take all 29 with a
"barebow", i.e., a bow with no sighting devices attached. The
hunter's arrows were guided only by instinct and experience. Dennis
Dunn is clearly the epitome of a proficient bowhunter, and his writing
skills and photographic talents are no less than his hunting skills.
The book includes 104 short stories of adventure and misadventure,
60 stunning color photographs taken by Dunn, plus many outstanding
wildlife pencil drawings by Hayden's son, Dallen Lambson.
The book is comprised of 29 chapters, one chapter covering each
big-game species. There are four chapters, comprising 77 pages,
devoted to bears; these chapters are titled, Black Bear, Polar Bear,
Grizzly Bear and Alaskan Brown Bear. Each of these chapters
contains multiple hunting stories — as Dunn conducted 7 Grizzly
Bear hunts, 7 Alaskan Brown Bear hunts and 2 Polar Bear hunts, for a
total of 172 days spent pursuing the 3 most dangerous of the N. A.
carnivores. This book contains more than enough real-life,
enthralling stories about bear hunting to merit a review in this
magazine.
Dr. James A. Swan stated in his book In Defense of Hunting, "The
person who can tell good hunting stories, ones in which all the
elements of the setting can be felt as if you are there, is a gift to
mankind. Among tribal societies, gifted storytellers are believed to
be able to heal people just with their words and rhymes. Such
artisans come to their talent not so much by being skilled at speech
as by being filled with spirit and able to share their energies and
wisdom as a transmission of power." In reading this book, it is
obvious to me that Dennis Dunn is "filled with spirit."
The four chapters on bear hunting are worth every penny of the
purchase price, and the additional 25 chapters are, so to speak,
thrown in for free!
I give this book my highest mark, a 4 paws rating; it is simply
magnificent!
* * * *
A review by Jim Smith, OWAA Senior Member
About the Author:
Sixty-nine-year-old Dennis Dunn is truly an amazing archer. He was the seventh bowhunter to complete what has
become known as the North American Super Slam: the taking of all 29 huntable big-game species recognized by the
Pope and Young Club, but he was the first to do it "barebow." Dunn completed his 40-year quest when he harvested
a male Alaskan Brown Bear on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska in September 2004. Although there are 15 other
bowhunters who have accomplished this feat now, Dunn was the first to do so without the aid of any pins, sights,
or other aiming devices. Of the 29 species, Dunn has collected 21 that are listed in the Pope and Young records.
On April 16th, 2005, his Grizzly Bear was declared the new World Record by Pope and Young. Dunn used longbows,
recurves, and compounds — all three, but he has always shot purely instinctive.
About BAREBOW!:
Here is the quintessential, classic, coffee-table book. This beautifully bound book is in large format 15" x 10",
nearly 2" thick and weighs over nine-pounds. Its 504 pages are adorned with 30 original oil color paintings by Idaho
artist Hayden Lambson, and 37 wildlife pencil drawings by son, Dallen Lambson. This is the first-ever Artist Series
of the North American Super Slam.
Dunn has recounted 104 of his bowhunting adventures (and misadventures) and distributed them amongst the 29 chapters,
one for each big-game species. He has also included 60 beautiful photo images ("the best of the best") taken in the
field throughout his hunting lifetime. Of special note, there are no photos of dead, freshly-gutted animals.
Instead he has substituted fine-art pictures and photos of live animals and stunning wilderness landscapes to complement
his great storytelling. Dennis has put together his life's dreams, his successes and defeats, all integrated with his
personal hunting philosophies. Dennis Dunn is unquestionably the epitome of a talented and dedicated bowhunter, and
his writing skills and photographic skills are no less than his bowhunting talents. I can honestly say that Dennis's
book is destined to become a collector's book in the near future. It is certainly one of a kind!
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