Off the Track: More Tales from the NZ Bush

By "Big Al" Lester (Penguin Group, RRP $37)

This is "Big Al's" fourth title and is sure to appeal to any hunting, fishing New Zealanders, and perhaps many besides.

Al tells his own stories about life in the bush as well as tales imparted to him by others over a few beers.

This isn't just about looking for the big one, whether it be stag or boar.

There are also whitebaiting, fishing, chamois and tahr stories.

Al is articulate and this book is good reading.

Some very passable sketches are included, presumably done by Big Al himself.

What makes this book even better is that it is South Island based and there's even a few stories set around Te Anau and Fiordland.

- © Fairfax NZ News