Du Quoin native bringing new book to IDNR stand at the Du Quoin State Fair

Du Quoin native and popular outdoor writer, Chuck Martin, will be the guest of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, at the Du Quoin State Fair Aug. 29, 30 and 31.

Martin will sell/sign his recent book, Bird Hunting Tales and Tips, an illustrated, hard bound collection of humorous, entertaining and exciting bird hunting adventures he has experienced.

For instance: Find out if coyotes stalk hunters; bird hunting on crutches is crazy; taking your girlfriend hunting is wise; black & white dogs are bad luck; dogs really speak; and habitat restoration brings birds back.

A columnist with Quail Unlimited for eight years, charter member of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Martin is dedicated to the sport of bird hunting. Forty-eight of his short stories have been published in various outdoor periodicals.

"My book is a heartwarming collection of 33 of my best stories written to entertain and inform readers of the importance of positive father-son relationships, love of bird dogs and love of family," Martin said. "I learned those values from my dad, Bernard, former UMWA Board Member and State Mining Inspector, who learned from his dad, Charlie, also a former UMWA Board Member. And, not surprisingly, my son, Kyle, is a bird hunter too."

Martin attended Sacred Heart Catholic School but moved to Taylorville after finishing the fifth grade. "I wanted to be a Du Quoin Indian but I had a good run in high school as a Taylorville Tornado," said the two sport former Eastern Illinois University athlete. "It seems that the males of our family knew three things: coal-mining, sports and bird hunting," Martin quipped.

A member of the Taylorville Sports Hall of Fame, Martin personally signs/inscribes each book he sells. "I like the personal interaction with people who share my passion for bird hunting and family values," stated Martin. "This book has been a labor of love as I was ignorant of the book publishing process when I started assembling the materials. It took much longer and was much more expensive than I originally thought." In the aggregate, I did all the work, made all the decisions, including the design and color of the glossy dust cover. That is why I like to sign each book relating the connection to the stories and my southern Illinois family background."

Having hunted upland game birds in 11 different states, Martin still prefers the farms and fields of south central Illinois. "My favorite story is about my dad and me winning the Arkansas Quail Hunting Championship competition in Salem, Arkansas. Those southern boys were not too happy losing to a couple of "northerners" from Illinois. I explained to them that dad and I were from the southern part of Illinois and that seemed to help a little. I think that story alone is worth the $20 I charge for the book."

Proceeds from the book sales will be used for habitat restoration. "We have a small piece of ground in Jasper County where we have placed five acres in CRP-33 plantings. I want to expand that project in the near future."

"I am very appreciative of the IDNR for allowing me to set up a small table in their Conservation Tent at the Fair," said Martin. "I love coming back to Du Quoin, the area and the people are special to me." I have so many relatives here it is difficult to see them all in a short visit but I always try."

Martin will be in the IDNR Conservation Tent Aug. 29, 30 and 31. A copy of his book can be ordered and shipped for $25 by sending an e-mail to cemartin11@aol.com.