In 1949, Doug Walker became one of the first California hunters to legally take a deer with a bow and arrow. Six decades later, the longtime Squaw Valley resident is a legend of the sport with too many trophies, awards and accolades to count.
Even at 79, Walker refuses to slow down. He still publishes National Bowhunter, a bi-monthly magazine that is among the most widely read in the industry, and recently completed another book. "Autobiography of a Bowhunter" is packed with stories and photos of his remarkable career.
Bee outdoors writer Marek Warszawski spoke with Walker about his new book and lifelong passion.
Question: What originally attracted you to bow hunting instead of hunting with a firearm?
Answer: The whole idea intrigued me. It's the work you have to go through in order to shoot. You feel like you're giving the animal more of a chance that way instead of shooting him clear across the canyon.
Your book contains some amusing childhood stories. What made you shoot the neighborhood bully with an arrow?
Well, this guy kept hitting my buddies. You know those cheap Christmas sets with little suction cups at the end of an arrow? I took the suction cup off and shot him right in the toe.
What happened next?
He went home squealing to Momma, and I got heck.
Tell me about your first deer in 1949.
Well, I almost got thrown in jail because the sheriff of this small town in Northern California thought I was hunting out of season. Finally the game warden came in from another town and got me off the hook.
There are many stories about celebrities in your book. Any favorites?
I always enjoy Ted [Nugent]. He's been out here to visit a few times, and I've hunted with him back in Michigan and Texas. One time in Arizona, we almost got thrown in jail.
How did that happen?
Well, Ted likes to drive, and he drives fast. We were coming up from Nogales and the sheriff pulled us over -- thought we were running drugs. They frisked us both, and after they got through Ted told one of the officers, 'Hey, you missed my Beretta.' They didn't like that.
How did you get off?
It's in the book, but finally this female officer came on the scene. She had sergeant stripes on and immediately recognized Ted.
When's the last time you went hunting?
Let's see, I went to Texas last year and got a whitetail buck from a tree stand. I might go again this year.
Do you get the same sense of excitement from bow hunting that you did 60 years ago?
Oh, yeah. Very much so. I get excited just thinking about it sometimes.
Putting out a magazine for 30 years can't be easy. Any plans to retire?
Not yet. No. The only thing really wrong with me is my hearing, which makes it hard to talk on the phone. But other than this dang hearing aid, I'm still going strong.
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