Author:Steve

February 15, 2017

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

Chico Costco Book Signing a Sellout

It was a day Kathy and I will not soon forget. Last Saturday’s Chico Costco book signing began with a friendly greeting from Jani, one of Costco’s outstanding staff members. Jani couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating as we set about getting our table ready for the big event.

And then they came! Several longtime friends from Chico and Orland paid us a much-appreciated visit; it warmed our hearts to see so many of our old friends. We were also treated to visits from dozens of new friends.

To all who honored us by dropping by on Saturday, thank you so much. Visiting with you, learning your stories, and having your support made this adventure one we will always remember.

Please scroll down to see more photos from the event.

Author Steven T. Callan and friends at a book signing for The Game Warden's Son at the Redding Costco Store on February 4, 2017

February 6, 2017

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

by Steve

Redding Costco Book Signing a Sellout

Last Saturday’s Redding Costco book signing was special for Kathy and me. We had the opportunity to visit with many old friends, lots of wonderful new friends, and even a few future game wardens. We also sold out in record time. Thank you, everyone!

The next stop on our book tour is the Chico Costco, Saturday, February 11; I’ll be signing copies of The Game Warden’s Son and Badges, Bears, and Eagles.

Please scroll down to see more photos from the Redding Costco book signing.

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery, which is featured in "Crowley Trout Opener," a chapter in Badges, Bears, and Eagles--The True-Life Adventures of a California Fish and Game Warden by Steven T. Callan.

January 29, 2017

in Book Excerpts and News

by Steve

Crowley Trout Opener

Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery. Photo by Kathy Callan.

The last weekend in April marked the opening of trout season in California’s Eastern Sierra Mountains. This annual spectacle rivals the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or spring break in Palm Beach.

Highway 395 out of the Los Angeles basin was jammed with a steady stream of cars, trucks, motor homes, and trailers, all the way to Bridgeport. Every motel in Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, and Bridgeport was booked and every campsite was full. What Christmas is to department stores, trout opener was to businesses in the Eastern Sierras. Fish and Game wardens from all over Southern California were commandeered to leave their own manageable districts and spend three days in virtual chaos.

January 24, 2017

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

by Steve

Scenes from a Book Signing: International Sportsmen’s Expo, Sacramento

Kathy and I have wanted to do a book signing at the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento for several years now. Thanks to Chad Woods, owner and publisher of Nor Cal Fish Reports and My Outdoor Buddy, we had the opportunity last Saturday.

What a great time we had, meeting people from all over Northern and Central California and visiting with a few old friends. Thank you to all who stopped by.

Here are a few photos from this memorable day.

Author Steven T. Callan signs copies of his book The Game Warden's Son for members of Redding Writers Forum.

January 15, 2017

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

by Steve

Scenes from a Presentation to Redding Writers Forum

I can’t thank the Redding Writers Forum enough for the warm welcome you gave Kathy and me yesterday. Giving my presentation about The Game Warden’s Son to such an interesting, intelligent, and gracious group of fellow writers was a gratifying experience I will not soon forget.

Please scroll down to see more photos from the event.

Ring-necked pheasants were plentiful in and around the rice fields of Butte County during the 1950s.

January 7, 2017

in Book Excerpts and News

by Steve

The Road Hunter

Ring-necked pheasants were plentiful in and around the rice fields of Butte County during the 1950s. Photo by author.

“That’s strange,” said Berg, pulling to a stop and reaching for his binoculars. “What’s that fancy new car doing out here in the middle of all these rice fields?” It was mid-morning in early August 1954, and the enthusiastic young rookie warden was patrolling for pheasant poachers near the Northern California farming community of Biggs.

Author Steven T. Callan and friends at Callan's Chico Barnes and Noble Book Signing for The Game Warden's Son

December 24, 2016

in Appearances, Presentations, and Book Signings

by Steve

Scenes from a Book Signing: Chico Barnes and Noble

Kathy and I had a great time last Saturday at our Chico Barnes and Noble book signing. Longtime friends from Orland, Chico, and Fish and Game came by for a visit, and we made a passel of new friends. Thanks so much to everyone who dropped by. Thank you, also, to the staff at the Chico Barnes and Noble store for hosting our event.

Our next stops on the book tour are the Redding Writers Forum on January 14 and the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento on January 21.

Warden Wally Callan in the ghost town of Newville, California, circa 1962. Photo by Steven T. Callan.

December 2, 2016

in Book Excerpts and News

by Steve

Game Wardens and Ghost Towns

Warden Wally Callan in the ghost town of Newville, circa 1962. Photo by author.

Out of beer and three sheets to the wind, the three deer poachers turned west on Newville Road and headed northeast toward Paskenta. Rounding the first bend, they passed the ghost town of Newville. Newville had thrived from the early 1850s until 1929, when all but a few buildings burned to the ground. During its heyday, the little pioneer town boasted a general store, two livery stables, two saloons, a blacksmith shop, two hotels, a post office, a race track, and a service station. Now only the ramshackle, two-story Newville Hotel and the falling-down service station remained.

Pintails mingle with white-fronted geese at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Steven T. Callan.

November 6, 2016

in Fish and Wildlife

by Steve

The Most Beautiful Duck in North America

Pintails mingle with white-fronted geese at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. All photos by author.

Ask any waterfowl enthusiast to name the most beautiful duck in North America, and he or she will most likely point to the brilliant, multicolored, drake wood duck (Aix sponsa). Others might claim that the iridescent green head of a drake mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is hard to beat. For me, the graceful pose of a drake pintail (Anas acuta), with its long, slender neck and chocolate-brown head, places this species at the top of the list.

Our front yard in early spring, showing just a few of the 200 blue oaks on the island. Photo by Steven T. Callan.

September 24, 2016

in Personal Stuff

by Steve

An Island of Our Own

Our front yard in early spring, showing just a few of the 200 blue oaks on the island. Photo by author.

Over the years, Kathy and I have often dreamed of escaping today’s fast-paced, hectic world and moving to an island of our own—an island of trees, flowers, and abundant wildlife, where we could experience the joys of nature without leaving the confines of our own property. Realizing that buying an island wasn’t a realistic option, we decided to do the next best thing and create one on our three-acre patch of oak woodland in the foothills of Northern California.

Author:Steve

Chico Costco Book Signing a Sellout

Redding Costco Book Signing a Sellout

Crowley Trout Opener

Scenes from a Book Signing: International Sportsmen’s Expo, Sacramento

Scenes from a Presentation to Redding Writers Forum

The Road Hunter

Scenes from a Book Signing: Chico Barnes and Noble

Game Wardens and Ghost Towns

The Most Beautiful Duck in North America

An Island of Our Own

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