LIFE AT FULL DRAW:
THE CHUCK ADAMS STORY
Legends like Fred Bear and Jack O’Connor are gone. Today, only one man survives in the hunting world with what can truly be considered a household name. You’ve seen bowhunter Chuck Adams in magazine advertisements and on posters in archery pro shops, grinning widely beside some big game trophy. You’ve read his magazine articles or studied his bowhunting how-to books. You’ve heard about his unprecedented “Super Slam” conquest of 27 North American big game species with a bow.
There’s little consensus and even less middle ground in judging Chuck Adams. Many of us have made up our minds, though we’ve never had the chance to see the man behind the magazine pictures … until now. This is the true story of Chuck Adams—a behind-the-scenes, unabridged account of the least-understood, best-known hunter ever. Many qualified people interviewed within this volume render their judgments. This book sets out to neither make Chuck Adams a sinner nor saint. There is no agenda here other than to write the true story of Chuck Adams’ life and to finally place you alongside him in the mountains, at a hunting camp and in his everyday life at full draw.
A sampling of the 15 chapters includes, “Born To Hunt,” “Chuck’s Greatest Hunts,” “The Ragged Edge,” “What The Guides and Outfitters Say,” “The Record Books” and “The Ones That Got Away.” The book is 304 pages and includes many photos which have never before been published.
Reviews
Silks Outdoors
Jon E. Silks
“Chuck Adams is an arrogant, smug elitist that does not deserve to have a tree wasted on the paper needed to write a book about him!!” That is an actual quote from an ATA Trade Show attendee when I told him I was reading a book about Chuck. Wow! Now, I have certainly heard the rumors and trash talking when it comes to Chuck Adams but this level of emotion seemed a bit over-the-top. Before we get into the meat of the book and the topics that detail the reasons behind this type of sentiment I would first like to comment on the quality of the author’s writing.
Although I have never talked with Gregg Gutschow I have come to respect his position in the industry and his apparent character. He did a wonderful job of structuring this work on Chuck and his writing is enjoyable and well thought out. I doubt there are many that can appreciate the level of data collection and organization that goes into a project like a book. It can be exhilarating at times but also render your mind mush, as you get lost in the details and their placement. I appreciate what Gregg has done here and think he has laid out the story of Chuck’s life and career in an entertaining manner that covers all the pertinent details and tough topics.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter One: Born To Hunt – Learn how a young Adams from Chico California cut his teeth on bowhunting black-tails in Deer Creek Canyon – Ishi territory. Also discover how his family played a major role in his hunting passions.
Chapter Two: College & Career – What drives a valedictorian of his high school and college classes to take a job as an associate editor of a hunting magazine for little money?
Chapter Three: Family & Marriage – Not even Chuck’s laser focus on hunting could keep his eye from catching a glimpse of Joanne!
Chapter Four: Super Slam - First it was just a notion, then a dream, then a serious goal. But, it was also a secret – why? By the way, what is the big deal, anyone who has his hunts paid for could do it, right. Everyone knows Chuck has all of his hunts paid for, right?
Part I: Man On A Mission
Part II: The Dangerous Bears
Part III: Epilogue
Chapter Five: Greatest Hunts – Find out which of the game species have given Chuck his best memories. Was it a whitetail, black bear, moose or caribou? Do you know the story behind Chuck’s monstrous Elk taken in Montana in 2000?
Chapter Six: The Ragged Edge – This chapter will make you shutter. Chuck Adams almost became one of those, “I’ll bet a bear got him” stories. But it wouldn’t have been a bear that swallowed him on Kodiak Island…
Chapter Seven: The Best And The Worst – My favorite chapter – this is where you learn the most about Chuck Adams, the man. Who is chuck and what has he endured. Who attacks Chuck and why – do you already have your mind made up about him? You may just want to read this – the facts are not so easily ignored!
Chapter Eight: What The Guides And Outfitters Say – Have you ever been in camp with a whiner? It too hot, its too cold, where are all the animals? Does Chuck rub these outfitters the wrong way?
Chapter Nine: The Dark Continent – A super experience for Chuck. This chapter details that experience.
Chapter Ten: The Record Books – Does Chuck hate the Pope &Young Club? Is the feeling mutual? What exactly is or was the problem here? Human nature rears its ugly head. Ishi is back in the picture…
Chapter Eleven: A Gift From God? – What? I was almost afraid to read this chapter. Is this going to tell me that Chuck is God’s gift to bowhunting? God or hard work – or both?
Chapter Twelve: The Bowhunting Business – Is it even possible to separate business and pleasure for a man like Chuck? Even if he wanted to, how is that possible? What, its not like he can leave his still camera at camp and still get those pics, right? Do industry insiders think Chuck is the real deal? What does Chuck think of Myles Keller, Jack Frost and Jim Dougherty?
Part I: Mixing Business With Pleasure
Part II: What The Industry Insiders Say
Chapter Thirteen: Is Bowhunting Still Fun? Is it all about the business or can Chuck still have fun? Can someone spend 90 days afield every year and still call it fun? What drives Chuck?
Chapter Fourteen: The Ones That Got Away – “I swear, it had a spread this wide (hands held three feet apart)” Actually, if
Chuck told me a story like that, I would be inclined to believe it. Also, it is nice to know that Chuck Adams sometimes experiences the same thing most of us do – seeing the backside of an animal moving quickly into the distance. Is there something about an alien monster in this chapter?
Chapter Fifteen: Beyond Bowhunting – Cross-country skiing, building furniture, playing chess and eating at good restaurants – sounds fairly down-to-earth to me. Get two psychiatrists expert opinions of the man who holds an honorary degree at Penn College…
Numbered Pages: 302
One of the things that really strikes me about Chuck is how much he has accomplished. While talking with him at the 2007 ATA Trade show I couldn’t help but to think of how youthful he seemed. His accomplishments are truly amazing – even more so when you realize that this book is not written about a legend that has passed on to the next life but one that looks like he could do it all over again!!
Have you made up your mind about Chuck, heard rumors, or judged him for one reason or another? Do you feel about Chuck Adams the way the gentleman did at the ATA show? Do you know the facts? Do the people that have blasted Chuck with allegations know the facts or did they simply have an agenda? Do yourself a favor and read this book cover to cover. I’m almost certain you will either change your position completely or at least second-guess it. I know what I think about Smiling Chuck – this book just reinforced my perceptions.
Life At Full Draw is informative, shockingly open on the tough subjects, entertaining and simply a great read for any bowhunter.
Enjoy!–Silks Outdoors
“A fascinating read … so fascinating that I could hardly put it down. ‘Life at Full Draw’ does a wonderful job of serving up tantalizing insights into the mind behind Chuck Adams’ signature smile. The book talks with surprising openness about the motivations behind the man, the course to celebrity status, and even the ranting of detractors. … This is the story behind the story. It needed to be told and it needs to be read.”—Bill Krenz, owner/editor Inside Archery and Bowhunt America.
“At long last, here’s an honest examination of the facts with all Chuck Adams rumors and criticisms addressed in direct, unflinching prose.”—M. R. James, founder Bowhunter magazine.
“This book should clear the air about Chuck Adams and force hunters to examine their priorities and the way that the hunting community works. The scope, thoroughness and balance of this well-written book make it a definite bull’s eye.”—James Swan, columnist, ESPN Outdoors.
Todd, Glenn Rock, PA:
I highly recommend "Life at Full Draw," because it tells a lot more about the life of Chuck from boyhood through his Super Slam! Reading these hunting adventures makes a bowhunter dream about some of these hunts. I felt that this book was much better than Super Slam, because I got to know who Chuck Adams is and how he thinks.
Lauren Riehl, Missoula, MT:
I have followed Chuck Adams through his books and articles since I was a small kid. This book’s got it all under one cover and even shows the bad side's of Chuck's great hunting experiences. If you read the book ignore the politics and enjoy the life of an inspirational archer.
Larry Welch II, Deep Run, NC:
It was one of the most exciting books I have read in a while. To the average hunter where work and family takes up most of our time reading a book will let you enjoy what it would be like if you could hunt for a living. I have never met Chuck Adams but after reading this book I feel like I have shared a hunting camp with him and hunted with him.
Judd Snell, Chanhassen, MN:
Gutschow has written an inspirational bio that includes not only Chuck Adams’ extraordinary story, but asks the burning question "Is he really that good?" Many of Chucks guides, outfitters, industry associates, Fred Asbell, and even rocker Ted Nugent answer this question and provide insight into the much envied world of the hunting professional.
After reading this you realize Chuck is the "Tiger Woods" of bowhunting he is so much better because he works at it much harder than most.
This book is well written, and will make you a better hunter. For non-hunters (like me) it is an interesting read about an individual at the top of his profession that motivates you to be better at whatever is your passion.
Maybe I'll check out the bows next time at Cabela's......
