September 22nd is National Hunting and Fishing Day, a day to experience nature, appreciate the ability to catch your own food, and contribute to conservation efforts. Here at SparkPress, we have a number of books that feature these themes. If you’re a nature-lover, conservationist, hunter, fisher, or bibliophile, we’ve got a book for you.

The Leaving Year by Pam McGaffin

In this heartwarming coming-of-age tale, Ida ventures out on her own in search of answers after her father is proclaimed lost at sea and presumed dead. Her quest takes her to a cannery, where she joins the line to clean, gut, and can salmon. In this cannery, she makes lifelong friends who help her get where she needs to be.

Girl with a Gun by Kari Bovée

Why not celebrate with a story about one of the most famous sharpshooters of all time, Annie Oakley? In this mystery novel, Annie begins to fear that the murders happening around her are related to her! With the help of a reporter, she sets out to solve the murders and clear her name. Bonus! Can’t get enough of Annie Oakley? Here’s a link to the prequel novella, Shoot Like a Girl.

Tree Dreams by Kristin Kaye

When seventeen-year-old Jade witnesses a violent clash between a local logger and a protesting tree sitter, she runs away from home and becomes entangled with a band of environmentalists and anarchists. She must choose a side: the logging community she’s always known, or the environmentalists risking their lives for the forest.

The Year of Necessary Lies by Kris Radish

This remarkable story follows one woman who unwittingly becomes the champion for birds on the brink of extinction. In 1903, naïve Boston socialite Julia Briton discovers that her beloved husband is involved in the plume trade. She cannot condone his part in the mass slaughter of birds for the use of the fashion industry. She follows her heart and takes a huge risk to save the birds—and becomes an inspiration for generations to come.

A Dangerous Woman from Nowhere by Kris Radish

In the wilderness, survival skills are a must. In this old western, Briar Logan is nothing if not a survivor. When the love of her life is kidnapped, she must accept the help of a damaged young man and a notorious female horse trainer to save him. Together, they help each other survive and grow.

Drinking from the Trough by Mary Carlson, DVM

This book is perfect for animal lovers, where Mary Carlson starts as a veterinarian at a feline-exclusive clinic. This memoir is divided into vignettes, each describing how she got there or a meaningful interaction with an animal. These interactions all taught her something about life; little pearls of wisdom, she’d like to share with you.

The Same River by Lisa Reddick

Courageous field biologist, Jess, gathered evidence that the massive hydro dam could destroy the mighty Nesika River. She soon discovers that her boss is suppressing this data, and the dam’s fate is at the mercy of a far-reaching government and corporate conspiracy. Jess’s life begins to spiral out of control as she delves deeper into it, trying to rekindle her faith in the future.