Guide to outdoors a hit with youth

DELIGHTED: Paul Adamson's book The Beginner's Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand is a finalist in the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

A Wairarapa man's manual for the young hunter and angler is in the running for one of the country's highest accolades for children's literature.

The Beginner's Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand by Masterton hunting enthusiast Paul Adamson is a finalist in the non-fiction section of the 2014 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Adamson, former principal of Fernridge School, wrote the book last year, after being unable to find a simple beginner's manual on hunting for his two sons.

Since his book was launched in September, almost all 5000 copies in the first print run have been sold.

"It's in pretty much every school library now, which is just great," he said.

"I wanted the book to be a springboard to the outdoors for young people. And to show families how easy it is to hunt and fish safely."

Adamson said he has received some "delightful" feedback on his Beginner's Guide.

"A grandmother down in Southland contacted me, and said her two young grandsons have been reading my book, and have got really into hunting," he said.

"So, she asked me to write them a special message in each of their books.

"So many youngsters have contacted me, saying how passionate they've become about hunting and fishing."

Adamson, who is working on a second book of outdoorsy tips, said he is thrilled with the nomination for the Book Awards - but is more concerned with inspiring young people to put safety first.

"In everything I've done through the years, I've never aimed to win - just to get the job done and enjoy the journey.

"It's nice to get a pat on the back - but I'm happier that people are reading my book, and going hunting - but are doing so safely."

The Beginner's Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand also made the Storylines Notable Book Awards List for 2014.

The winners of the New Zealand Post Book Awards will be announced on June 23.