Every person with an interest in the outdoors or wildlife should read this book. It is especially useful to hunters and photographers. I have been an outdoorsman all my life but learned several things. I found the crow trap to be interesting and plan to try it next summer.

The author writes in a loose, flowing narrative style that makes it seem like he is conversing one-on-one with the reader. His instructions are easy to understand and the diagrams are simple to follow. The tidbits of folklore he includes make this book a wonderful read.

Excerpt reprinted from Rambles.

This was an great book! The pictures did alot better than other popular survival books. A most have for any primitive survivalist or survivalist. Goes into much more deepth than othe survival books.

This book has some good activities in it but they were mainly from the Pacific Northwest with a few plains tribes. The games did not come with background information as to which tribes played the games or any other information. If you are just looking for random Native american games and not trying to teach using this text then this book is fine.

Handbook of Native American Games is a wonderful book with a dual purpose. First, it instructs persons working with youth groups in how the games were played. Second, it examines how Native Americans developed games and how their games related to the world.

The authors begin with the general information about Native Americans and their games. They spent more than 20 years gathering the information about these games. Native American children played with the objects they found in nature. They made their toys and created games based upon what they saw in the surrounding world, most often the people of their tribe. Much of the play reflected the myths and folklore of the tribe.

The authors warn readers that Native American children were more mature, stronger, and tougher than children of modern time. They caution readers against using the more dangerous games with modern children.

One extremely interesting section of this book examines how dreams or omens and signs in nature could affect the games. A bad omen could change the date or time of the game, even though it had been planned for weeks or months. A bad dream could prevent a person from participating.

The games can be categorized into three distinct groups:
1.imitative and dramatic usually based on customs, hunts, or ceremonies.
2.warfare
3.individual combat

After a brief chapter on the basics of Native American games, the authors begin profiling 150 games. The games are grouped according to their type: running and relay; hunting, stalking, and warfare; not requiring any equipment; man-to-man challenge; and so forth. Each listing gives the area where it was most commonly played, the number of players, the sex of the players, whether it was indoor or outdoor, and whether it was an individual or team game.

This book is heavily illustrated. The diagrams and drawings are easy to follow. The instructions for the games are clear and simple. You can easily organize these games with children today.

Whether you are a Scout volunteer or just have an interest in the lifestyle of Native Americans, this is a must read. You will learn so much about the Native American culture and beliefs. I highly recommend it.

Reprinted from Gotta Write Network Online

The book is like a "wanna be" boy scout handbook. Where it referenced indians and chiefs you could substitute scouts and patrol leaders. Much of the information is good camping and outdoor woodskills related, with a smattering of indian lore. Many of the illustrations look like they are directly out of a boy scout manual. If you are interested in a real authentic look at native american life and activities, you will not want this book. If you are looking for something to use as a companion to your existing outdoor library or for more juvenile activities, then you could benefit from this book.