Written by Olivia Lappin
I picked up this book before I began my 3-month technician position studying Eastern wild turkeys at the University of Delaware. I knew that my field crew was going to be in and out of blinds while attempting to rocket-net turkeys, so I was in search of a book with short chapters and one that was easy to read (mostly to keep me awake on those early mornings). “Suddenly, the Cider Didn’t Taste So Good – Adventures of a Game Warden in Maine” by John Ford quickly became one of my favorite books.
Full of short stories that will make you laugh to ones that will shock you, Ford’s book complete with true tales about his experiences as a game warden will leave you wanting to read more. The entire book had the essence of a grandfather telling stories about “the good ol’ days”. Whether it is a story about tracking murderers, blowing up beaver dams, or saving baby owls, John Ford is not what you may think of a typical game warden and he definitely is not one of those “go-by-the-book”, cold-hearted wardens. His stories about interacting with the public, laughing and joking with reoccurring violators, and learning his own life lessons time and time again give this book a refreshing and comical tone. Often making himself the butt of his own jokes, he may change your view on those green trucks parked at the boat ramp as you come in from a morning full of greenheads and gadwalls.
The book was supposed to last me throughout my entire field season, but I had it read within a week in the turkey blind. I couldn’t put it down! Luckily, Ford came out with another book titled “This Cider Still Tastes Funny!” discussing more of his wild adventures as a Maine game warden.
