Tenth Legion

This is a signed Tenth Legion book 52 years in print—Tom Kelly self-published Tenth Legion in 1973. He created this masterpiece of Wild Turkey literature by recording into a portable dictation machine while working in the woods. His wife Helen transcribed his words into a book that has become the “Bible of Wild Turkey hunting.” The book has not changed in the past 51 years, even if the dust covers have had many different looks. Copyright Tom Kelly 1973Copyright Tom Kelly Inc 2012

The Season

30th Anniversary Edition! This is Tom Kelly’s classic 1995 season, and his fourth book. It was first published in 1996, reprinted in 2019 and again in 2025 as a 30th anniversary edition. Kirkus Reviews originally described The Season as, “A genuine love song to outdoorsmanship as sharp-eyed, bawdy, and unbridled as a gobbler in full strut.” Copyright Tom Kelly 1996Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 2019Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 2025

The T. H. Kelly Handbook

Tom wrote this book in the 1980’s to give his 600-man Scott Paper woodlands staff a sense of commonality. The book is written for young first-line supervisors—those people who have just entered the corporate world. It is a common-sense guide to being a productive member of any organization. Buy it for your company and see the results immediately. Copyright Tom Kelly 1985

Better on a Rising Tide

Back in Stock 22 chapters of pure Tom Kelly prose. Better on a Rising Tide is Tom’s 3rd book that contains 22 chapters that previously appeared in several outdoor magazines in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Colonel Kelly writes about wild turkey hunting and southern states including social life and customs. He also writes about the southern timber industry that he was an integral part of for more than 50 years. “Nobody ever really knows how much of his makeup is environment and how much is heredity — no matter what stories you grandmother use to tell about the gallantry of your ancestors. But there were certain specific things that happened in your formative years that marked you, and sometimes you have the capacity to remember them exactly as they happened.” Tom notes, ”Chapter 20, the Turning, is the only wedding Field & Stream ever covered.” Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 1995

Dealer’s Choice

Tom’s second book and one of his most popular after the “Bible of turkey hunting”, Tenth Legion. Delightfully funny and always instructive, this book is an iconic installment in the Kelly legacy of turkey hunting writing. Cover art by Tom’s grandson, John, painted when he was in 7th grade. The turkey portrait was given to Tom for his birthday and now hangs in his home.

No Place to Hide

Tom Kelly gives us more 9 more chapters, continuing the themes of his previous 21 books. In this collection Tom explores the future of the Wild Turkey, the Hunt and the Habitat, which means the timber industry to Tom. Here is what Tom has to say, ” The mechanics of the turkey’s demise, the tactics used to bring him to bag, the actions of the turkey and the hunter while in the process of the hunt, all come from a single source, the hunter.” Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 2015

The Best of Tom Kelly Volume II

The success of The Best of Tom Kelly Volume I led us to create a second volume. Tom continued to write of course, and we found an additional 29 chapters of wild turkey essays. This Volume II was published in 2017 and is available in hardcover and e-book.  All of the stories in both Best of Tom Kelly volumes are about turkeys, turkey hunting and turkey hunters. Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 2017

A Year Outside

A Year Outside, is Tom Kelly’s sixth book, originally published in 2000 by Wingfeather Press. Here is what Tom had to say on the original dust cover: “There is an area, within the continental limits of the United States, that does not exhibit the conditions that appear to be prevalent in much of the rest of the country. It has more timber than it had in 1950 and more of its land is forested. With two exceptions, all of its game birds and animals are more numerous, the open seasons that permit the taking of these are longer than they were fifty years ago, and, except in one instance, bag limits are more generous. Leaving out the pursuit of fish altogether, and taking the decidedly minority position that deer are superfluous, there is an open season of one kind or another from the first day of September in one year, until the first day of the following May, except for one three week period at the beginning of March. If a person chooses to fish, and has some source of outside income, he need never go home at all. The location of this Shangri La is neither the American frontier at the time of the French and Indian Wars, nor the Land of Oz, above the chimney pots and over the rainbow. It is the Southeast Coast of the United States today, at the opening of the third millennium. The purpose of this book is to serve you a slice of one of those years.” Copyright Tom Kelly 2000

The Boat

Almost every man feels the burning urge once in his life to build his own wooden boat.  In this 1998 book, Tom Kelly strays –though not too far–from wild turkeys to narrate the story behind his handmade boat, whose primary purpose was, “that of moving a hunter across bodies of water of one size or another to reduce the distance between the gun and the game.” Since the construction of this boat coincides with Kelly’s career in the timber industry, his humorous narrative embraces both. Copyright Tom Kelly 1998

Ol' Tom & Laura - Signature Edition

This edition is signed by both Colonel Tom Kelly and his daughter Laura A loving collection of essays that concern the raising a daughter in the Alabama woods— teaching and enjoying a special father-daughter relationship. (Stories from several  previous published Tom Kelly classics.) This book of Tom and Laura stories is a gift to dads and moms who have had the delight to raise their children in the outdoors. If you are lucky enough to have girl children, this book will bring tears to your eyes. Tom says this about Laura, “To put it in the vernacular of the upper Gulf Coast, “That there is one good kid.” There is a quotation from a play written by Mrs. Mary Shakespeare’s third child Billy, that covers the matter adequately: “Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale, her infinite variety.” Copyright Tom Kelly Inc. 2008

Tenth Legion + Dealer’s Choice

Discover two of the most respected works in outdoor literature with this bundle of Tenth Legion and Dealer’s Choice by Colonel Tom Kelly. Tenth Legion is the cornerstone of modern turkey hunting literature, filled with sharp humor, deep reflection, and hard-won wisdom from a lifetime in the woods. It has been praised for decades as one of the most influential and entertaining books ever written on the subject. Dealer’s Choice continues that tradition, bringing readers more stories of pursuit, patience, and perspective. Kelly’s writing captures the challenge and charm of turkey hunting while exploring life lessons that go far beyond the hunt itself. Whether you are a seasoned outdoorsman or a collector of classic Southern storytelling, this bundle is a must-have for anyone who values craftsmanship, honesty, and tradition in writing.

Tenth Legion + The Season

Step into the woods with two of Colonel Tom Kelly’s most celebrated works: Tenth Legion and The Season. Tenth Legion stands as the defining work of modern turkey hunting literature. It is witty, insightful, and deeply human, exploring not just the pursuit of the wild turkey but the spirit of the hunter himself. Generations of outdoorsmen have called it a masterpiece for its honesty, humor, and timeless reflections. The Season continues the journey, capturing the rhythms of spring, the challenge of the hunt, and the quiet wisdom that comes with years in the field. Kelly’s gift for storytelling turns every page into a lesson in patience, respect, and appreciation for the natural world. This bundle is the perfect collection for those who love the outdoors, classic American writing, and the unmatched voice of a true legend.

Tenth Legion + Better on A Rising Tide

Two of Colonel Tom Kelly’s finest works come together in this special bundle: Tenth Legion and Better on a Rising Tide. Tenth Legion remains the defining classic of modern turkey hunting literature. Written with humor, humility, and deep reflection, it explores the spirit of the hunter and the timeless connection between man and the wild. Better on a Rising Tide expands on that legacy with 22 beautifully written chapters drawn from Kelly’s outdoor magazine articles of the 1980s and 1990s. The book captures the culture of the South, the rhythms of the timber industry, and the wit and humanity that made Kelly one of the most respected voices in outdoor writing. From the swamps and pine woods to the stories of people and traditions that shaped a lifetime, these two books together celebrate not only hunting but heritage, humor, and the art of storytelling itself.

Tenth Legion + Infinite Variety

Experience two of Colonel Tom Kelly’s most celebrated works together in one collection: “Tenth Legion” and “Infinite Variety.” For decades, Colonel Kelly’s storytelling has captured the heart and soul of turkey hunting like no one else. His writing blends wit, wisdom, and the raw truth of the woods into timeless reflections on life, patience, and the pursuit of the wild turkey. “Tenth Legion” is the legendary cornerstone that defined modern turkey hunting literature - a humorous, honest, and philosophical take on the sport that hunters continue to quote half a century after its release. “Infinite Variety” builds upon that legacy, offering new stories, new lessons, and a deeper look into the relationship between hunter and bird - written with the same humility, insight, and charm that made Colonel Kelly a household name. Together, these books make a perfect gift for lifelong hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good story told with honesty and heart.

Tenth Legion + The T.H. Kelly Handbook

This unique bundle pairs two very different yet equally inspiring works by Colonel Tom Kelly, offering both timeless outdoor storytelling and practical wisdom for life and work. Tenth Legion is the classic that defined modern turkey hunting literature. Filled with humor, honesty, and reflection, it explores the challenges and joys of the hunt while sharing insights about character, patience, and purpose. The Tom Kelly Handbook shows another side of Kelly’s legacy. Originally written in the 1980s for his 600-man Scott Paper woodlands staff, it is a common-sense guide to leadership, teamwork, and professionalism. Designed for young supervisors and anyone entering the business world, this book teaches timeless lessons on communication, accountability, and effective leadership. Together, these two books reveal the full range of Colonel Kelly’s wisdom—from the quiet moments in the woods to the lessons that shape strong organizations and individuals.