Tom Stecker's first book, The Pincherry Group (The Story of How a Wisconsin Hunting Camp Forged a Family Legacy), is a reasonably accurate historical chronicle of the hunting group of the same name. It began with Edmund F. "Pappy" Stecker who was born in Neenah, Wisconswin in 1892.  Although he moved to Florida for a few years, the depression forced a return to his home state where he raised his family that included six sons. Putting food on the table for a family of 8 was difficult during these times and harvesting protein from nature was a common method used to achieve that end.

This book tells the story of how the Stecker family established their hunting group and, after operating from two other locations in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, finally settled at Pincherry Lake in Vilas County.  The cabin resting next to this lake has evolved into more than a hunting destination.  It is now a mecca where family interaction takes place.

Tom's second work, The Pincherry Journals (Tales and Tallies of a Wisconsin Hunting Family) is a sequel to the first book. Like many hunting groups of their era, The Pincherry Group kept a record of their activities which included amusing anecdotes and detailed descriptions of their hunts. This book is a compilation of these records from the first 46 years of The Group's existence (1938 to 1984). It reveals the collective soul of an eclectic group of individuals who displayed fair wit as they, probably by accident, created a family legacy.

Jessie's Last Journey (For the Love of Dog), honors his favorite canine companion while reminiscing about many of the dogs he has known and loved throughout his life. Written as a first person conversation with his aging Labrador, this whimsical tale imagines how the mind of a dog works.

His latest work, Marsh Mud in Our Veins (Stories of the Pincherry Duck Hunters) continues to chronicle the hunting history of The Pincherry Group. This time, Tom, whose birth was induced so his father wouldn't miss the opening day of duck season, tells the story of The Group's passion for hunting waterfowl. His mentors were a rowdy, roguish bunch, but they were also a compassionate, collegial group that enjoyed life to the fullest. The stories in this book transcend The Pincherry Group as Tom made his own way in the duck marsh.

You can also visit The Pincherry Group on Facebook for more information involving the family property. Please use the contact tab above or write to Tom at [email protected] for details on how to purchase these works.

(Site update 12/5/22)

I have decided to retire from active promotion for my books and production of my custom-made chairs (shown in the images on this site). I will continue to offer my books for sale as long as I have inventory. I have suspended my Amazon account since purchasing books directly from me is much less costly for the customer. Email me directly or use the contact page on this site to contact me. 

I will certainly still consider building a chair for local customers, but the cost of lumber and shipping has skyrocketed. I would suggest persons outside of the Vilas County, Wisconsin area search for a local craftsman if they desire a custom chair of the type I offer.