Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside

Nick Offerman, an actor, humorist, and New York Times bestselling author, has embarked on three adventures that serve as the inspiration for this hilarious and exuberant collection of literal and figurative sojourns and mission statement about understanding, protecting, and fully appreciating the outdoors.

Nick Offerman has always harbored a special fondness for the Land of the Free—not only for its people and its alleged values, but also for the land itself, which is made up of the bedrock, topsoil, and everything in between that contributes to the wellbeing of your neighborhood watershed. In his latest book, Nick explores the people who live on the land, what that has meant to them and to us, as well as the land itself, both historically and presently, through a funny, inspirational, and illuminating journey to America's farms, trails, and frontier.

Wendell Berry asked Nick a question in 2018 that would eventually become the basis for this book. Nick answered it by embarking on two unforgettable trips with friends: a hiking trip through Glacier National Park with Jeff Tweedy and George Saunders, and a longer stay at the home of James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd's Life and English Pastoral. He then went on an adventure that would only have been possible in 2020: Nick Mullally and his wife Megan purchased an Airstream trailer and used it to travel across (some of) the entire country. Nick did some "deep-ish" thinking after completing these three quests. These topics included the significance of outdoor recreation, the definition of conservation, and the history and philosophy of our relationship with nature in national parks, backyards, and farming—all topics that are very dear to Nick's heart.

This is a wander around and celebration of the land we all love, filled with clever, touching stories and a sharp insight into the human difficulties we all face.