Where the Deer and the Antelope Play

The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside

By: Nick Offerman

Narrated by: Nick Offerman

A humorous and rousing set of literal and figurative sojourns as well as a mission statement about comprehending, protecting, and truly experiencing the outdoors, fueled by three journeys undertaken by actor, humorist, and New York Times best-selling author Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman has always felt a particular affection for the Land of the Free - not just for the people and their purported ideals but to the actual land itself: the bedrock, the topsoil, and everything in between that generates the health of your local watershed. In his new book, Nick takes a humorous, inspiring, and elucidating trip to America's trails, farms, and frontier to examine the people who inhabit the land, what that has meant to them and us, and to the land itself, both historically and currently.

In 2018, Wendell Berry posed a question to Nick, a query that planted the seed of this book, sending Nick on two memorable journeys with pals - a hiking trip to Glacier National Park with his friends Jeff Tweedy and George Saunders, as well as an extended visit to his friend James Rebanks, the author of The Shepherd's Life and English Pastoral. He followed that up with an excursion that could only have come about in 2020 - Nick and his wife, Megan Mullally, bought an Airstream trailer to drive across (several of) the United States. These three quests inspired some “deep-ish" thinking from Nick, about the history and philosophy of our relationship with nature in our national parks, in our farming, and in our backyards; what we mean when we talk about conservation; and the importance of outdoor recreation, all subjects very close to Nick's heart.

With witty, heartwarming stories and a keen insight into the human problems we all confront, this is both a ramble through and celebration of the land we all love.

©2021 Nick Offerman (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

An Amazon Best of the Month Pick

"I found the book both entertaining and inspiring...[it] has depths you may not expect from an actor/comedic performer/woodworker who goes to great lengths to entertain the audience, but also has me thinking about the choices I make as I live in the world." (John Warner, Chicago Tribune)

"Offerman's thoughtful and hilarious musings at the nexus of human life and nature, particularly through the lens of John Muir and Aldo Leopold ... serves another welcome reminder that nature is for all." (Smithsonian Magazine)

Nick’s done it again

I’ve read all of Offerman’s works thus far and he’s almost convinced me he’s an author. This man really knows how to paint a word picture.

Really enjoyed this book.

I love the descriptions of the great outdoors and the humor, combined with a real love of the land. I used to have an RV and his stories about RV parks bring back memories.

More, please!

As always, Nick kills it with humor and silliness and takes you on a wonderful journey. I loved every minute of it

Wonderful journey and marvelously narrated

I really enjoyed this, the story is witty and funny and Nick’s voice is really relaxing and charming.

Superb account orated by a magnificent gentleman

Nick Offerman delivers a delightful discussion of his engagements over the last few years. His colorful report of his travels and encounters were fascinating. Mr. Offerman does get political in this narrative but I find I agree with his sentiment. Absolutely wonderful ending with Ms. Mullally singing the anthem of this book!

Somewhat politically driven reflection based book about nature

Love Nick Offerman.. this book has some heartfelt moments of him experiencing nature and discussing the history and national myth about our parks and wilderness. Worth a listen.

Fantastically interesting, summarily humorous and encouragingly educational

Love it, would recommend.

Let me just say that there are two things I immediately looked into upon finishing this book:

1. When/where can I see Nick Offerman perform live and
2. How long of a drive is it to Glacier National Park

Nuff said.

A Work of Beauty…

As a vehement believer, follower, watcher, listener, and reader of Mr. Offerman’s I can’t help but appreciate the fact that he continues to try and hammer into our small human brains the fact that we can be at times, selfish, inconsiderate, ungrateful, spoiled, and well….quite dumb for lack of a more appropriate, perhaps offensive (more accurate) other adjective. His simple message is to appreciate this world we live in, with the people who surround us - to not dwell on our trivial, minute differences, to go outside our homes which are cramped with electronics and doo-dads and take a deep breath of (depending on where you dwell) crisp, fresh air and realize that we as a species can do so much more with what we’ve already been given. I, again, thank you Mr. Offerman and whole-heartedly encourage you to continue your pursuit of educating us. Although at time you may feel like your small contribution to this world is meniscal and ineffective - I would boldly disagree. Thank you, good sir. This world is a better place because you are a part of it and all who are fortunate enough to live in your time should be grateful. Oh, and yes it’s a good book you should definitely read it!

P.S. - Megan…excuse, your most worshipful lady Mullally, your voice/singing ability is breath taking. Thank you as well, Mr. Offerman is a lucky man.

Pragmatic Progressivism

Nick’s solutions are a culmination of the greats of conservation and the antithesis of conventional practices brought forth by the greed of men.

Couldn’t agree more. Thank you sir!

Never let down by Nick Offerman, just listen to it

Inspiring the good human parts of us, essentially be a genuine caring person. I yearn for the old homesteading camaraderie and this book helps to feed my soul. Generally speaking, Nick Offerman is an excellent engaging narrator, but also the tangents help make the book feel relatable and not preachy.