Hometown Hunters Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide
If your kid just finished their first Hometown Hunters book and is already asking "what's next?", you're in the right place.
The Hometown Hunters series by Lane Walker has turned lots of reluctant readers into kids who beg for "just one more chapter," and one of the most common questions parents and teachers ask is simple: what order do you read them in?
Below you'll find the complete Hometown Hunters reading order, a quick summary of what happens in each book, who the series is best for, and answers to the questions we hear most from parents and educators.
What Order Should You Read the Hometown Hunters Books In?
The Hometown Hunters series is made up of six standalone chapter books, and while each one can technically be read on its own, they were written to be read in publication order. Reading them in order lets kids follow the natural progression of themes.
Here's the full Hometown Hunters reading order:
4. The Boss on Redemption Road
If you'd rather skip the ordering altogether, the Hometown Hunters Full Collection bundles all six books together in order, at a discount. This is a popular pick for families and classrooms who want to start the series from the beginning without hunting down each title one by one (pun intended).
A Quick Look at Each Book in the Series
Each Hometown Hunters book follows a different young hero, in a different outdoor setting, learning a different life lesson. No two books feel the same, even though they share the same heart.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from each one.
Book 1: Legend of the Ghost Buck
The series kicks off with Tucker, a young teen who hears the local legend of a massive, elusive buck that's roamed his hometown for years.
As the whole town gets swept up in the hunt, Tucker decides to chase the legend with a bow instead of a rifle. Along the way uncovers a family mystery involving his uncle's old hunting camp.
The book's core themes are friendship, faith, and believing in yourself, making it a strong, welcoming entry point for new readers to the series.
Book 2: The Hunt for Scarface
Book two follows Hunter, a sixth grader who moves to a remote farmhouse after his dad loses his job.
As Hunter settles into a new school, he befriends a classmate other kids have written off, and learns a hard lesson about not judging people before you know them. A legendary 8x8 elk named Scarface becomes the thread that ties the whole town together.
The central themes here are forgiveness and redemption, plus a genuine anti-bullying storyline that resonates with a lot of middle-grade readers.
Book 3: Terror at Deadwood Lake
Told from the perspective of Blair, an 18-year-old looking back on a duck hunting trip gone wrong when she was in seventh grade, this book turns up the tension.
A sudden storm separates Blair from her dad, and she has to lean on grit and faith to survive. It's the most suspenseful entry so far, built around the ideas of perseverance, hope, and never giving up. This is a great pick for kids who like a little more edge-of-your-seat pacing in their adventure stories.
Book 4: The Boss on Redemption Road
This installment shifts focus to a story about resilience in the face of real-world struggles, including bullying and the pull of screens and video games over the outdoors.
As with the rest of the series, the outdoor adventure is the vehicle, but the destination is a lesson about anti-bullying, resilience, and finding value beyond a screen.
Book 5: The Day It Rained Ducks
A high-energy duck hunting adventure with a coming-of-age core, this book leans into themes of self-respect, perseverance, and survival.
It's a favorite among readers who love waterfowl hunting specifically, and it keeps the series' signature mix of outdoor detail and character growth front and center.
Book 6: The Lost Deer Camp
The series closes out by circling back to some of the people and places introduced earlier, tying threads together with a story centered on redemption, life-changing choices, and hope.
It's a satisfying send-off for readers who've followed the series from Book 1. Although, like every book in the series, it still works as a standalone story for a reader jumping in fresh.
Who Is the Hometown Hunters Series For?
Hometown Hunters is written for kids roughly ages 8 to 14, with each book narrated by a different teenage main character between the ages of 11 and 18. The series is a great fit for:
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Reluctant readers who love the outdoors more than they love reading — the hunting, fishing, and wilderness settings hook kids who might otherwise pass on a book
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Homeschool and classroom use — the books are Accelerated Reader approved and carry a Lexile measure, so they slot easily into reading programs and earn kids reading points at school
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Families who want clean, values-driven stories — each book folds in a life lesson around themes like forgiveness, perseverance, honesty, and faith, without ever feeling like a lecture
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Kids who already love hunting or fishing — but also plenty of kids who've never set foot in a deer stand and just want a good adventure
The series has also been recognized with a Bronze Moonbeam Children's Book Award for Best Chapter Book Series, which is a great signal of quality if you're comparing options for a young reader.
Do You Need to Read Them in Order?
Not strictly. Because each Hometown Hunters book has its own main character, setting, and self-contained story, kids can jump in wherever a cover or topic grabs their attention.
That said, reading in publication order gives the smoothest experience and lets familiar side characters and town details pop up naturally across the books, which a lot of readers enjoy picking up on!
Is There More Than the Six Books?
Beyond the six core novels, we also offer printable workbooks designed to pair with the series! These are handy for parents and teachers who want to build in some comprehension practice, vocabulary work, or discussion questions alongside the story.
If you're setting up a full reading unit around the series, the workbooks plus the Full Collection are the easiest way to get everything in one place.
Start the Series Today
Whether you're building a classroom reading list, looking for a screen-free gift, or just trying to find something your kid actually wants to finish, the Hometown Hunters series in order is an easy place to start.
Browse the full lineup, the discounted book bundle, and get your young reader started on Book 1 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Hunting Book Series For Boys 8-14
What is the correct reading order for the Hometown Hunters series?
The recommended order is: 1) Legend of the Ghost Buck, 2) The Hunt for Scarface, 3) Terror at Deadwood Lake, 4) The Boss on Redemption Road, 5) The Day It Rained Ducks, and 6) The Lost Deer Camp.
How many books are in the Hometown Hunters series?
There are six books in the core Hometown Hunters series, all written by Lane Walker.
What age group is Hometown Hunters written for?
The series is designed for kids roughly ages 8 to 14, with narrators ranging from 11 to 18 years old.
Can you read Hometown Hunters books out of order?
Yes. Each book is a standalone story with its own main character and setting, so kids can start with any title. Reading in publication order simply offers the most cohesive experience.
Is Hometown Hunters based on a true story?
The books are fictional adventure stories, but they're grounded in realistic hunting and outdoor settings, and each one is written to reflect real lessons about character, family, and perseverance.
Where can I buy the full Hometown Hunters series?
You can find all six books, the discounted Full Collection, and companion workbooks at Lane Walker Books.
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