"When I'd look on the bookshelves, every single book on hunting was adult-driven. They were very wordy, and very low on pictures or diagrams. And they were mainly written by trophy hunters.
"Those books were all about them. I wanted to write a book that was all about you, as a hunter, and the things you can do."
Mr Adamson's Beginner's Guide provides straightforward, step-by-step instructions on various types of hunting and fishing, including duck shooting, rabbit and hare hunting, possum trapping, deer stalking, whitebaiting and eeling.
He said he made sure to include plenty of colourful photos and diagrams - such as on loading a rifle and baiting a fishing rod - to appeal to his young male audience.
"Boys really respond to visual things," said Mr Adamson, who went on his first hunting trip at 8.
"I wanted to make it simple, so could be understood by a capable 7- or 8-year-old.
"It was going to be a children's book. Eventually, it evolved into a beginner's guide for anyone interested in hunting."
The book also includes recipes, such as possum stew and whitebait fritters, and "Did You Know?" boxes with interesting hunting tidbits and other advice, such as appropriate attire and commands for hunting dogs.
Mr Adamson said he specifically included sections on the safety aspects of hunting and fishing, including correct handling of weaponry, watching for poison, surviving in the bush, and crossing rivers safely.
In a risk-averse society, he said it was vital parents were well-informed of the hazards and benefits of hunting.
"We wrap our kids in cotton wool these days," he said.
"When we were young, we'd sharpen our spears on Dad's grinder, and then bike 15km to Lake Wairarapa, barefoot and with no helmets.
"We'd light a fire and boil up some crawlies. Our only rules were stay together and get back before dark.
"These days, people worry about 'stranger danger', and kids going out without helmets and the right footwear. I think there are great opportunities for kids to experience the outdoors, and parents need to ease them into it in a safe way.
"It's about managing risks sensibly, not taking the risk away."
Mr Adamson, who spent almost a year writing and editing the book, said he encouraged Kiwi families to introduce boys to hunting and fishing, as it could be a good alternative for kids not keen on sport.
"Sports are not for everyone," he said.
"There is a camaraderie around it. But, you don't win or lose. If you don't kill or catch anything, you can still have a great time."
The Beginner's Guide to Hunting and Fishing in New Zealand will be launched on Sunday, September 8, at the Wairarapa Kids Outdoor Expo at the Masterton Town Hall.
