David Maass, essentially a self-taught wildlife illustrator, was born on November 27, 1929 in Rochester, Minnesota. As a youngster he rescued wounded birds and raised pigeons in his home. Also, there was a tradition of hunting in his family as his mother Ora was a Minnesota state trap-shooting champion. Also he hunted frequently with his stepfather, "Kelley".

After high school graduation, Maass worked in the tool and die department for Josten Jewelry, a manufacturer of high-school and college jewelry, and he eventually became the Art Director. Stu Ferreira, a wildlife artist, worked in the department and helped Maass improve his technique and gave him the encouragement he needed to continue painting.

Maass also spent two years...