Old Nero, the largest grizzly in the Chilcotin; Siberia, the overly friendly black wolf; and Lucky, the not-so-fortunate guide, are among the characters in this collection of stories and observations from British Columbia's backcountry. The author humorously critiques the once-a-year hunters who, caught up in "buck fever," shoot recklessly and then wonder why their guides are hesitant to take them out for big game. As a seasoned hunter, he reflects on how age has softened him, finding joy in the bush with a camera as much as with a gun, sometimes even rooting for the prey. Readers will find practical packing tips for their own backcountry adventures, discussions on firepower, and culinary ideas to satisfy trail-weary appetites, along with anecdotes about memorable bush-camp meals that may not have been so delicious. The book also features close encounters with wolves and cougars, alongside intriguing insights into the lives of BC’s wildlife. In a change of pace, the author recounts a winter spent feeding elk in the East Kootenay, where he critiques resource-use plans often neglecting conservation and wildlife rights. Having arrived in the Chilcotin in 1952, he has since guided hunters and shared campfire tales, building on themes from his previous works.
