At dusk in an enchanted alpine meadow, 10,000 feet high in Wyoming's great Washakie wilderness, I knelt alone beside the last bull elk I shall ever kill. As the sky darkened, a full moon floated over my shoulder like a yellow-gold balloon, bright enough for me to admire the wide, solid six-point rack and burly body out of which, at last light, I had let the life. Paying reverent last respects, I felt a strong sense of gratitude to this animal, for having been what he was and where he was.

Reprinted for Houston Safari Club Hunter's Horn; Fall 2020 - Actually, it’s as good a place as any for a private rodeo, on a lonesome yellow road snaking across the velvety, gray-green Wyoming prairie, with neither tree nor fence between the vast horizons. I’m at home in the saddle and don’t mind riding a snuffy horse, but on this particular October morning I’ve got other things on my mind.