Fish & Feathers: Some of the best ‘outdoor reads’ are about grizzlies

Published 11:18 am Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Over the years I’ve read many outdoor books. The two mentioned here have been in my library for many years and I think readers of this column will enjoy them.

Having spent parts of more than 15 years fishing, guiding and hunting the wondrous state of Alaska, I’ve developed a deep affection for its wildlife.

Much of this time was based out of the town of Yakutat, located about a one-hour flight north of Juneau, situated on Yakutat Bay. This is the area of the Situk River, home to one of the largest native steelhead runs on the West Coast, as well sockeye, pink, king and silver salmon migrations. It is also the playground of Alaskan brown bears.

I mention the above because of my tremendous respect for the Alaskan brown bear. I enjoy reading true stories about them. If you share this feeling, you will want to read, “Alaska Game Trails.” It was compiled by Charles J. Keim, who relates high-adventure tales of fair chase with Alaska’s first master guide, Hal Waugh, who passed away on Jan. 9, 1973.

Waugh was more than just a sportsman. He was a link with the heritage of such great guides/explorers of the past as Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and Daniel Boone.

There is much to be learned from this book and I’m sure you will spend many hours reading it.

Another book that I think will fascinate you is “Grizzly Country,” written by Andy Russell.

Russell was born 1915 in Alberta, Canada. He grew up and lived most of his life in western Canada. He spent 1961, 1962 and 1963 doing research for this book and the full-length movie based on it, also titled “Grizzly Country.” It is not so much about hunting the great bear, but trying to understand its learning habits and growth since birth.

It delves into nose-to-nose confrontations with grizzly bears. It explores the bears’ habits, destructive power, and unravels some of the myths that have grown up around grizzlies. The book covers conservation measures that have been used to bring this misunderstood animal back from extinction.

Extremely entertaining, it is a must-read for anyone planning on spending time in grizzly country.

I’ve been receiving a lot of calls the past several weeks wondering why there have been so many smelt in the river. They are being eaten by seals, cormorants, eagles and terns. Commercial fishermen have been taken their toll, while recreational harvest has only been allowed one day.

I know the species is endangered, but this level of restriction on harvest is ridiculous.

Ron Malast can be reached at 665-3573 or raiders7777@centurylink.net.