Caribou Hunt: Hunting in British Columbia

By Patrick Simning

A true story of caribou hunting in central British Columbia. The author and his good friend hunt for mountain caribou from a remote camp accessible only by aircraft or horseback. This short work chronicles the ten day adventure of two friends on a guided hunt, ending on a mountain top, in a snow storm at dusk. The author describes the scenery and the characters that made this experience so rich and memorable. Caribou Hunt is a great short story that has entertained many friends while sitting by the campfire in camp.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patrick Simning
• Release date: Feb 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310912559

Book preview

Caribou Hunt

Hunting in British Columbia

By Patrick Simning

Written in 2012

e-Published 2014

Published 2017

Second Edition

Copyright 2012

ISBN: 9781520759548

Edited by Lisa Loewen

All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be copied, stored, transmitted in any form, or otherwise reproduced without the express permission of the Author.

Printed in the United States of America

A true story of caribou hunting in central British Columbia. The author and his good friend hunt for mountain caribou from a remote camp accessible only by aircraft or horseback. This short work chronicles the ten-day adventure of two friends on a guided hunt, ending on a mountain top, in a snow storm at dusk. The scenery, characters and exciting climax make for a memorable tale.

Acknowledgements

I have always been a story teller and my friends tell me that I have a gift for spinning a yarn. All my stories are based on adventures I have experienced throughout my life. There is a special intimacy created when a story is told and I have been encouraged to begin writing these down. There are many folks that must be recognized for their part in my hunting exploits and with the publishing of this book. My family has been especially supportive and have subsequently enjoyed years of free range meats. I thank them, as well as my hunting partners, beta readers, and the wonderful encouragement of my editor.

This story is dedicated to my good friend, Keith. If not for his planning and knowledge, I would not have travelled to the Itcha Wilderness and experienced this hunting adventure. I look forward to sharing future expeditions with him.

Caribou Hunt

Hunting in British Columbia

Steve spat. The spittle arced high and out away from his horse. It landed with a loud plop in the soft, sandy soil. His aim was dead on. The mark had landed squarely in a large caribou track. I studied the area intently, high up on my own horse. I looked carefully, not seeing what I was supposed to see.

We had left the game trail in the bottom of the valley and crossed over the small stream, which, over a long time, had dug a deep trench and wound gracefully through the valley floor. The horses had to pick their way carefully across the stream in order not to lose their footing. At least that was my impression. The horses seemed incredibly surefooted. We climbed up through the lodge pole pine forest and crested the ridge to cross over into the next drainage. Finding ourselves in the small clearing, Steve brought his horse to a stop and as I came up behind him, I reined in my own horse.

Right there, Steve said. Steve didn’t talk much. When he did say something, he usually spoke softly, and I had to listen carefully.

I edged my horse, suddenly more nervous than a few moments before, closer to the identified track to study it. The clearing was well trampled with multiple caribou tracks. I suddenly understood what I was looking at. The hair on