Jack DeShazer - The Land Beyond All Roads

THE LAND
BEYOND ALL ROADS

BY J ACK D E S HAZER

The Land Beyond All Roads

All rights reserved

Copyright 2019 by Jack DeShazer

Cover art copyright 2019 by Jack DeShazer

ISBN: 978-1-64764-972-2

eISBN: 978-1-64764-763-6

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the author or publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I am dedicating this book to all of the horses and mules that have made it possible for me to experience the romance of the backcountry for over forty years.

FOREWORD

M y purpose in writing this book was to write these stories so you, the reader, can envision yourself with me at the time of the event. So, hopefully, you can enjoy some of the same emotions that I did. Anyone that is familiar with the use of horses and mules in the backcountry, you will find a kindred spirit when reading these stories. To those who have never had the opportunity to experience the romance that can only happen when youre on a horse in The Land Beyond All Roads, prepare yourself for a grand adventure.

Some authors will write about the sun coming up or a squirrel crossing a log. If youre like me, even if these stories are well written, you get bored trying to read them. Over the last 40 years, Ive made hundreds of pack trips into the backcountry. For me, they were all enjoyable, but I know less than 1% are worth sharing.

This book covers a large spectrum of interest and is only about events that are exciting and extraordinary. The words in this book do not come from a great literary mind; instead, they come from a place deep down in my heart that loves wild country. You will not be reading about hunting, but the adventures that happened when hunting. If you give this book a chance, youll find that it has something that should interest almost everyone. It is not like anything else you have ever read. One reason is because unlike other books about outdoor adventures, the author is not trying to impress anyone with his accomplishments. In fact, its more about foolish the land beyond all roads mistakes that would embarrass any of us. Embarrassing as these calamities were, I knew they were too funny or too emotional not to be told. Besides, they are what makes this book real.

Another thing that makes this book real are the interesting characters. One being a very special lady who came to be an accomplished hunter. When reading about Jennifers wilderness experiences, you will learn that she is not only fearless but also tougher than most men.

When people are in wild country, 30 miles or more away from any civilization, it always has an influence on them. It frightens more people than you might think. I have guided grown men who, even though they made their living cutting timber in the forest, still couldnt handle being deep into the wilderness. Among other things, they become terrified if left alone. I also discovered a surprising number of hunters have issues being miles away from any civilization. These people have told me that their fear is because they have learned how easy it is to get hurt in the woods and how dangerous the weather can be in the high country. But Im mystified why this doesnt just give them respect for the backcountry instead of being afraid of it.

I discovered that theyre not spending time in the forest because they love it. It is because theyre making a living there, or they like outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. I found it interesting that theres always one thing these kinds of people have in common: They dont have a connection, and never wanted a connection, with nature.

But most people that spend time in the wilderness do have a connection and grow a deeper feeling and appreciation for our planet and everything that lives on it. For years, this is what has been referred to as getting closer to nature. But, for others, its much more than that; they dont become closer to nature, they become part of nature. Their senses come to life, just like a wild animal thats trying to survive in an environment that is unforgiving. They hear, smell, and see things that they would never have paid any attention to before. The same lake, river, mountain peak, waterfalls, and grassy meadow become more majestic. They feel an affection and kinship for this wild country that would never have happened if they were only looking at it out of the window of the car. I call this romancing the backcountry. This may sound strange to some, but if one has deep enough feelings for wild country, then the phrase romancing the backcountry is not out of context. There are more people that have had a love affair with the backcountry than you might think.

For you ladies that are true romantics, dont despair. This book does have some real romance (heartbreaking romance). Now, guys, dont worry. Its not overdone. But how could any man who is trying to write an honest book about his last 40 years not say something about romance?

Im inviting you to come with me to The Land Beyond All Roads. Dont be afraid. I know youll enjoy the ride. It will not only make you smile, but if youre not careful, it could cause your eyes to waterlike only true events can. You will also learn something about how to train and use horses and mules in the backcountry and what mistakes not to make. For others, you will learn what backcountry hunting is really like and that wild country makes the best adventures. But what Im hoping for most of all is that these stories will inspire you to experience some of the romance of The Land Beyond All Roads.

PREFACE

I have owned and operated two different outfitting businesses. Even though Ive been successful in other businesses, I lost money, both times, in the outfitting business. But I still did it because I like taking people into wild county. I feel good about who I am when I am helping others appreciate the experience of a true wilderness environment. In fact, I enjoy sharing wild country so much that I still take people into The Land Beyond All Roads even though I no longer get paid for it.

For those of you who do not understand what an outfitting business is in the Northwest, it is when people pay you to take them deep into the wilderness to fish; hunt; or to photograph scenery, animals, and sometimes mountain flowers. This is most commonly done with the use of horses and mules.

It will sound bizarre to some, but I believe the love I have for the outdoors, nature, and the passion to enjoy it come partly from my Native American heritage.

As far back as I can remember, Ive been fascinated with Native Americans. This did not happen because I knew I was part Cherokee. In fact, my family never talked about that until I was older. I was also surprised to find just a generation before I was born, how primitively some of the Native Americans in Montana still lived.

When my father was young, some Native Americans still lived in teepees and would move their village every summer from the east side of Montana to the cooler climate of the Kootenay River drainage. They always put their village a short distance from our family homestead. I will always have fond memories of listening to my father telling me stories about his Native American friends. One of the women in that village made my father a complete buckskin outfit. Dad told me that, unfortunately, he quickly outgrew the pants, but because the jacket would stretch when it got wet, he was able to wear it until he was sixteen.