Moose Defense in the Wild: How Ordinary People Can Prepare for Close Encounters, Survive the Wilderness, and Keep Their Family Safe When Nature Fights (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798294563349)

I grew up in a part of the country where the wild is not a concept, it is a neighbor. It is right there beyond the fence line, and sometimes it comes strolling right up to your front porch. Moose country has a way of humbling you, of forcing you to remember that these big animals were here long before you, and they are going to be here long after you. This book was born out of years of living alongside them, hiking in their country, and raising a family in a place where the wilderness still has a vote in your plans.

I am not a biologist, and I am not a tough guy who thinks he can stare down a thousand pounds of muscle and antlers. I am just a father of three who happens to live in Montana, and over time I have learned that moose deserve a whole lot more respect than they usually get. I also know that with a little preparation and a little humility, you can enjoy the outdoors without living in fear of them.

I will tell you right now, moose defense is not about heroics. It is about staying alive, staying calm, and making sure that you and the people you love come back home from your adventure with nothing more than a good story to tell. The truth is that most people never think much about moose. Bears and wolves tend to get all the headlines, but moose injure more people every year than any predator. They are faster than you think, moodier than you think, and more territorial than you think. The key is to get past that ignorance before you set foot on their turf.

My kids have grown up with this reality. Logan, Smith, and Harper know that in the fall when the bulls are fired up and unpredictable, we give them all the space in the world. They know to listen for the heavy step in the brush, to watch the edges of the timber before we round a corner, and to respect what they see. My wife Regina jokes that we are raising them like junior forest rangers, and maybe we are. But if there is anything Montana teaches you, it is that the land will take care of you if you learn how to take care of yourself within it.

This book is a mixture of stories, lessons, and plain old practical advice. You will hear about times I did things wrong and paid for it, times I did things right and was grateful, and the moments in between when I realized that preparedness is not paranoia, it is simply living smart. By the time you are through these pages, you will know how to read moose behavior, how to move through moose country without pushing your luck, and what to do if one decides you have crossed a line.

If you spend time outdoors, whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, photographer, or just someone who wants to be ready for the unexpected, this book is for you. It is not about turning you into a survivalist. It is about helping you find the balance between loving the wild and living through it. These animals are incredible to watch from a safe distance, and they belong here. You do too, as long as you respect the fact that sometimes in the wild, size and attitude win the day. My goal is to give you the knowledge so that you can walk away from any encounter a little wiser, a little safer, and a lot more confident.