It's been 6 months since I bought "One with the Wilderness" from Mike Mitten at the Compton's rendezvous, but haven't had time until just recently to read it. All I can say is "Wow, what a book!"
The book was an enjoyable read all the way through, but I found myself particularily taken by the moose, elk, and muledeer solo stories. Mike did a great job of making you feel as if you were there with him on the hunts, and sharing the elation and sometimes dissappointments that he experienced.
There was one small piece in the "Trailheads" sectioned where Mike describes being caught in a T-storm on the mountain that brought back a memory so strong it gave me goose-bumps.
I was on my first solo backpack muledeer hunt in Steens Mtn Oregon when after a day of hiking to a remote "buck pasture" I got caught in a series of thunderstorms that had me a little worried. From 7:00pm until 3:00am storm after storm came rolling off of the Alvord desert and litterally pounded my camp. I laid there in my tent with the wind blowing so hard that the fabric of the tent would push down against me. Bomb-blast thunder claps struck so loud that you couldn't help but yell to maintain some semblence of equilibrium. I laid there with knife in one hand and my essentials pack at the ready, fearful that in the event the wind started to take the tent I might have to cut my way out and make a beeline for my truck 6 miles down the drainage I was in.
The storm passed and in the morning I crawled out of the tent to the bluest skies I've ever seen. White fluffy clouds floated in off the desert at, and below where I stood. My breakfast never tasted so good.
Anyway.... The book woke up some memories and gave me some inspiration for this coming year. Something that's been waning for a while.
I usaully sell a book after I read it except in the most compelling of circumstances. This book has eaned a place along side 1000 Campfires and Bows on the Little Delta.
Just a great read.
Watts
Great story Bill. Love my tent in storms but can do w/o the lightning. That is a good book.
Bill,
Just talking with you for that short time in the vendor tent waiting for Mike, I knew you would really appreciate the book.
I think you have hit on one of the reasons the book appeals to so many; To some who have done a few of the things Mike has, it stirs memories and thoughts about how we have experienced similar situations and for those who have not done them yet, it is inspiring to that it CAN be done with persistence and desire.
GREAT review :thumbsup:
You nailed it Bill! Mike shares his experiences in a special way that makes the reader feel exactly what he felt. It is no doubt a classic!
Also a great Christmas gift suggestion for those that are still working on your Christmas lists! :readit:
Bravo!! Yes. It is a great book and I loved it as well. Mike Mitten is really one of the true "Great Guys" of our sport. His writing and hunting ability is amazing. Mike has written a book that is a must read for everyone who has ever spent time afield!!
Peter Iacavazzi
Bill I don't know if you have the DVD "Primal Dreams" but some of Mikes stories in the book are part of that great DVD and they just go hand in hand as two of the greatest publication of modern archery history.
DJ
Because my job really limits what I can do in terms of the non-resident trips and time away from work, most of my elk and moose dreams will probably remain that until early retirement in 7.5 years (but who's counting?). Mike's book has helped provide inspiration and lay the groundwork for what I intend to work on once I reach that point. There is no doubt in my mind that he has "earned" all his animals and his accolades in bowhunting, yet he shuns the limelight and is content to be one with the wilderness. You gotta like that.
Straitera,
I am a magnet for lightening. Then again, with a last name of "Watts" perhaps it's to be expected.
That trip to Steens was unique in that as the first storm came rolling in off the desert I was actually watching lightening bolts coming from clouds that were lower than I was.
Steve,
"it is inspiring to that it CAN be done with persistence and desire"
Amen to that! And with that said the degree of satisfaction you draw from your experiences whether successful or not, is priceless.
Joe,
How are you? I met you at Comptons and bought a quiver from you while I was there. Quite the storm you had to endure that week while there, eh?
DJ,
Yeah, I bought a copy of Primal Dreams while I was there and have watched it a few times since. I have played it for probably more nonhunters than hunter friends who seem to get the biggest thrill out of it. My nieces and nephews get the biggest kick out of the turkeys.
Yesterday December 7, was not only Pear Harbor day (a day of emotional reverence), but it was our Wedding anniversary. It is no secret that I dedicated this book to my wife Paula who passed away shortly after it launched. So it does my heart good to see that so many people are not only connecting to my grand adventures and pursuit of great beasts, but many have picked up on the personal details that I thought would only be important to me. It shows me you are all special, and this way of life supports and attracts the best in "human NATURE!" Thank you, Mike
We love you Mike. Thanks for sharing your love. BW
Thank you, Mike! Great book, and yes the personal aspects shine. Keep inspiring us!
I'll second that. I'm a better man from spending time with Mike.
Barry, you and Gene too! Thanks :thumbsup:
Its been along time since a book moved me and made me feel I was there with you feeling what you felt .A true work of art and Emotion ,up there with the best of them.Thank you.
Hey Mike,
Thank you for your work.
I'm done with the book, but I don't think it's done with me.
I'm so sorry about your wife. Sounds like she was a great gal, and I'm sure she's smiling at you from above. Best,
Bill
Mike,
Its -19 with the windchill in Utah. I'm having a quick cup of coffee before I head out to kill a big bull (at least thats my plan). Next season, I'm excited to have you as my hunting partner!! Yes...as my Uncle "B" says...WE love ya Mike!! God Bless you and Paula!!!
Pete
A good friend loaned me the book to read while spending way to much time in the hospital. It really felt more like a hunting buddy telling stories of his hunt to a friend. Thanks Mike for sharing your hunts with me...
Frank
Gentlemen
Where can someone buy Mike's book? Also where can someone buy the Wensel's books?
Thanks,
Chris
Chris,
Here is where you can get the new Wensel books:
http://www.brothersofthebow.com/html/newbooks.html
And here is where you can get Mike's book:
http://www.brothersofthebow.com/html/mikesbook.html
Thanks Steve.
Just today I received two copies of Mike's book.One for a nephew of mine and one for myself.Christmas gifts for each of us.I am an infrequent visitor here but I have read enough on this forum to know that Mike is a special person.I flipped through the book and I just know that this is going to be a very meaningful book for me.
Mike was kind enough to have written inscriptions in each of the books,the one for my nephew being very relevent as he is in his first year of college and beginning to prepare him self for adulthood.He also is the early stages of his hunting life.the inscription reads,"Measure success in proportion to your effort".I can't wait to give this gift to my nephew!
Thank you very much Mike for the extra thoughtfulness!
Tocs- You are most welcome. I hoped to redefine the notion that some young hunters view as success, and maybe inspire them to find reward even in failure.
I have a book signing tomorrow in Zion, Illinois, at a regular book store where they carry both my book and Primal Dreams. It will be interesting to see the response from the general public.
Thank you all for your kind words this year directed at myself and my family, and have a Merry Christmas! Mike
Can't wait to read it!
BTW Mike, Dec. 7th is also my daughter's birthday, so there's a happy note too!
While I'm at it, I just want to thank you for the work that you do at your "regular job". Thanks to people like you, my mother was able to spend another 3 years with us before her passing. All the best to you and yours from the Leemans family.
I'm sorry to say that, although Mike's book is high on my list of things to get, I still haven't purchased it. After watching Primal Dreams about half a dozen times, the book keeps moving higher on the list.
Maybe I'll receive it for Christmas. If not, I'll take matters in my own hands.
All I can say is ... I started the book an it immediately started to resonate with me in a way that few have. Then I saw I missed the dedication page and I saw the picture. He mentioned something about the will of God.
My eyes instantly welled up and I had to put the book down. This will be a special book.
I decided that I will read this book when I can sit and absorb it in a block of time not in little pieces.
During my Christmas break I will be reading this book. I can tell this is a man who speaks from his soul.
Mike is a really great guy but simple still one like us with the success and the failures we all overcome,thumb up for a must have book.
Just bought copies for myself and 2 others for Christmas...I gotta read this book and should have before now.
Mike: Did you know street-talk is your loving brother David set up the book store signing just so he could hunt your treestands when you weren't there? BW
Yes Barry, Mark called and spilled the beans on David's plan. I hope he does good, but its supposed to snow and be cold, so will have to get down and wallow around in the brush to stay warm. Ha!
Ghost Dancer - I'm glad you will spend some quiet time during the Christmas holiday to read some of my book. I hope it lives up to hype. :>)
Thanks, Mike
I have finished Recurvin' Coyotes. I cant sit down and read abunch at a time due to kids/wifey etc. but its in my hands every spare chance I get. Just wanted to say nice job on the book. Said my prayer too.
And how cool would that be to be shopping at the mall and see Mike sitting there signing books at the book store.