Steve Hawkins recovering; we enjoy his book on the outdoors

Libby High teachers turned out a very talented author, artist and outdoorsman, but they probably didn’t expect anything other than the outdoor part, the LHS grad recalls.

He didn’t spend much time in libraries or book stores in his younger days, but he is available for book signings today.

Unlikely author and artist Steve Hawkins, once the biggest outfitter guide in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of northwest Montana, recovers at home in Eureka after a surgery that leaves him with only part of a kidney.

Hawkins, my friend and consultant on most things wild, won’t like that last paragraph, because he isn’t looking for sympathy. I’m not trying to bring him sympathy, just telling it like it is.

I spoke with him Tuesday, Dec. 5, the day he left Eureka for the flight to Utah. He had surgery the next day and was back home by that Sunday in cheerful spirits. Doctors had said a 20 minute surgery was ideal and that he would be left with only half a kidney.

He is upbeat and excited about his new lease on life as well as his recently published book titled “When the Woods Were Wild.”

It happens to be for sale at numerous locations in northwest Montana, including at Rosauers Food & Drug, Mac’s Market and Libby Sports Center.

Hawkins grew up in the very remote Yaak River country and struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia until graduating from Libby High School.

“The moose are in tough shape this year,” he told me. “We got some big bulls, and we saw 30 bulls total on all our hunts, but no cows or calves. Normally in these hunting grounds I would come across a minimum of 50 moose with a good mixture of cows and calves. The wolves have fed well.”

To keep things in balance, I mentioned this to FWP Supervisor Jim Williams. Kalispell, and Tim Thier, Eureka biologist, both of whom hold Hawkins in high esteem. They agree on visibility of bull moose, but point to reports and sightings of cows holding calves back in brushy areas where they are safer and observed less frequently.

Now he shares stories of trail and streams in the rugged Bob Marshall Wilderness and Yaak River country. Yes, Hawkins, the guy with dyslexia, put pen to paper with class. His old English teachers will be impressed, along with art critics. The average guy, or gal, will enjoy the read.

Hawkins relates a variety of human interest stories about life as an outfitter-guide-wrangler in an easy to read style. He guided float trips and trail rides along with hunting trips, and the book provokes fascinating insight on details required to run these expeditions, as well as the colorful personalities that blossom, or occasionally wither, in the wild. He includes numerous photos and describes his working friendship with Clyde Rector who later became infamous for the Eureka shootout that resulted in the death of Mike Wren, Montana highway patrolman. From horse wrecks on ledges to beautiful vistas to keeping peace among the dudes, Hawkins makes it real in “When the Woods Were Wild”.

Now, a personal note to Steve, outfitter-guide extraordinaire:

1. Yes, I read the whole book, just like I read all the bills I voted on in the 62nd Legislature. I must admit the book was more fun to read.

2. Yes, I did quote you during debates on the House floor although I didn’t use your name. That way they thought I was wise on my own. (Just a wise guy, get it?)

3. Yes, I thought of you when introducing HB 363, the wolf bill I led which passed 100-0, as well as the more intensive wolf management bill which I carried in the House for Sen. Chas Vincent which should have passed. We will get that one done next time, because you convinced me the wolf is in need of managing. Remember, you promised to help me manage one wolf during the extended season this winter. See you then, my friend.