John Colter was credited as the first visitor who widely reported his travels in the Yellowstone in 1806. He visited the region when he took leave from the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their return from the pacific to investigate the rumors of a frightening area of shaking earth, brimstone and boiling water.

Today the Yellowstone offers the largest concentration of geyser activity on earth. Several million visitors annually marvel at the diverse geography and accessible wildlife. A fisherman can catch a native trout in 42 degree water and cook it in a caldron without unhooking it. One can easily view Grizzly Bears, Elk, Moose, Deer, Bald Eagles, Otters, Beavers...if you get up early and know where to look.

Despite human efforts to burn it down or civilize it...the Park continues to survive and thrive. From the days of hunting for survival, the Park now sees tourists chasing bison for pictures or sneaking up on a bull moose grazing in a river for a "wilderness experience". These experiences result in various gorings, stompings, or deaths.

Our hunter is in an area known as the "Valley of 10,000 Smokes" near Fountain Flats and Midway Geyser Basin. HE is using his horse as a shield to hide his silhouette and get as close as possible. There won't be an opportunity for a second shot...It is amazing to me how quickly horses adapt to the concussions of gunfire and how they anticipate the report. A hunter must introduce his animal to shooting before striking out for game and always keep the muzzle blast ahead of the horses ears...