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The Adventures of Wilder Good #1
The Elk Hunt: The Adventure Begins
Lamplighter Award Finalist 2015/16
"If you like Hank, you'll like Wilder Good, too."—John R. Erickson, author of Hank the Cowdog
Meet 12-year-old Wilder Good, who lives with his parents and little sister, Molly, in a small town in southern Colorado. When he's lucky, he gets to go hunting with Gale Loving, a 72-year-old elder at the church the Goods attend, and a good friend and mentor to Wilder. They make sort of an odd pair, an old man and a boy, but they fit together pretty well in the outdoors. (Though sometimes Wilder still can't help but wonder what kind of a name "Gale" is for a grown man.)
Wilder plays basketball, is active in his 4-H club, likes to read—his hero is Teddy Roosevelt—and does all the things that seventh-graders do. (He has a "secret" girlfriend, too.) He's a Dallas Cowboys fan. But mostly he loves the outdoors, hunting in the Colorado Rockies with Gale or his dad, or at his grandfather's Texas ranch.
Wilder is on the threshold between being a kid and beginning to grow up, and he's trying his best to figure out just what it means to join that grownup world. There's a lot to learn, and he's grateful to have rock-steady Gale to guide him.
In The Elk Hunt, Wilder accompanies Gale into the mountains in search of his first elk. It's a special day for Wilder in many ways—the biggest game he's ever hunted, and the first chance to use his grandfather's Winchester .270. He's determined to succeed with high marks.
Hunting elk is an exciting and demanding pursuit, but even after Wilder and Gale are headed home, there's still danger to face—that's when nature decides to really test Wilder's resolve.
S. J. Dahlstrom lives and writes in west Texas. He has numerous magazine credits for his writing and photography. The Adventures of Wilder Good is his first series. His writing draws on his experiences as a cowboy, husband, father, and founder of a boys' ranch.
"If you like Hank, you'll like Wilder Good, too."—John R. Erickson, author of Hank the Cowdog
Meet 12-year-old Wilder Good, who lives with his parents and little sister, Molly, in a small town in southern Colorado. When he's lucky, he gets to go hunting with Gale Loving, a 72-year-old elder at the church the Goods attend, and a good friend and mentor to Wilder. They make sort of an odd pair, an old man and a boy, but they fit together pretty well in the outdoors. (Though sometimes Wilder still can't help but wonder what kind of a name "Gale" is for a grown man.)
Wilder plays basketball, is active in his 4-H club, likes to read—his hero is Teddy Roosevelt—and does all the things that seventh-graders do. (He has a "secret" girlfriend, too.) He's a Dallas Cowboys fan. But mostly he loves the outdoors, hunting in the Colorado Rockies with Gale or his dad, or at his grandfather's Texas ranch.
Wilder is on the threshold between being a kid and beginning to grow up, and he's trying his best to figure out just what it means to join that grownup world. There's a lot to learn, and he's grateful to have rock-steady Gale to guide him.
In The Elk Hunt, Wilder accompanies Gale into the mountains in search of his first elk. It's a special day for Wilder in many ways—the biggest game he's ever hunted, and the first chance to use his grandfather's Winchester .270. He's determined to succeed with high marks.
Hunting elk is an exciting and demanding pursuit, but even after Wilder and Gale are headed home, there's still danger to face—that's when nature decides to really test Wilder's resolve.
S. J. Dahlstrom lives and writes in west Texas. He has numerous magazine credits for his writing and photography. The Adventures of Wilder Good is his first series. His writing draws on his experiences as a cowboy, husband, father, and founder of a boys' ranch.
101 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Dahlstrom
10 books21 followersS. J. Dahlstrom is a writer in West Texas. He has numerous magazine credits for his writing and photography. He has spent his life bouncing around the outdoors from New Mexico and Texas, north to Colorado and Montana and east to Michigan and New York.
The Adventures of Wilder Good is his first book series. In his writing he draws on his experiences as a cowboy, husband, father, and boys ranch founder.
The Adventures of Wilder Good is his first book series. In his writing he draws on his experiences as a cowboy, husband, father, and boys ranch founder.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2019
This book is great for boys who are the outdoors type who enjoy hunting. The protagonist is 12 and he goes hunting with a family friend for Elk in southern Colorado. It's geared towards grades 4-7 and quite realistic. If you have an animal lover or a kid who's squeamish about blood and guts, this is not for them. It reminded me of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
May 24, 2019
I thought this book was good! I enjoyed reading about Wilder and his hunting trip with Gale. Their funny relationship was fun. It was very interesting to read about their hunting trip because I know nothing about hunting! There was good vocabulary, and it was overall a very good story but...
I didn’t like how we know so little about Wilder. We know he has a sister, Molly, and a friend named Gale, and his Papa Milam lives on a ranch, and Wilder has a secret girlfriend (which i also didn’t really like. he’s 12! a secret girlfriend?!). So I would just have liked to read a little more about him.
I also kinda pictured Gale as a young man. Like the book mentioned him as a 72 year old but sometimes I still saw him in his 30s.
I don’t know why but I didn’t really like Gale’s nickname for Wilder... Pup. Pup? I dunno why I don’t like it. Part of me thinks it’s funny and sweet and the other part of me is wondering why Pup...
It wasn’t too gruesome. Only thing I would say is it was a little gross when Wilder skinned the elk in the middle of the forest. Kinda sad to imagine. Maybe not a good book for animal lovers, but young boys who have an interest in hunting I think will love these books.
I am starting the second book right away, and will share my thoughts on the next book in the Wilder Good series.
I didn’t like how we know so little about Wilder. We know he has a sister, Molly, and a friend named Gale, and his Papa Milam lives on a ranch, and Wilder has a secret girlfriend (which i also didn’t really like. he’s 12! a secret girlfriend?!). So I would just have liked to read a little more about him.
I also kinda pictured Gale as a young man. Like the book mentioned him as a 72 year old but sometimes I still saw him in his 30s.
I don’t know why but I didn’t really like Gale’s nickname for Wilder... Pup. Pup? I dunno why I don’t like it. Part of me thinks it’s funny and sweet and the other part of me is wondering why Pup...
It wasn’t too gruesome. Only thing I would say is it was a little gross when Wilder skinned the elk in the middle of the forest. Kinda sad to imagine. Maybe not a good book for animal lovers, but young boys who have an interest in hunting I think will love these books.
I am starting the second book right away, and will share my thoughts on the next book in the Wilder Good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
Very good book. Definitely written for a young boys who enjoy hunting, but I really enjoyed it. (Makes me what to go elk hunting even more!😅)
September 20, 2013
If you like Hank, you'll like Wilder Good, too.
August 7, 2017
So glad to have found this series. I'm sure some of my 8th grade boys will love it!
December 1, 2019
I liked the book. I think anyone that hunts will really enjoy this book and can't wait until my boys read it.
December 31, 2019
Perfect tween boy book-hunting, adventure, character building, full of very detailed descriptions
February 2, 2021
Great story
I'm a 21 yo woman and I still love reading stories like this! I was born in Colorado and love hearing/reading stories about it!
I'm a 21 yo woman and I still love reading stories like this! I was born in Colorado and love hearing/reading stories about it!
January 27, 2023
Quick read about a boy and his “old man” hunting an elk. Realistic. Might have to read the whole series now
July 23, 2023
Engaging, wholesome story my boys really enjoyed.
November 4, 2014
This is the first Wilder Good book. Wilder lives in Colorado with his parents and younger sister. His Mom has cancer and has to travel often to Denver for treatment.
In this book, Wilder is going on his first big game hunt for elk with his 72-year old friend Gale Loving. Gale has taken Wilder under his wing, and they have an easy-going, respectful and fun relationship. Gale fondly calls Wilder "pup' and Wilder playfully calls Gale Old Man.
Wilder is using a rifle that was his grandfather's and listens to his mentor well. When a buck and his cows come into range, Wilder overthinks his shot. I will not spoil the rest of the story, except to say that trust is the glue that holds the rest of the story together--unconditional trust. Wilder and Gale have an amazing relationship. The reader will learn that young people can learn valuable lessons from older people, and that strong friendships can be forged with an older person.
It is hard to find books for this age group that promote strong, traditional family values, respect for authority, a love of the outdoors, teamwork, and cooperation. While Wilder is at that age where he is still a boy, he is on the edge of becoming a young man. A strong younger reader can appreciate and enjoy this book, so I would recommend it for ages 8-14. I believe that even some girls would enjoy it.
I found it refreshing that it does not advocate rebellion, is not gory, violent, or about vampires, does not dwell on death or suicide, and is not a story of (premature) young love like most other young adult books today.
WHOLESOME is the word I would use to describe this book.
In this book, Wilder is going on his first big game hunt for elk with his 72-year old friend Gale Loving. Gale has taken Wilder under his wing, and they have an easy-going, respectful and fun relationship. Gale fondly calls Wilder "pup' and Wilder playfully calls Gale Old Man.
Wilder is using a rifle that was his grandfather's and listens to his mentor well. When a buck and his cows come into range, Wilder overthinks his shot. I will not spoil the rest of the story, except to say that trust is the glue that holds the rest of the story together--unconditional trust. Wilder and Gale have an amazing relationship. The reader will learn that young people can learn valuable lessons from older people, and that strong friendships can be forged with an older person.
It is hard to find books for this age group that promote strong, traditional family values, respect for authority, a love of the outdoors, teamwork, and cooperation. While Wilder is at that age where he is still a boy, he is on the edge of becoming a young man. A strong younger reader can appreciate and enjoy this book, so I would recommend it for ages 8-14. I believe that even some girls would enjoy it.
I found it refreshing that it does not advocate rebellion, is not gory, violent, or about vampires, does not dwell on death or suicide, and is not a story of (premature) young love like most other young adult books today.
WHOLESOME is the word I would use to describe this book.
April 15, 2014
Review from an Elementary School English Teacher -
“Tyler came in my room reluctant and unsure of himself. That was his personality but also as a reader, he was reluctant. He knew that he wanted to be part of something bigger than the “baby” books I kept offering him. He wanted to be part of the group of kids who read and love to read.”
“My first goal in teaching children to become readers is to help them discover that reading is enjoyable. Second, I want to make lifetime readers. I was not getting anywhere with these goals with this particular student. I had offered book after book. I picked out several books from the library to show him. He turned his nose up at every single one of them. He had no interest in them.”
“Then one day Tyler saw Wilder Good : The Elk Hunt sitting on my desk. He pointed to it and said, “I want to read that book.” This is the first time those words had been said by this student. I decided to give him a copy to read at home.”
“The book immediately became more than a book. It became a trophy, a rite of passage into the world of readers. He carried it around and showed a couple of other students, who then wanted their own copy. He set it carefully at the top of his desk for everyone to see.”
“Soon after, another student in my class began reading Wilder Good. Then they started discussing daily what chapter they were on. Tyler was not only reading, he was leading an informal reading group!“
“Tyler came in my room reluctant and unsure of himself. That was his personality but also as a reader, he was reluctant. He knew that he wanted to be part of something bigger than the “baby” books I kept offering him. He wanted to be part of the group of kids who read and love to read.”
“My first goal in teaching children to become readers is to help them discover that reading is enjoyable. Second, I want to make lifetime readers. I was not getting anywhere with these goals with this particular student. I had offered book after book. I picked out several books from the library to show him. He turned his nose up at every single one of them. He had no interest in them.”
“Then one day Tyler saw Wilder Good : The Elk Hunt sitting on my desk. He pointed to it and said, “I want to read that book.” This is the first time those words had been said by this student. I decided to give him a copy to read at home.”
“The book immediately became more than a book. It became a trophy, a rite of passage into the world of readers. He carried it around and showed a couple of other students, who then wanted their own copy. He set it carefully at the top of his desk for everyone to see.”
“Soon after, another student in my class began reading Wilder Good. Then they started discussing daily what chapter they were on. Tyler was not only reading, he was leading an informal reading group!“
May 21, 2014
The debut adventures of Wilder Good begins with "The Elk Hunt-The Adventure Begins" by S. J. Dahlstrom. Received as a Goodreads Giveaway, I finally got to read the book and was totally thrilled. Geared for a young adult (boy or girl), this is a must read for any child anticipating entering the outdoor world with guns or the expectation of hunting. These ideas, values, and dialogue were right out of the memories of the hunter in my family who also read it. Wilder Good is a 12 year old, not on his first hunt, with 72 year old Gale; seasoned hunter and Wilder's mentor. Wilder has been on hunts before, taking second chair, observing carefully and guided into proper procedures. Mistakes made, understood, and thereafter corrected. Gun etiquette with safety rules always foremost carefully observed. Unspoken rules followed. Respect, rules, caution; more respect--for the hunting partner, the hunted, the environment. Wilder stalks, closes down on his "trophy elk", bags, and guts it himself under the careful observation of Gale. Then the problem--packing it out without the help of a horse. Suspense builds as Wilder confronts the weight of his backpack, the forest trail back covered with treacherous deadfall and themselves being stalked by a predator. Can Wilder overcome the odds; can Gale overcome the guilt if he can't?
December 3, 2013
Mr. Dahlstrom’s writing is earthy and believable. It is clear that he knows his subject. His words provide a bridge for readers to step into the story and feel the emotions of it. With clear descriptions and an element of suspense, he keeps readers turning pages throughout the hunt and on to later dangers.
It’s a great story with a realism that kids will be able to relate to. I have never been hunting, but after reading this book, I feel as if I have. I highly recommend this book to any young person looking for adventure, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
It’s a great story with a realism that kids will be able to relate to. I have never been hunting, but after reading this book, I feel as if I have. I highly recommend this book to any young person looking for adventure, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
September 9, 2016
It's really hard to find books that boys won't mind reading. The Elk Hunt was a refreshing piece of work targetting early teen boys. It's like being taken along to a hunting experience. It's a bit of a juxtapose reading this in the heat of the barren Australian summer, but I felt like I was starring down the scope with our main character.
It's interwoven with references to classic literature and themes. I highly recommend it to teenage boys. Parents- make sure you have a brief read too, so you can discuss topics of gun laws and hunting.
It's interwoven with references to classic literature and themes. I highly recommend it to teenage boys. Parents- make sure you have a brief read too, so you can discuss topics of gun laws and hunting.
May 24, 2014
Liked the easy, comfortable relationship between Wilder and Gale, many boys could use this type of friend and mentor. However, as a tender hearted animal lover, I found the hunt and aftermath hard to read. I appreciated the hunters' respect for animals for food and Gale's response to Wilder's use of swear words.
September 22, 2013
What a great book! I love the true grit Wilder shows for a 12 year old boy!! I can't wait to read more about him! I won this book in a Goodreads First Read Giveaway.
March 14, 2014
Easy to read bedtime/campfire story. Enjoyed it and I am sure a lot of kids will too.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews