Horns in the High Country

by Andy Russell

The author describes his adventures in the North American wilderness observing mountain sheep and goats and their ways of life

259 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Murray ᛘᚢᛦᛦᛅᛁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the largest wild sheep in North America. Muscular males can weigh over 300 pounds and stand over three feet tall at the shoulder. (US National Park Service)

This is a magnificent animal and you’ve either seen them or seen their pictures - the rams have those big horns that curl back and around in a 3/4 circle. They are common enough in the Rockies which doesn’t mean you see them every day. I’ve had rams 🐏 coming towards me on a trail, as well as coming in behind me, and chose to exit the trail downslope. They’re powerful.

Here is Andy Russell, the late Canadian naturalist, with his stories of his experiences with these exceptional animals. Great writing.

[Raye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guy sure knows his sheep. It was enlightening to read about the history of bighorn sheep, and how they used to be practically everywhere. The 5+ stories of killing the ‘most formidable ram on the mountain’ for the sake of a trophy on someone’s wall felt wrong. Also the sexist attitude got old fast. This book is representative of the times.

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy does a good job. Alberta at it's best.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable writer. He knows his stuff: the high country, the animals, the people, and how to write about all of it. He does it with humour, seriousness and style.