Yellowstone Ranger: Stories from a Life in Yellowstone

by Jerry Mernin

Jerry Mernin's distinguished carreer in the National Park Service spanned four decades, five national parks, and a remarkable 32-year stay in Yellowstone, the park he loved and never left. In his long-awaited memoir, Mernin takes readers behind the scenes to learn firsthand what it's like to be a great park ranger. Along the way he shares a lifetime of exciting adventures, including dangerous rescues, remote backcountry patrols, and multiple heart-pounding encounters with grizzly bears. Thoroughly entertaining, this book also provides a valuable inside look at park operations from law enforcement to bear management.

Genres: Nonfiction

367 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best editing or story teller. Glosses over stories that sound cool, goes into elaborate detail for stories with little pay off. More interesting at the end when he goes into bear policies. Probably a good read for some people, but with 30+ years of experiences, his stories are often surprisingly dull. One of those guys who always describes how attractive women are (including a dead body, oddly) and goes into way more detail than necessary about his guns (and repetitive). Came across as a little too eager to shoot his gun off.

That being said the ending improves significantly and is much more touching and interesting. I liked the bear parts, the horse stories, and the wrap up, retirement part.

[Cathy Ringler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Yellowstone, horses and the outdoors, you'll love this book!

[Joyce B. Lohse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry Mernin always wanted to be a park ranger at Yosemite National Park, where he lived and grew up while his Dad was a ranger there. When the younger Mernin worked to gain experience at other locations, he landed in Yellowstone National Park, and never left. His stellar 32-year career there evolved as he became a dedicated park ranger, setting the example and legacy for all who learned from him and followed his illustrious career.
Jerry Mernin's memoir was not quite finished when he passed away in 2011. His peers and his wife, Cindy, worked together to finalize his manuscripts. Mernin's voice comes through loud and clear as he shares stories of the highs and lows of a life totally dedicated as a custodian of the park and its visitors. Those who have taken Yellowstone to heart will completely "get it" as they read the stories and descriptions written with honest directness, including mundane details, and a sense of humor always close to the surface. The continuing threads are love and respect for natural surroundings and landscape, wildlife, and for the horses and mules who shared his toils and travels. A healthy respect for danger with words of caution and awareness of human frailties are often emphasized.
This book is a totally enjoyable piece of important Yellowstone history. It will appeal to anybody who wants the straight truth about ranger work and the inner workings of Yellowstone National Park. This is among the best memoirs I have read. The historical aspects of Yellowstone Park are priceless. I was moved by the stories, and am grateful that Jerry Mernin shared them for posterity. To fully understand the story, I recommend rereading the Foreword and Introduction after finishing the book, or save those two pieces until the end.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read this one again. The park that changed my life was Yosemite. Reading about Jerry Mernin's upbringing in that park I was transported back to my first visit. I too ended up in Yellowstone and am only in my second year as permanent. Hopefully I get 32 years here as well. His stories are fascinating and his relationships with his animals are heart-warming. I felt like I learned something and was inspired, too.

[Richard Capogrosso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of a life spent as a ranger in the National Park Service at both Yosemite and Yellowstone. Some good stories in there about life as a ranger, hosting dignitaries at a national park, interaction with wildlife and rescuing tourists who get in over their head. Much of it takes place back in the 1960s and 70s, so it can seem a bit dated at times, but it’s still a good inside look at life in the park service.

[Lisa Tangen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After visiting Yellowstone this summer, I wanted something that gave a glimpse behind the scenes. I bought this book in Cody, WY. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and writing. I wish I had known the author. I'm grateful his friends encouraged him to get them down in writing. Some tearful passages, some chuckles (the grizzly touching noses with a small yapping dog...then moving on). Learned a lot about bears and horses.

[Kathleen Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful winter read. Now I am excited about going to Yellowstone and Tetons next fall. On occasion when we are hiking in the back country of National Parks we will see outfitters with mules, but never rangers on horseback, packing. Jerry Mernin had some great stories to tell and well written. His wife must have been a "saint" to put up with the life style of a full time park ranger!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A honest, personal account of the experience of being a Yellowstone and Yosemite in the mid to late- 1900s. Provides insights into what bear management looked like in Yellowstone as the dumps were closed and bears readjusted to availability of food sources.

[Glenn Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating life story. Enjoyed every page and I highly recommend it. I’ve been to Yellowstone four times, it’s every bit as magical as he describes. I wish I had had the chance to meet him.

[Jean Salvas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life that I can only dream of. To be among God's creation, is to me to be an honor and privilege. Mr. Mernin's life story was impressive. What a shame we have to get old and not as robust as we were when we were younger, but not to worry there is a Yellowstone Park in Heaven I am sure.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short stories of Yellowstone National Park.

[Janie Sedlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book! A collection of experiences during the career of a backcountry National Park Ranger.

[Katie Daughenbaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read full of fun stories. I enjoyed it.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gem. I really enjoyed hearing the stories about the adventures on his horses or dealing with bears.

[Benjamin Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun when a non-author reads a book. This book really feels like an old guy spinning yarns, and had it proof-read by nobody, which I think is neat.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable first-hand account of life as a ranger in Yosemite and Yellowstone. Mernin's father was a National Parks ranger as well, and a source of inspiration for him. This book was assembled after Mernin's death, using notes and stories he had typed up in retirement, so it is not as polished as, say, Anne LaBastille's _Woodswoman_. Nonetheless, it is still worth reading for Mernin's stories and his appreciation of and respect for Nature in all its forms--bears included. I especially liked reading about his relationships with the different horses and mules he worked with over the years. A must-read if you care about America's wilderness.

[Rebecca Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mernin's storytelling is captivating. He conveys facts in a way that both informs and draws the reader in. A wonderful read.