Wild Men, Wild Alaska: Finding What Lies Beyond the Limits

by Rocky McElveen

In Wild Men, Wild Alaska professional hunting and fishing guide and outfitter Rocky McElveen tells the stories of his own adventures as well as those of some of his well-known clients. The book takes readers directly into the Alaskan bush, and shares the intense challenges of a majestic wilderness that pushes a man to his limits.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Christian, Audiobook, Nature, Travel, Biography

209 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Karsten Martinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This here is a good camping book. The type of book best read under headlamp light. Maybe the type best enjoyed with a morning campfire-side coffee.

This book made me simultaneously glad that I don’t live in Alaska and also feel compelled to fly North in a float plane to find a grizzly bear or something to fist fight.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A student recommended that I read this book. Was very good. Several stories about hunting and fishing in Alaska and maybe even hunting for yourself.

[Jerry J. Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSPIRATIONAL

It's heartwarming to know that the author correctly attributes the wonder and majesty of the beauty of Alaska to our Creator, the Living God, and our need of Jesus Christ for our salvation.
The author has overcome the devastating loss of great investments, horrible injuries, and less than gracious guests. All the while excelling in his calling and true to his Lord!

[Jim Fromm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not a chick flick.

As an avid hunter and fisherman I found this to be an enjoyable read. Rocky captures the adventure, humility, and love of nature, those who live surrounded by it feel in their soul.

[Richard Turner]

Not the most adept writer, but boy does he have great stories! It really makes one want to go on an adventure with him.

[Emma Brauneller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Yet I believe the wilderness is God's premier stage for changing hearts. Observing His creation can inspire you to worship and to trust His plan for your life.”

4.5 stars! Rocky is a guide for hunting and fishing in Alaska, and throughout this book he tells stories from these adventures and describes the Alaskan wilderness. Reading this made me feel like I was sitting around a campfire listening to him. I would definitely recommend this!

[Jonathan Oosterhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure of a read, Rocky McElveen shares his adventures (or misadventures?) of his career as an Alaskan guide hunter. Both inspiring spiritually and mentally. His “boomer” humor is overdone at times, but in the end does not impact the quality of his stories. Recommend to anyone interested in hunting, Alaska, or outdoor adventures.

[Marliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

True and adventurous. Well written. Miraculous survival. Over the edge daring. Loved these stories.

True and adventurous. Well written. Miraculous survival. Over the edge daring. Loved these stories. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in Gods great creation.

[lynn stilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaskan hunting and fishing

Real Alaskan adventure by the guide who was there! This book does describe the deaths of animals when I would rather have photos. Also, too much Jesus talk.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. McElveen has an engaging and hilarious way of retelling stories from his many years as a guide in the Alaskan wilderness. He has truly lived life to the fullest.

My whole family (ages 4+) enjoyed this book. The audiobook is excellent as the narrator does a really great job.

[Mark M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to put down this book from its beginning! Easy read with interesting and incredible stories! I will definitely be passing this book along to someone whose life could be enriched by reading this book!
To The Author, Rocky McElveen, Thank you for sharing these stories!! God Bless!

[Emily Schaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting around a campfire listening to crazy stories that are actually true. I gained little pieces of wisdom from these stories and now I really want to go to Alaska.

[Dawn Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories about encounters with Alaskan wildlife but toooooo much philosophizing and personal stories. Stick to the tales of Wild Alaska!

[lane noyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like others have said, it was like sitting around the camp fire listening to the old timer tell stories. But I kept thinking to myself, this sounds dumb, why are you doing this.

[Corissa Woodlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The calling

Amazing book about God, hunting and everything in between. The adventures are endless in Alaska and with the walk of faith.

[Aidan Pretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun read. The author has a great sense of humor and a lifelong supply of great stories and adventures.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining read, I would've given it a 4 without the "embrace Jesus" final thoughts.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun audio book about Alaskan adventures with a little of God's truth thrown in.

[William Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really fun book to read. Great stories of guides in Alaska. Can be inspirational if you let it

[Amber Launstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool stories from a hunting guide.

[Andy Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Great stories. This guy has seen some adventures in Alaska. What an exciting career. You’ll like this if you love the great outdoors and Jesus

[Preston Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Really inspires that longing and yearning for nature and adventure. It does focus a lot on faith and family as well, but never in an overbearing way.

[Jerrod Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anybody who has any drop of question if they want to experience Alaska in this fashion will be 100% convinced after just the first couple chapters.

[Seth Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun to read

[Pat Digan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like hunting stories definitely pick it up.

[Michael Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you love the outdoors!

[Lawrence D Hopkins Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book with great stories

An easy and entertaining read. The author is very religious so there are several times that he gets a little “preachy” but I don’t mind.

[Mark Hainds · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I just finished “Wild Men, Wild Alaska” by Rocky McElveen. It was a darn good read that kept my interest from start to finish. I was impressed by his ability to persevere through the most extreme challenge and setbacks. Even more, I admired his ability to forgive those who wronged him in a manner that would have bankrupted other mortals. Yet, I can’t quite give it 5 stars. Editorially, I have to fault Rocky for too many exclamation points and unneeded quotation marks. And while my gun toting bible thumping Protestant friends would disagree, there was more than a wee bit too much God. While I expected nothing less from a book with a foreword written by Franklin Graham, I too have had my brushes with death and Rocky and I differ in our survival attributions. For Rocky, in each and every close call: from boat wrecks, to plane crashes, to grizzly charges – Rocky attributes his survival to God’s will. Sometimes I agree. When in a romantic mood I give God credit for my survival – for he surely has big plans for my future. When philosophical, I believe I have used up all of my luck, and the next roll of the dice will be my last. When rational, I know that some men (or women) are lucky enough to cheat death a limited and walk away unscathed. The last roll of the dice has no bearing on the next throw – so fuck it – let’s roll em again.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up for all of the Alaskan wilderness, but ended up appreciating it as a sort of devotional. McElveen uses the last paragraph in each chapter to reflect on his lesson learned or how God revealed himself within the story. It was not at all preachy or heavy, but rather thoughtful. It's a very quick read and is a good one for the cabin up north, with each chapter working as a stand-alone story and reflection. A pleasant surprise.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Deep inside every person, in spite of upbringing, is a yearning to live in the edge....In this culture of ambitions, we forget to pursue who we were made to be, something deeper than the nameplate on a desk or a college degree from a prestigious school." Rocky McElveen has certainly not forgotten and his reflections upon guiding adventures in Alaska go well beyond the mere telling of tales.