Wapiti Wilderness

by Margaret E. Murie

For over thirty-seven years, Margaret and Olaus Murie made their home in the mountainous wilderness of the Tetons, where Olaus Murie conducted his famous studies of the American elk, the wapiti. Through these years their home was almost a nature-conservation shrine to thousands of Americans interested in the out-of-doors, in animals, in nature in general. Wapiti Wilderness , begun by Mrs. Murie as a sequel to her Two in the Far North , which told of the Muries' life and expeditions in Alaska, became a book written by both the Muries. In alternate chapters, Olaus tells of his work as a field biologist for the old U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey and recounts stories of his studies of the elk and the other great animals of the West. And Mrs. Murie, from her side, describes their life together, on the trail, in the various camps, and nature adventures in that wilderness in all seasons. The book is replete with stories of Jackson Hole people, "pioneer poets," and the wild creatures that made their way into the Murie household. Olaus Murie's evocative pen-and-ink drawings illuminate each chapter, and four pages of photographs help complete the picture of what life was like in the wapiti wilderness.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Westerns, Travel, Natural History, Biography Memoir, History

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Margaret Thomas "Mardy" Murie (August 18, 1902 – October 19, 2003) was a naturalist, author, adventurer, and conservationist. Dubbed the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement" by both the Sierra Club and the Wilderness Society, she helped in the passage of the Wilderness Act, and was instrumental in creating the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She was the recipient of the Audubon Medal, the John Muir Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Clara Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family story as well as a book about nature. Lovely read!

[Margo Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister and I are going on a Road Scholar trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. This book was recommended by Road Scholar. It was written by both Margaret and Olaus - each write complete chapters. It's not so much about the wapiti as it is about life in Jackson over the years. I am not a hunter so did not enjoy reading some of Olauss chapters that included some gory details. Overall I enjoyed Margaret's chapters that tended to focus more on everyday life. Olaus's illustrations are lovely and the few photos included were helpful for understanding the culture.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a gentle, beautiful and slow book. This met all my needs and kept me engaged and stimulated. It’s feels like I’ve visited the Tetons after reading and I wish I could’ve lived then, when nature was still allowed to be new and whole. I recommend this book for the warmth it will lend your heart.

[Lona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just visited Jackson Hole, I found this book especiallly fascinating. To be able to picture many of thela pces mentioned, certainly added to the depth of my reading experience. If you visit Grand Teton National Park, include the Murie ranch in your itinerary and be sure to attend the docent tour.

With some chapters written by Margaret (Mardy) Murie and others written by Olaus Murie, you see their work and family life from two perspectives. Interestingly, the two perspectives share the same voice.

This chronicle of their lives ends before Olaus' death after which Mardy picked up his advocacy for public policy. She became a mover and shaker and contributed much to the passing of federal legislation that protects wilderness areas. It's a shame that the "Note about the Authors" at the end does not recognize that portion of her life. The authors of this book helped create American research into ecosystems, found the U.S. environmental movement, and worked tirelessly for federal legislation that protects our land.

[John Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written as a sequel to Margaret "Mardie" Murie's earlier book, TWO IN THE FAR NORTH, which looked at her childhood in Fairbanks, marriage to Olaus, and then research trips that they did together over the years in Alaska. While Olaus Murie died before the book was completed, about 2/3 of the books chapters were written by him. In this book, they wrote about his research with elk near Teton NP and what it was like to raise their children in this area from the late 1920s through the 1950s. I enjoyed the book but did not find it quite as compelling as her earlier book.

[Faith Enck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d give it seven stars if I could. What a charmingly happy book that makes one glad to be alive in this beautiful world so worth preserving. The Murries paint a beautiful picture of building a life and family in the Teton Valley through its years of an early pioneer village up through the beginning of its growth in popularity, making one both long for the simple days of gas lanterns, fetching mail by skis, and long summer expeditions on horseback, while bolstering you not to squander the time you live in, this world is still as beautiful and as worth keeping as ever.

[Jim Folger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A step back in time to the early years of the 20th century, when Teton NP and Elk National Refuge were created in Wyoming. A most fortunate couple, paid to watch and study elk in a most marvelous place where tourists were few and far between.
Basically a story of their life, how they spent there days, and the encounters they had with animals while raising their children, removed from the burden of urban dwelling.
Certainly a life worth living.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-depth account of Margaret and Olaus Murie's life, with their three children, in Jackson, Wyoming from 1927 through 1963.

The book details Olaus's work with the wapiti (elk) which inhabit the region and how his work included their entire family.

[Madison Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it took seven months to finish, I think my finishing of these gentle descriptions of life in Jackson Hole a poignant, timely capstone to another season spent there myself. The nostalgia for simpler times was especially thematic throughout.

[Nicholle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read. I wonder what the Muries would think of Jackson Hole today...
***
2017 Popsugar Challenge - Multiple authors

[Reff Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you just want to smell the sage and watch the Wapiti in the hills

[Paige Kilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Delightful!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family life in the Grand Tetons.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book, but would be far more interesting to read after a trip to the Tetons and not before.

[Isaac Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read if you live in the Jackson Hole area. Really neat history and stories. At times the writing is not the best from both writers.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relaxing type of read about the Murie's life in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was interesting reading chapters that alternated between Margaret and Olaus's point of view, which gave added depth and perspective to the descriptions of their lives. Margaret tends to write more about day-to-day life, her specific activities, and times when she spent several weeks doing out of the ordinary things, such as working at the ranch. Olaus also describes some of his activities and tasks for work, but he also spends more time thinking about ecological concepts and philosophizing. I enjoy how he describes the idea of special, magical places - I have a few places like this myself and can relate to these thoughts. The story about how he had to travel to someone's home to discuss his elk biology work but got the car stuck in the creek as he was trying to ford it was greatly amusing, especially the fact that he just left the key in the ignition and continued walking to the house, then when he walked back he found someone had gotten the car out and turned it around for him! Overall I enjoyed this book and found it to be an interesting and relaxing read that truly gives you a feel for the life they lived.

[Olivia Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I must be biased in my review of this book because of my relation to the authors. Marti and Olaus are my great-grand parents. Accounts of my grandfather Martin as a child and adolescent were amusing. The true value of this book lies with its almost meditative writing on nature and also community. The writing has a nostalgic quality. That made me want to go and see Wyoming again and visit the Murie ranch.

[summer61 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely series of essays by Margaret and Olaus Murie about their lives in the Jackson Hole valley during the first half of the 20th century. I had just been out there, and had seen his artwork and part of his collection of wildlife specimens, so I particularly enjoyed reading about the early years of this beautiful valley. Some of the chapters are by Margaret, others by Olaus, and together they paint a visual and personal picture of their lives and the culture before the area really boomed.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but I didn't love it. Written not exactly alternately, but about half the chapters are by Margaret and half by Olaus. It was easy to tell them apart, but I can't say I favored one over the other. The book was surpassingly beautiful in places and surprisingly pedestrian in others. Mostly, the glimpse of the vanished wilderness was extraordinary, and the snippets of an adventurous life were pretty great too.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin to describe the thrill of seeing the wilderness through Margaret and Olaus's eyes before it was over run with people. His pen and ink drawings are superb and the description of the natural habitat and it inhabitants and their adventures trailing them make me feel like I am back there with them.

[Megan Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. This is a wonderful tribute to the Teton Valley, and the full life the Murie’s lived there. I know and love the Tetons, and have had my own adventures in this landscape. My skin is almost itching with how badly I wish I could be gazing out from the shores of Jackson Lake onto Mount Moran after finishing this book.

[Rjchaussee · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is a collaboration between Margaret and Olaus Murie.
Margaret writes in detail of their family life in the shadow of the Teton mountain ranges where
Olaus was studying the American elk or wapiti.
The pen and ink drawings of Olaus add a lovely touch to the book.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Discovered the Muries on a recent trip to Jackson Hole.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long but really enjoyed this book, possibly because we had just visited this area.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is best read while elk are bugling outside your house. =)

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Gives a real feel for the spirit and beauty of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. A must read for anyone even thinking of traveling to the regionj!