Skinner LaSalle, Hahšitrah 'His Paw Print' of the Wolf Clan of the Wyandotte,
was a youngster when he became a hunter, trapper, and trader, during the era of
the mountain man. Fierce competition for furs and prime hunting lands sparked
violence between large fur trading companies in the vast western wilderness of
North America. Savvy tribes competed with the fur traders and other tribes to
secure the most favorable terms in exchange for pelts. It took a very tough man
to survive the brutally cold winters, and the vicious disputes between fur
companies, Indians, and the wild animals that called the mountains home. Skinner
LaSalle was a survivor. But, as the last rendezvous was relegated to the dustbin
of history, the fur trade came to an abrupt end.
The Oregon Trail passed through territory that was anything but settled.
Stretches of the 2,100-mile journey were nearly desolate—from Fort Leavenworth,
the next place to stop for supplies was nearly 800 miles distant. Cholera,
smallpox, and other diseases could run unchecked through a group of travelers.
Wild animals were a threat: coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, and massive bears
that feared nothing, could prey on livestock and humans as well. The plains were
not deserted; some tribes were willing to trade, some tribes were hostile; few
welcomed any permanent settlement on traditional tribal lands.
Skinner LaSalle was forced to choose a new career when the fur trade collapsed. An
impulsive decision, that nearly got him killed, launched his new career as a wilderness
guide for wagons headed west. He proved to be a valuable asset to any group of pilgrims
headed for the Oregon Country. Skinner LaSalle could hunt. He knew where to find water.
He could fight. He had learned how to survive in the harshest of environments. More
importantly, during his years in the wilderness, he had learned to recognize the track
of a wolf—two-legged, or four-legged.
Skinner LaSalle, Hahšitrah 'His Paw Print' of the Wolf Clan of the Wyandotte,
was a youngster when he became a hunter, trapper, and trader, during the era of
the mountain man. Fierce competition for furs and prime hunting lands sparked
violence between large fur trading companies in the vast western wilderness of
North America. Savvy tribes competed with the fur traders and other tribes to
secure the most favorable terms in exchange for pelts. It took a very tough man
to survive the brutally cold winters, and the vicious disputes between fur
companies, Indians, and the wild animals that called the mountains home. Skinner
LaSalle was a survivor. But, as the last rendezvous was relegated to the dustbin
of history, the fur trade came to an abrupt end.
The Oregon Trail passed through territory that was anything but settled.
Stretches of the 2,100-mile journey were nearly desolate—from Fort Leavenworth,
the next place to stop for supplies was nearly 800 miles distant. Cholera,
smallpox, and other diseases could run unchecked through a group of travelers.
Wild animals were a threat: coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, and massive bears
that feared nothing, could prey on livestock and humans as well. The plains were
not deserted; some tribes were willing to trade, some tribes were hostile; few
welcomed any permanent settlement on traditional tribal lands.
Skinner LaSalle was forced to choose a new career when the fur trade collapsed. An
impulsive decision, that nearly got him killed, launched his new career as a wilderness
guide for wagons headed west. He proved to be a valuable asset to any group of pilgrims
headed for the Oregon Country. Skinner LaSalle could hunt. He knew where to find water.
He could fight. He had learned how to survive in the harshest of environments. More
importantly, during his years in the wilderness, he had learned to recognize the track
of a wolf—two-legged, or four-legged.
Track of the Wolf
Track of the Wolf
eBook
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Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940161005798 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Steve Croy |
| Publication date: | 04/06/2023 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 695 KB |