Description
Softcover, 240 Pages
Take a step into the rugged, wild world of Kodiak Island with Darrell Farmen as your guide in Vanished: Bear Trails. In this compelling collection of hunting stories, Farmen combines vivid adventure with humble reflection, chronicling his many expeditions in one of the most remote and formidable environments in Alaska.
Over the decades, Farmen has learned not just how to track bears, but how to live alongside the land—knowing its seasons, its weather, and its dangers. These tales don’t shy away from the harsh realities: unpredictable climate, brutal terrain, and the mental and physical strain borne by those who test themselves in Kodiak bear country. Yet they also embrace the awe and reverence that such hunts evoke—the grandeur of the island, the majesty of the Kodiak brown bear, and the lessons learned when man is small against wilderness.
Whether you are an experienced hunter who has made your way into the thickets or someone who dreams of it, Vanished: Bear Trails offers more than trophies. It offers understanding—the timeless human connection to wild places, the humility required, and the indelible imprint that the land leaves on those who venture into its realm.
Reviews:
I met Darrell Farmen in 1975, when he was serving on the Board of Game. Over the next few years, Darrell shared remarkable stories about Alaska’s hunting past. I have since hunted Kodiak several times, stayed in the cabins at Karluk Lake and read all the names on the cabin walls from successful hunters guided by this extraordinary outdoorsman. Perhaps, one day you will be inspired to do the same. I am extremely thankful that Darrell has written about his Kodiak adventures. In these pages, Darrell takes you hunting with him, and makes sure you learn something along the way. In addition to the hunting stories, he delineates with great humility many of the trials and tribulations he and others faced. You will understand the harsh Kodiak climate that Darrell and his clients endured and the skills they required to withstand these hardships. If you have hunted bears on Kodiak Island or even dreamt about hunting there, this book is a must-read. -Ted Spraker