This narrative chronicles a couple's arduous yet ultimately triumphant hunting journey through the rugged wilderness of British Columbia's Tuchodi Lakes region. What began with a series of daunting setbacks, including a roadside accident, a struggle with missing packhorses, treacherous bogs, and even a plane crash, eventually transformed into a profoundly rewarding experience. Through sheer determination and an unwavering spirit, the couple not only navigated these challenges but also achieved remarkable success in their quest for a Stone ram, a goat, and a moose. This tale underscores the unpredictable nature of backcountry adventures and the profound satisfaction that comes from overcoming adversity in the pursuit of a lifelong passion.
An Odyssey of Challenges and Triumphs in the Canadian Wilderness
In the autumn of 1964, a determined couple embarked on a hunting expedition in the remote Tuchodi Lakes country, nestled near the northeastern boundary of British Columbia, approximately 100 miles southwest of Fort Nelson. Their journey, intended to be a pursuit of big game, quickly unfolded into a test of resilience against the untamed wilderness and a string of unfortunate events.
The initial leg of their trip, a three-week drive spanning 3,000 miles to Dawson Creek and then onto the Alaska Highway, began smoothly. However, at Mile 160, a distressing roadside accident involving an overturned car and an injured passenger marked the beginning of their trials. Providing immediate aid, they continued their journey, only to face further complications with their transport.
Opting for a packhorse journey from Mile 370 instead of a floatplane, the couple, accompanied by outfitter Don Peck and seasoned packer Mac McGarvey, encountered their next hurdle: a shortage of horses. With only five animals available for a team that required more, they were forced to share a horse, alternating between riding double and walking through the difficult terrain. The real challenge, however, emerged upon reaching a vast expanse of muskeg, a boggy landscape that proved treacherous for their equine companions. Several horses became mired, necessitating strenuous efforts to free them, with one mare sustaining an injury and another requiring a risky maneuver to extricate. This arduous day saw them cover a mere five miles, casting a shadow of doubt over their aspirations.
The misfortunes continued as they traversed the mountainous regions. A packhorse incident on a precarious ridge resulted in lost supplies, including their medical kit, exacerbating their precarious situation. Further anxiety mounted when a scheduled supply plane failed to arrive at Peck's base camp, leaving them without essential provisions and fearing the worst. The mystery of the missing plane was solved days later when Art Burrell, the pilot, emerged from the wilderness, having miraculously survived a crash landing in the swift Tuchodi River after his engine failed. Though injured and dazed, he managed to salvage some supplies, which brought a modicum of relief.
Despite these considerable setbacks, the couple's perseverance began to yield results. With their team augmented by Harry Chipesia, his brother Alex (the wrangler), and cook Tom Robinson, they ventured deeper into the mountains. What was once a series of challenges gradually transformed into a period of success. Ellnora, the wife, showcased remarkable skill and determination. She successfully harvested a magnificent Stone ram, a challenging feat after a strenuous climb, followed by a bull moose. Her husband also secured a prized goat and another exceptional Stone ram after an intricate stalk.
Their hunt for a grizzly, a trophy Ellnora particularly desired, proved elusive despite numerous sightings of fresh bear signs. However, an unexpected encounter provided a thrilling anecdote: Alex Chipesia recounted a harrowing incident from the previous year where he survived a black bear attack in his sleeping bag, saved by his father's courageous intervention with a knife.
As October approached, signaling the end of their expedition, the couple rode back to Peck’s corrals. Their return to the Alaska Highway marked the conclusion of what they unequivocally declared their best hunt ever. The journey, initially fraught with bad luck, ultimately culminated in an extraordinary array of trophies and an unforgettable testament to their resilience and passion for the outdoors.
This hunting narrative serves as a powerful reminder that even the most well-laid plans can be waylaid by unforeseen circumstances. It highlights the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and a positive outlook when facing challenges in the wilderness, or indeed, in life. The story illustrates that an initial spate of bad luck does not necessarily dictate the outcome, and that with determination, the tide can turn, transforming a difficult beginning into a deeply satisfying and successful conclusion. It emphasizes the profound connection one can forge with nature and the personal growth that often accompanies pushing beyond one's perceived limits.