Garry and Sandra,
Just a fast note to thank you for the book. I can’t get anything done except to keep turning pages. I’m only ½ way now but soaking in every word. The same approach I took in late Aug. 2016 when I was in, on, and around the Prophet/Muskwa country and at the Lodge, Head Camp, Sheep Camp, and Prophet Inn Camp. Started for Horn Creek but got a Ram on the way so never got all the way to camp. 11 ½ yr old battle marked warrior that I could not be happier with. Left a few tears of my own on the mountain and was proud to do so.
You guys have lived a remarkable life and without your hard work for years, my hunt , if it happened at all, would have been different. Thank you so much for “ prepping the trail” and for getting your story down on paper for the rest of us who came along alittle too late, to enjoy. God Bless the Stone Sheep !
October, 2016
Kevin Muir
This book is a compendium of many themes. It is an autobiography of Garry Vince, from childhood memories of parents and grandparents to raising grandchildren of his own in the Muskwa-Prophet ranch area of B.C. He remembers the pioneers of the guide-outfitters and their evolution into a legal entity with Blocks and Territories and tenure. He grew into his dream and it became his realm for life. He learned to fly small airplanes as a support for supplying the ranch and camps in hunting season and feeding wintering horses. Because the Chinook modified climate was optimum wintering for big game, Stone Sheep habitat in particular was enhanced to produce trophy rams. Cooperative wolf spotting for Government cull projects in winter also helped enhance wild ungulate populations locally.
The author has devoted a third of the book to Stone Sheep hunting and inclusion of African, Asian and other esoteric foreign hunts make up fully half of the 536 pages. There are many, many pages of coloured photographs included. Mountain sheep are said to be an addiction and this book is physical proof that Garry Vince is a charter member, having achieved the satisfaction of World Sheep Grand Slam status in hs semi-retirement.
The book is heavy (5 pounds) and requires concentration as the chapters are lengthy and dense with few breaks, so casual readers may suffer some frustration. The author was a campfire raconteur and has used this talent well by talking into the computer instead of writing this book. Some “bush lingo” has crept in along with small typos. One instance that made me smile was a comment after achieving a tough trophy and near exhaustion, Garry let out a “beller” to alert the camp about his success!
In conclusion I can truthfully say I loved the book, arm cramps, fatigue and all. I was overwhelmed by the wealth of Stone Sheep material far more than any other book in my collection. The book was privately published and sells for $125. It is well worth it!
March 2014
W. Grant Hazelwood
“Ordered and just received Garry Vince’s book about his life in Northeast B.C. and his experiences as an outfitter….”REACHING THE DREAM.” It’s a huge hard cover book, over 500 plus pages of pictures, anecdotes, as well stories about hunts and experiences as an outfitter for over 40 years. Even has pictures of licenses signed by Gord Gosling.
I talked to Garry a couple of times in recent years but don’t know what kind of person he was/is, but I do know he has written one of the most interesting books I have ever picked up. Had a hard time putting it down yesterday to go Whitetail hunting! I don’t know if any of you knew about the book or are interested in buying it. It is not cheap at $125.00, which includes postage and insurance costs, but well worth the money as far as I’m concerned and a better deal than many other similar books I’ve purchased in recent years.
Because of history and background you guys have in the area he writes about and the people he talks about just thought you might be interested.”
Pat, Retired Conservation Officer
Peace River, Alberta
“Back in 1968/69 my friend, Cliff Wolfe told me that I should meet a guy named Garry Vince. He said he was a Big Game Outfitter and could introduce me to some real hunting.
Well that is what you did, from the first time I hunted with you and George Cramer on a spring Grizzly hunt. The hunt was $1200.00 and it took me 10 months to pay on time to you. Not only taking a Grizzly, but also a Black Bear and a Wolverine. You flew me in the Cub to the High Country for my first introduction to Stone Sheep on the Muskwa.
Over the years giving my family, Betty, Myself, Pam and Shelley, your time, knowledge and your friendship was a true gift from you and your family.
As a client, a guide and a friend I would like to thank you, Garry for the Best 30 years off and on that you gave me.
I have looked and read over your “Reaching The Dream” – Wonderful!
I have learned a lot more about you than I personally experienced and saw.
You should be congratulated and proud of what you have done over the 40 plus years. Being a First Class Guide, a First Class Outfitter and the BEST DAMN BUSH PILOT I ever flew with. It is with true and honest respect and gratitude to you.
I am sending you and Sandra a CD I put together for 1985. Lots and lots of good memories. Pour yourselves a glass of wine and enjoy an hour and a half of the good times.”
Ron Carlson – CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL WILDLIFE MUSEUM
Edmonton, Alberta
“I’ve been anticipating this book for a long time now and was not disappointed; it’s a great read!! I really enjoyed the detail of events on some of the earlier hunts in BC and then again when you both had some exciting events take place on your Africa trips. Garry, you are the reason for all my trips to Africa and we both still enjoy our visits together to talk about Africa and all the fun times we had flying into the Muskwa, either to hunt wolves or just visit with our families. GREAT JOB!!!!”
Ed Wiens
Radium Hot Springs, B.C.
“Garry Vince’s remarkable book uniquely captures the history of hunting in the famed landscape of the Muskwa and Prophet River drainages of British Columbia. The photos and prose bring back the nostalgia and adventure of hunting in the scenic back country of northeastern British Columbia. Garry Vince’s account is a living history capturing not just the 40 years of his career hunting all over the world, but reaches back into the 1930’s and beyond when L.S. Chadwick took his great Stone ram in this territory which thereafter became the Holy Grail of sheep hunting.
The title “Reaching the Dream” has a double meaning, because not only does it serialize Garry and Sandra Vince’s dream, but that of their many, many hunters over the years that traveled to the headquarters ranch of Muskwa Safaris dreaming of walking in the tracks of L.S. Chadwick to find another Chadwick ram. This book brings alive those fading memories of hunting the Muskwa and Prophet, capturing the distant visions of a legendary long pack string disappearing into the colorful fall buck brush and thru the mountain saddle yonder, the flames and fellowship of fleeting campfires of a bygone era, the adventure and drama of pursuit and that final heart pounding stalk on a cold, snowy mountain side, and the raw terror of nature’s challenges are all here. This is a “must read” for every sportsman, old and young alike!”
Lowell E. Baier, President Emeritus
Boone and Crockett Club
“This is a book of extreme adventure written by a dean of the outfitting industry in BC and a must read for all who follow the adventure trail. The volume has pictures that get your heart pounding and you find yourself putting the copy down and reaching for the phone to book a hunt.”
Ken Nowicki, former Editor of Big Game Adventures.
“Congratulations on the publishing of your book. I just received a copy from my parents. Thank you for signing it for me. Looking through it brought memories flooding back. That was a time in my life that changed me greatly. I would not be the man I am today without the lessons I learned in the mountains with you and your family. I will always cherish the memories of flying with you and the conversations over apple pie and cheddar cheese at the airstrip at the Slough. I hope things are going well for you and your family.”
Royd Lusk – Fort St. John, BC
“I’m quite a ways into Grandpa’s book and can’t put it down, you two did an excellent job, makes me wish I was born 70 or 80 years ago”
Justin Watson, McBride BC
“I received my copy of the book today. I can’t explain how excited I am to read it from cover to cover. I briefly flipped through the book and was looking at some pages. It made me feel incredibly honored to be a very small part of the history at the Muskwa.
I think I told Garry when he was down, but if I didn’t, I owe him so much. I really wouldn’t have turned out the kind of man that I am today if he wouldn’t have give me a chance so many years ago. The lessons I learnt and the growing up I did while riding on the back of a horse or sitting on the side of a mountain. It brings a smile to my face knowing that, had Garry not given me a chance, I wouldn’t have met Lonny. We became and always will be best friends.
I don’t want to sound so sappy…but I think this book just shows how so many people lived vicariously through Garry and the Muskwa. I could of written my own book on the stories he told me…
I am so blessed to have worked for you guys. This book will be cherished and passed on to my children.
All the best with the book and have a great holiday season.”
Muc Simons, Regina City Police, Regina, Saskatchewan
“I finished the book last night. Wow! I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I read every word! The early years were what I enjoyed the most – seeing how the country opened up and it was cool being able to read the history through the eyes of someone you have met. Then when you started the Ranch and Karrilyn came along it was more people I knew. I appreciated reading the history a lot. It was an excellent read! Thanks.”
Randy Pauls, Principal – Northern BC Distance Education School, Fort St. John BC
“It has been awhile since I have seen you both. I have been doing well on this side of the Rockies, purchased Fletcher Day’s area 4 years ago. I would really appreciate the opportunity to purchase Garry’s book. Garry has always been a mentor to me and one of the reasons why I never gave up on this business and life, thank you.”
Carmen Nyuli, Tahltan Outfitters Ltd, Smithers, BC
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM INTO YOUR BOOK…..NOW ON THE CHAPTER “YOU GOTTA HAVE A PLANE”…..
WHAT A FASCINATING BOOK……IT JUST BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES….ALL OF YOUR EARLY LEARNING AS A YOUNG MAN….ALL OF THE EXPLORATION…THEN ON
TOP OF THAT THE HUNTS…THE PHOTOS…..I TOLD BECKY THAT I AM DIGGING OUT MY OLD ALBUMS FROM MY HUNTS WITH YOU…..I DID THAT AND MATCHED UP SOME
OF THE CAMPS ETC…..I HAVE THEM NEAR ME WHILE READING ALONG WITH AN OLD BC ROAD MAP FROM 1976…
YOU WERE VERY BLESSED IN YOU LIFETIME GARRY…..YOU WORKED EXTREMELY HARD TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU DID WITH YOUR LIFE AND I CAN HONESTLY SAY
I WAS VERY BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY JUST A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR LIFE AND KNOW YOU BOTH..
THANKS SO MUCH…
John Eyster, Pennsylvania
I wanted to wait until I had finished the entire book before writing this letter. Since I write maybe five a year my typing leads a lot to be desired. Thank God for spell check. I have often wondered why it was so long for you to finish your book, and now I know why. Garry, this is not only the history of your life; it is also the history of the outfitting industry of northern Canada. Your memory of those first clients and your childhood dreams are so vivid and detailed I marvel at your memory. I came to the Muskwa after a so- so hunt with Wilfred Lee on the Driftwood River (Jack Savage) outfit and then a bust for Bighorn Sheep with a self guided bighorn hunt near Spencer BC.
When Dr Eickhoff of Land O Lakes Wisc recommenced you that first year I hunted in the spring and fall both. I hunted with George Kramer and Marlin Watson in the fall. Unbelievable results. I had had a fight with my girlfriend when the Frain brothers and I piled on the borrowed plane and two days later ended up in Fort St. John. I was so sick of screwing up with her that after taking the monster grizzly with you I bought a commercial ticket back to Chicago. With in two months we were engaged and this year celebrated 40 years married!
Thanks to you Garry, I was advised to attend the first SCI convention where I met Hy Erickson and began hunting together till he could no longer walk. He was forming the Chicago Chapter of SCI at the time.
My next two hunts were with your son, Tom and I had a wonderful time and actually bought a mixed bag hunt in Minnesota at the second Sheep show. I was into collecting full mounts at the time and took my second Stone.
I think you can see that after 150 plus hunts around the world my times with you folks rank at the very top of the list.
I’ve collected over 1000 books on hunting and have read many of them. This is truly a scholarly history, written in your own words, just like you were sitting telling it to me.
I’ll miss you guys this year cause I’m hunting in the Cameroon in January and after that in Mexico for my second Desert.
Good health to both of you (that’s what we wish these days) since Garry is a year older than me.
John Pearson, Sheldon, South Carolina
Garry – I wanted to thank you for writing such an entertaining book. I have been glued to the book for weeks. Between the text and great pic’s I can almost hear the bells jingling off in a distant meadow.
I can’t imagine a more beautiful view than looking to the west at the Prophet River Bench on a warm fall day.
Andy Johnson, Fort St. John, BC
WOW!! I’ve read the first 150 pages of your book and it is absolutely great. I read one or two books on average every week so consider this an extreme compliment. I read till 2:30 this morning, couldn’t put it down. I should be finished in a week or so. I am recommending it to everyone I see. Thanks for taking the time to write this!
Ron Horrigan, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Reaching the Dream – an exceptional book with “GREAT” hunting stories from around the world. I ENJOYED!
Harvey Kadlec, Florida
There have been books written by Guide Outfitters and then there is your BOOK. Just what I expected to see from your combined efforts. A class unto itself. Mike will be very pleased with your note in the fore leaf. Glad to see both your names there. Mike has very fond memories of his time with both of you and I am most grateful that you took him under your wings.
Dennis Wilders, Retired B C Conservation Officer
Adelino and I are truly delighted with your monumental book – what a huge job and what an array of fabulous adventures! We have been trying to think of any other recently published book that can compare. Only the Klineberger brothers seem to come to mind.
I sent an e-mail soon after returning to South Africa form the Dallas Safari Club Convention to thank you so much for going to all that trouble to have your book brought to Dallas for me. The e-mail must have gone walkabout in the ether.
We are also amazed at the quality of the photographs and the sheer range of experiences in your book. It is a fantastic record for the family and we feel it will become “Canadiana” because of the time span covered and the ‘way things were’. A really impressive book, Sandra and Gary.
My new book BETWEEN TWO FIRES: The African Saga of Margarete Trappe is published by Rowland Ward and sold in the States by Safari Press in California. Rowland Ward no longer attends SCI, as of several years ago. Please send me your most appropriate postal address as I should like to send you an autographed copy. The book is dedicated to Adelino who also lived between two fires, as you know.
May the rest of 2012 be filled with good health and good fortune all the way. Take a bow for a truly amazing book.
Fiona and Adelino, South Africa
I got the most wonderful surprise last night. Got home late from work and Buck Peters had sent me a copy of the book. You and Garry did a magnificent job. It brought back so many fine memories of the times and the people and the land. I was honored to be included. I told Robin I couldn’t remember being so young and fit. Really reinvigorated me. Now I will attend FNAWS (still called that?) just to get you all to sign it. You and Garry should be most proud of that. I am thrilled by it. Please tell Marlin hi for me, and to your girls. Wow!
Dr. Ken Cherry, Virginia
