Gray wolves and grizzly bears have become the most controversial species of wildlife in North America. Once considered animals to be eradicated by any means possible, these two species were “listed” under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 1970s. Since then, they have recolonized remarkably in the lower 48 states of the U.S., advancing under decades of Federal protection and three…

A handful of early Boone and Crockett Club members were pioneers in the science and art of modern taxidermy. Their preserved specimens filled museums with animals on the verge of extinction. They hoped an informed public would help them save what remained.

Before we dive into the details of how this enormous grizzly bear met its demise, we should point out that many facts in this story are blurry. What follows is a compilation of newspaper and magazine articles, blog posts, and personal narratives that all end with one live caretaker and one dead bear. We’ve done our best to highlight the facts and note conjecture.

Distances that test rifles exceed those that test marksmanship-and leave killing to chance.

About the Covers: Volume I - Clown of the Woods, 1987. Acrylic on board. 24 x 32 inches. Robert F. Kuhn (United States, 1920 – 2007), JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art Collection. © Estate of Robert F. Kuhn. Volume II - Five Dall Sheep, n.d. Acrylic on board. 24 x 36 inches. Robert F. Kuhn. Gift of Jayne and Dick Johnston with additional support provided by Robert S.