I grew up in the Anchorage area and hunted ptarmigan and grouse many times with my dad. Dad's gone and I know longer hunt, but I still remember those days fondly. My dad taught me to appreciate the sometimes perplexing contradictions of a wilderness lover. He grew up a farm boy and saw the bounty of the wilds--plants and animals--as something to be harvested, just like on the farm. He also fought hard for wilderness--including many places that didn't allow hunting--and was an avid bird watcher. I miss him.