American Frontiersman Summer 2022: Coming in Hot, Loaded for Bear!

How calm and cool would you be if that was you depicted on the cover of our summer 2022 edition of American Frontiersman? That was our first thought when artist Mike Del Rizzo sent us his early sketches shown here next to a couple of pieces of reference material.

American Frontiersman Summer 2022

When outdoor writer and photographer Richard P. Smith was invited to accompany Montana game warden Lou Kis on a mission to relocate a problem grizzly, he didn’t think much of it. After all, he’d photographed black bear relocation efforts in Michigan and didn’t expect this to be much different.

That is, until the enraged bear fought back, grabbed Kis and all hell broke loose. Despite the chaos, Smith somehow kept on snapping his camera’s shutter, resulting in an action-packed series of photos as you could ever imagine. Those interested in reading the entire harrowing story and seeing the photo series (and who wouldn’t be?) should check out “A True Grizzly Tale” starting on page 26.

A bear attack photographed in summer 2022 American Frontiersman.

Don’t think that’s the only feature a modern-day frontiersman will enjoy in this outstanding issue, though. Along the way, you’ll find historical features on interesting mountain men, rendezvous tales, a rundown on some great blades and information on a couple of big-bore rifles you’ll almost certainly want in your safe.

Also, for the DIY’er, we provide instructions on making your own mocotaugan and gun stock cover/ammo holder, tying your own fishing flies, keeping your fire alive and making the best chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. And if wildlife history is an interest, we even have the story of how passenger pigeons that once darkened the sky disappeared from this earth, and how eastern elk populations that once were decimated have made a resurgence due to some remarkable conservation efforts. Of course, there is also much more in the pages ahead. In the end, we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for you. Until next time, keep your powder dry.