Addicted to Altitude

Book excerpt: ADDICTED TO ALTITUDE A generation ago Jack O’Connor, “dean of outdoor writers,” taught us that mountain hunting was a special pursuit, a form of hunting that took us to the high, wild places in search of some of the world’s most beautiful and elusive game. Today Mark Hampton follows his teaching and takes us to new heights in pursuit of wild sheep and goats amidst the world’s highest mountains and most magnificent scenery. You will travel with him to the world’s legendary ranges: Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Caucasus, Alps, Tien Shan, Altai, and more...from the burning Red Sea Hills of Sudan to the precipitous Southern Alps of New Zealand...and of course to our own Rocky Mountains, Cassiars, Alaska Range, and the harsh desert mountains of the American Southwest. Mark Hampton, career educator, former Missouri State Representative, All-American trapshooter, longtime hunting guide, and legendary handgun hunter, takes you along on what evolved as his greatest passion: High-country hunting for the wild sheep and goats of the world. From the diminutive chamois to the mighty argali, from desert bighorn to Rocky Mountain goat, you will feel your lungs burn as you climb the high ridges and feel your heart race as you make the final stalk. Addicted to Altitude will earn its place in the annals of hunting literature...and will validate for a new generation the special feeling of climbing the heights for the great game to be found.