Book excerpt: "Sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, but always genuine and fascinating, Gittin' Western opens a window into a lifestyle most of us have dreamed about but few dared to pursue. Heartily recommended." -Kathy Tyers, best-selling author of Firebird Trilogy Refusing to live a life of quiet desperation, Duane Wiltse breaks the bonds of the status quo by leaving his extended family and job security in Michigan. Seeking the freedom and adventure of living on a ranch in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, the Wiltse family relocates so their patriarch can wholeheartedly pursue his goal of establishing a big game hunting business in the rugged Wyoming landscape. Through the professional dangers of forest fires, bear attacks, and runaway horses and mules-and the personal challenge of coping with illness, divorce, and grief-Wiltse learns first-hand lessons of life and death. This engaging memoir vividly reveals the complexities of a maturing man, enterprising father, and driven husband struggling to achieve his dream.