Book excerpt: Never was the notion of "explore, experience, and evolve" more clear to Fred than the day he stepped into the dark woods alone (at the tender age of 27) and embraced adventure over unqualified panic for the first time in his life. For an entitled, self-confessed, five-star-resort-and-country-club snob, an elk hunting trip seemed unlikely-let alone three of them. But his evolution from elitist with a wine list to someone who discovers and embraces a profound love for the simple, unspoiled outdoors went far beyond just exchanging a coat and tie for more-comfortable camouflage. It was with great excitement (read: blissful ignorance) that he plunged into a world of discomforting unknowns, at the urging of his friend and hunting partner, Jon, who had amassed a lifetime of outdoor experiences and endeavored to pass along his fascination, skills, and love of the great outdoors to Fred, a true greenhorn.In this nonfiction narrative, Fred shares his hunting adventures, along with his missteps, relentless apprehensions, countless dents to his ego, and successes and failures alike, all of which lead to an extraordinary transformation that extends well beyond the forest.The goal (besides eliciting unrelenting bouts of snort-inducing laughter) is to encourage a retreat from cell phones and video games and to breed interest in the outdoors. Fred shares these experiences that have had a profound effect on him in the hope that it will encourage others to leap at the opportunity to experience life firsthand, engage all five senses, and explore this amazing world for themselves. Walk side by side with him as he confronts his own personal demons, along with intimidating animals that threaten his privileged existence, in a vast, unfamiliar, and often uncomfortable environment.