Smoke elser biography
Smoke elser biography.
Smoke elser school
Hearing the ‘Hush of the Land’
Smoke Elser and Eva-Maria Maggi discuss their new book, 'Hush of the Land,' chronicling decades of mule packing trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness
by Keely Larson
Story and photos by Keely Larson
Arnold “Smoke” Elser is a storyteller, but he’s not a big reader.
In his office, tucked into a faded red barn built around 1900 in Missoula, Montana, an entire wall of shelves contains binders and books on wilderness policy and regulations. They’re more work than pleasure for Elser; he waves them off with an air of modesty.
It’s the mules strolling by the barn window that give him pleasure. The mules are a big part of why Elser was able to travel as much of the Bob Marshall Wilderness as he did, providing companionship and comfort to outfitters and guests alike.
Elser’s new book, Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, was published in March and coauthored by University of Montana professor Eva-Maria Maggi.
It’s designed