Becoming A Legend, True Stories of Randall Parker, Government Trapper, His Dogs, and Wildlife Paperback – March 17, 2026

Randy Parker spent decades as a government hunter and trapper in the American west, helping people deal with troublesome lions, bears, pigs, raccoons, and everything in between. Becoming a Legend is a collection of stories recounting some remarkable experiences from early in Randy's career. Central to Randy's success were the dogs that made the work possible-loyal partners who turned each hunt and trapping adventure into a story worth remembering. Memories of the dogs, along with some very unconventional folks (both citizens calling him for help and friends and colleges who helped him along the way) are depicted in their colorful glory. Sometimes hazardous and often hilarious, the predicaments Randy finds himself in are told with compassion and honesty."Over the years, folks told me I should share these stories, both the dangerous encounters and the everyday moments that defined my work," Randy says. "Some are comical, and all are true to life. I didn't know a whole lot at first, but through experience and a lot of guidance, I found my calling. Over time, I earned a name for myself-especially when it came to pig hunting. Around my county, some folks started calling me a legend. Maybe that's true, maybe it's just the stories, but either way, I've lived every bit of it. These pages hold the wild rides, the hard lessons, and the laughter that came along the way. Each story carries a piece of my heart, my dogs, and the wild country that shaped us both." Read more