Imagine facing down dangerous wildlife, uncovering illegal operations, and then… writing a children's book? That's exactly the path Darrell Ashworth, a retired B.C. conservation officer, has taken. But Ashworth isn't interested in scaring kids with tales from the wild; he wants to entertain and subtly weave in valuable life lessons.
Published on October 13, 2025, this is the story of how a lifetime spent protecting British Columbia's natural resources led to the creation of "McGregor the Moose: His Younger Years," a heartwarming tale inspired by a real-life moose calf.
The seed for the book was planted during Ashworth’s second year as a conservation officer, working in the vast wilderness northeast of Prince George. He received a call about an abandoned moose calf. Ashworth explained that this often happens innocently; a mother moose sometimes leaves her calf hidden while she forages for food. However, when the calf remained alone for over a day, it became clear the mother wasn’t returning. Ashworth was tasked with tranquilizing the young moose and transporting it to a safe animal refuge. He named the calf McGregor, after the river where he was found.
The real story ends with Ashworth unsure of McGregor's ultimate fate. But here's where it gets controversial... In the book, McGregor's story has a much more uplifting conclusion. Ashworth hopes this optimistic ending will not only bring joy to young readers but also impart a crucial lesson.
That lesson? Ashworth aims to spark conversations between children and adults about the importance of having a safe place to go and someone to turn to if they ever find themselves separated or in trouble. It's a simple message, but one that could have a profound impact.
The book itself is described as bright and cheerful, and for Ashworth, it's just the beginning of his authorial journey. "I have so many good ideas for kids books in my head," he enthusiastically shares. He's already been reading "McGregor the Moose" to the young children in his family and plans to share the story and anecdotes from his career as a conservation officer with wider audiences.
Ashworth's path to becoming a conservation officer started in Vernon, B.C., fueled by experiences with family friends who introduced him to hunting and fishing. These outdoor pursuits ignited a passion that ultimately led him to pursue what he calls his "dream job."
"This is it, this is what I want to do," he recalls thinking. The variety of the job – from conducting angler checks to participating in helicopter animal counts and horseback patrols – kept things interesting. And this is the part most people miss... The blend of law enforcement and educational opportunities made the role both challenging and rewarding.
His career took him across the province, from Prince George to Cranbrook, Smithers, and finally, Williams Lake. "I got to see the province," Ashworth says, emphasizing how he was paid to witness some truly "amazing stuff."
It's this rich tapestry of experiences that has ultimately led him to his current role as a children's book author, with plans to continue chronicling McGregor's life.
While the more dangerous aspects of his job, such as tracking potentially aggressive animals after an attack or stumbling upon illegal grow operations, may not directly appear in his books, they certainly inform the lessons he hopes to convey.
One such lesson? The importance of treating everyone with respect, even in potentially dangerous situations. "I was always polite and professional," he says, describing himself as "fair but firm." He adds the insightful advice, "If you come in with a bad attitude, then you're going to get a bad attitude back."
Despite the occasional tense moments, Ashworth remembers his 25-year career with fondness. It was, he concludes, "the funnest job in the world."
Now, having said all that, is it really appropriate to sanitize the experiences of conservation officers to such a degree? Shouldn't children also be aware of the real dangers wildlife can pose and the challenges faced by those who protect our natural resources? And could stories inspired by these darker experiences be told in a way that is both age-appropriate and impactful? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
