My Journey with Deerfoot, chronicles Hayes' incremental progression, from a young, naive, outdoor enthusiast to a proficient flintlock shooter. It is a story of discovery that leaps forward with the transformation of a plain, humble caplock muzzleloader into a flintlock rifle. The ultimate goal - the proficient use of a flintlock - becomes the driving force that compels the author to push past a number of obstacles. Along the way, he encounters disappointments and breakthroughs before eventually entering into the arena of experimental archeology and the opportunities afforded by hands-on historical activities. Like nuggets sifted from the dirt, each chapter contains numerous references to the lessons learned in using related accouterments, shelters, clothing and of course flintlocks.