Susan Campbell Reneau has roots that run deep in Colorado.

In 1881, her ancestors opened a dry goods store in Grand Junction, and at least one Campbell has lived in-state ever since.

Reneau’s personal history with the state involves plenty of time spent hunting. She loves the outdoors, and three decades ago took on the task of preserving some of the stories and pictures of Colorado hunters.

Reneau and her husband wrote “Colorado’s Biggest Bucks and Bulls,” which was published in 1983. Eighteen years later, the second edition of the book was released.

“When I did the first edition, I broke four typewriters and there were no cellphones,” she said. “Now on a personal computer, I can Google anyone’s name. What it’s become is a hunting adventure. I’m hunting for interesting stories.”

And it’s been a successful hunt for Reneau. The third edition is out this month, co-authored with her son. The formula for finding the stories highlighted in the book is basic yet effective.

“I ask everybody that I know,” said Reneau, a Wasson High School graduate. “I get the word out, ask friends who ask friends.”

Reneau’s son said he was surprised by how many people knew about the book and spoke highly of it, adding that some read the stories in “Colorado’s Biggest Bucks and Bulls” as bedtime tales.

Colorado is one of the better states in which to hunt, making it the perfect setting for this kind of book.

“Colorado hands down has (the highest) number of trophy mule deer in the world, and by a substantial difference,” Reneau said.

Although Reneau’s job has taken her to Montana, she said that Colorado always will be special to her and her family.

Writing the book has been “a labor of love. The people of Colorado that hunt are the salt of the earth.”

A man aims at a target at the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Archery Range in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Sunday, October 13, 2013. The range is located off of Hwy. 115 on Pine Oaks Rd. across from Ft. Carson Gate #5. The targets are from 10 yards to 80 yards. A field range and 3D range are in the works and will be opening soon. All vehicles must have a valid parks pass and self serve day passes will be available. (Kent Nishimura/The Gazette)

Kent Nishimura