Document Type
Article
Subject Area
Symposium
Abstract
We live in polarized times. Many people make assumptions about those that they perceive as being on “the other side” of the political spectrum. But C.J. Box’s heroic character, Joe Pickett, does not. He treats everyone he meets as a whole person and is accepting of differences (at least until someone proves to be a bad guy, in which case “things might get western”). Furthermore, Joe takes reasonable and moderate positions on almost every difficulty he faces. That includes the Endangered Species Act, which lies at the heart of the first Joe Pickett book, Open Season.
In this Article, I explore the relationship between Open Season and the Endangered Species Act, as well as other books in the series, to show how moderate and sensible Joe is and to suggest how Joe’s approach to the world might give us a path out of our divided politics. It is said at one point in Open Season that Joe himself, as a decent and honorable man, is an endangered species. I think that this is false. This Article argues that Joe represents a silent political middle, discussing a variety of issues where supermajorities of Americans agree on a sensible middle ground. In conclusion, I argue that we should all aspire to be more like Joe Pickett in considering the humanity and perspectives of others. We need more Picketts.
DOI
10.59643/1942-9916.1534
Rights
Copyright © 2026 by the Wyoming Law Review unless otherwise noted. Except as otherwise provided, copies of any article may be made for classroom use, provided that: (1) copies are distributed at or below cost; (2) The author and journal are identified; (3) Proper notice of copyright is affixed to each copy; and (4) The Wyoming Law Review is notified of the use.
Recommended Citation
Heather Elliott,
We Need More Picketts,
26 Wyo. L. Rev.
179
(2026).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.uwyo.edu/wlr/vol26/iss1/9