Thursday, AUGUST 7, 2025 |
Photo – “The Lost Cowboy” book – Courtesy Grand Encampment Museum
This Friday, the Grand Encampment Museum is hosting a presentation by globe-trotting cowboy J. B. Zielke.
On Friday, August 8th, at 6:00 p.m., author J. B. Zielke will be at the Grand Encampment Museum to discuss his autobiography, The Lost Cowboy. Zielke said the book chronicles his four-year journey cowboying across the world, adding that he wrote it while working in Encampment.
Zielke explained that between the ages of 21 and 25, he worked as a cowboy on every continent except Antarctica. The author said The Lost Cowboy contains a series of bite-size stories about his life on the road.
Zielke said he doesn’t come from a long line of ranchers. Instead, the author explained that he chose to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a cowboy on his own, learning the job from various mentors he met along the way.
Zielke said he lived in Encampment while studying at the University of Wyoming. While there, he met local rancher Kal Herring, who was the greatest influence on his path to becoming a cowboy. Thanks to Herring’s generosity, Zielke said he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling around the world as a cattleman.
The Lost Cowboy shares stories from Zielke’s travels, including a dangerous time in Australia when he wrangled wild cattle far from civilization. Though he was never injured himself, the author said some of his fellow cowboys weren’t as fortunate.
Zielke said he didn’t begin his global cowboy journey intending to write a book. However, while taking cover during a Mexican shootout, he realized he needed to document his adventures before it was too late.
Zielke received two 2024 Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America for his memoir The Lost Cowboy: Best Contemporary Nonfiction Book and Best First Nonfiction Book.
After stepping away from his cowboy career, Zielke transitioned into directing music videos and founded the successful country music festival Dusty Vaquero Days.
Zielke will be at the Grand Encampment Museum this Friday, August 8th, to discuss The Lost Cowboy. After his presentation, the author will sign copies of his award-winning book.
