The Ethics of Hunting

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow examines how the hunt’s rules, pleasures, and treatment of wounded birds mirror the novel’s wider concern with discipline and humane conduct.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Safe First Shot A Safe First Shot from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Safe First Shot Careful aim Cantwell waits until the boat is clear before firing at ducks over the decoys.

A Safe First Shot from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Safe First Shot Careful aim Cantwell waits until the boat is clear before firing at ducks over the decoys.

A Safe First Shot Careful aim Cantwell waits until the boat is clear before firing at ducks over the decoys. He takes pride in making a clean double without endangering the workers. Skill under rules The shot’s value comes partly from its safety and precision. The hunt is a pleasure governed by responsibilities to others.

The Boatman’s Violation The Boatman’s Violation from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boatman’s Violation A breach of etiquette The boatman shoots at birds coming toward Cantwell’s blind.

The Boatman’s Violation from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Boatman’s Violation A breach of etiquette The boatman shoots at birds coming toward Cantwell’s blind.

The Boatman’s Violation A breach of etiquette The boatman shoots at birds coming toward Cantwell’s blind. Cantwell regards the action as a serious violation of the shared rules of the shoot. Order under pressure The incident reveals how a recreational code can collapse when anger overrides cooperation. Cantwell’s immediate response is anger, but he does not leave the blind or attack the man.

The Wing-Tipped Mallard The Wing-Tipped Mallard from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Wing-Tipped Mallard A living bird found The dog retrieves a mallard that has only been wing-tipped.

The Wing-Tipped Mallard from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Wing-Tipped Mallard A living bird found The dog retrieves a mallard that has only been wing-tipped.

The Wing-Tipped Mallard A living bird found The dog retrieves a mallard that has only been wing-tipped. Cantwell examines it and finds that it is still alive and intact. A different end He asks that the bird be kept for a caller or released in spring. His choice acknowledges that a wounded animal is not merely a successful shot.

The Calling Hen The Calling Hen from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Calling Hen Deception at work A live hen calls to passing ducks, drawing them toward the decoys.

The Calling Hen from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Calling Hen Deception at work A live hen calls to passing ducks, drawing them toward the decoys.

The Calling Hen Deception at work A live hen calls to passing ducks, drawing them toward the decoys. Cantwell understands the strategy and watches the birds respond. Uneasy admiration He jokes that the hen is treacherous, while recognizing that she is following her own role in the hunt. The scene complicates the clean distinction between skill, cruelty, and nature.

Hunting as a Last Pleasure Hunting as a Last Pleasure from "Across the River and into the Trees". Hunting as a Last Pleasure A practiced ritual Cantwell handles the guns, waits for birds, and enjoys the cold landscape despite limited shooting.

Hunting as a Last Pleasure from "Across the River and into the Trees". Hunting as a Last Pleasure A practiced ritual Cantwell handles the guns, waits for birds, and enjoys the cold landscape despite limited shooting.

Hunting as a Last Pleasure A practiced ritual Cantwell handles the guns, waits for birds, and enjoys the cold landscape despite limited shooting. The hunt gives him a familiar structure at the end of his life. Pleasure beside mortality He knows his health is failing and that the outing may be among his last. The pleasure does not deny death; it allows him to inhabit the present before it arrives.

At first light on the first hunt

Later during the first frozen-lagoon hunt

At the close of the final hunt

During the final hunt in the frozen blind

During Cantwell’s final morning in the blind