Cantwell’s Final Hunting Day

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow follows Cantwell’s last hunt as a compressed version of his character: skilled, irritable, attentive to living things, and increasingly aware of time.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Journey to the Shoot The Journey to the Shoot from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Journey to the Shoot A return to the marshes Cantwell travels with Alvarito to the hunting grounds near the Tagliamento.

The Journey to the Shoot from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Journey to the Shoot A return to the marshes Cantwell travels with Alvarito to the hunting grounds near the Tagliamento.

The Journey to the Shoot A return to the marshes Cantwell travels with Alvarito to the hunting grounds near the Tagliamento. The planned shoot gives him one last opportunity to pursue an activity he has loved for years. Pleasure amid limits His heart condition and recent farewell to Renata remain in the background. The outing offers pleasure, not an escape from mortality.

The Frozen Blind The Frozen Blind from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Frozen Blind Ice returns Cantwell reaches the sunken barrel and finds the lagoon frozen again.

The Frozen Blind from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Frozen Blind Ice returns Cantwell reaches the sunken barrel and finds the lagoon frozen again.

The Frozen Blind Ice returns Cantwell reaches the sunken barrel and finds the lagoon frozen again. Birds are scarce, and the conditions threaten to turn the outing into a disappointment. A familiar discipline He arranges his guns and watches carefully for movement. The blind gives him a controlled position, but the weather determines what can happen.

A Skillful Double A Skillful Double from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Skillful Double A clean pair of shots Cantwell brings down a pair of pintails and later takes two wigeon.

A Skillful Double from "Across the River and into the Trees". A Skillful Double A clean pair of shots Cantwell brings down a pair of pintails and later takes two wigeon.

A Skillful Double A clean pair of shots Cantwell brings down a pair of pintails and later takes two wigeon. His technique remains controlled despite age, cold, and the poor conditions. A moment of mastery He takes satisfaction in still being able to shoot well. That pleasure is personal and temporary, measured against a body that cannot keep the same pace indefinitely.

The Calling Duck’s Deception The Calling Duck’s Deception from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Calling Duck’s Deception Birds drawn in The live calling duck attracts birds toward the decoys, while the ice makes the setup imperfect.

The Calling Duck’s Deception from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Calling Duck’s Deception Birds drawn in The live calling duck attracts birds toward the decoys, while the ice makes the setup imperfect.

The Calling Duck’s Deception Birds drawn in The live calling duck attracts birds toward the decoys, while the ice makes the setup imperfect. Cantwell watches for a safe and effective shot. Nature and artifice The hunt depends on deception, patience, and a human understanding of animal behavior. Cantwell recognizes the cruelty of the practice but continues to take pleasure in it.

The Hunt Ends The Hunt Ends from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hunt Ends No more birds As the light strengthens, ducks see the ice and continue toward the sea.

The Hunt Ends from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Hunt Ends No more birds As the light strengthens, ducks see the ice and continue toward the sea.

The Hunt Ends No more birds As the light strengthens, ducks see the ice and continue toward the sea. Cantwell has had enough shooting and decides to leave the blind. The day’s last accounting He has shot well but gained few birds. The hunt ends not with triumph, but with a practical decision to return through the ice.

The afternoon before the last hunt

Before first light on the final hunt

At first light on the final hunt

Later in the morning as the birds approach

Late morning on the final hunt