The Boy Hunters of Kentucky

Jack Gedney has just turned twelve, and his father’s gift—a sturdy rifle— opens a new world for the boy. Living on the edge of Kentucky’s untamed wilderness, he learns to read the forest’s signs, track deer, and master the art of shooting from hidden perches. His mother teaches him letters and numbers, while his father leads long treks through tangled woods, sharing stories of legendary frontiersmen and the harsh realities of life on the frontier.

As Jack hones his skill, the surrounding land proves both generous and perilous. The rich soil and abundant game lure more families into the "Dark and Bloody Ground," where uneasy peace with the Native peoples hangs by fragile promises. Early on, Jack’s keen eye and steady hand earn the admiration of seasoned hunters, hinting at the daring exploits that await him in the shadowed valleys and rivers of early Kentucky.