The Young Wild-Fowlers

A group of eager young hunters has just arrived at a coastal Maryland homestead, ready for their first taste of the famous water‑fowl season. The night is crisp, the surf rolls in, and the boys—Don, Bert, and their friends—spend the evening swapping stories while listening to the distant crack of a duck‑gun, a reminder that poachers are already at work. Their host, the seasoned ex‑sergeant Egan, shares colorful tales of past battles and explains how wealthy city sportsmen guard these marshes, turning the hunt into a contest of wits and courage.

As the boys settle into the welcoming back room that overlooks the bay, they learn that the real challenge isn’t just the birds themselves but the scramble to outmaneuver the “pot‑hunters” who flood the area with powerful guns. The promise of a thrilling chase, the camaraderie of the group, and the looming threat of the poachers set the stage for an adventurous summer where bravery and cleverness will be put to the test.