Subject

Poaching -- Juvenile fiction Books

Best books

Harry Castlemon

The Young Wild-Fowlers

"The Young Wild-Fowlers" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows a group of boys, particularly Don Gordon, as they embark on duck hunting adventures in Maryland while uncovering the conflicts between sport hunters and poachers. The backdrop of the narrative includes the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and the thrilling dynamics of their youthful escapades. At the start of the story, Don Gordon and his friends are excitedly staying at Egan's home, eager to hunt waterfowl during the prime season. They share tales of hunting while absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of the bay, aware of the poaching activities that threaten their sport. The dialogue unfolds around their preparations and the local threat posed by market shooters, shedding light on their camaraderie and the challenges they face. The opening sets the tone for a coming-of-age story rich with adventure, friendship, and the ethics of hunting.

Edward Berens

Christmas Stories
 Containing John Wildgoose the Poacher, the Smuggler, and Good-nature, or Parish Matters

"Christmas Stories" by Edward Berens is a collection of short stories written in the early 19th century. The opening tale, "The History of John Wildgoose," focuses on the life of Thomas Wildgoose, a hardworking man who faces tragedy and moral dilemmas after becoming a poacher. The narrative explores themes of conformity to law, family responsibility, and the impact of poor choices on both personal and community levels. The beginning of the collection introduces Thomas Wildgoose, who leads a simple, honest life until a tragic accident leaves him seriously injured. As he prepares for his death, he makes provisions for his family, revealing his love for them. The story then transitions to his wife, Susan, who struggles to cope with her husband's passing while finding a way to support her children. The tale hints at the challenges their children, particularly their son John, will face as he is drawn into a life of poaching due to bad company, setting the stage for a moral decline that threatens to unravel their family's integrity.

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