# Why the Hunter Got No Ducks explained — Green Forest Stories

> Chapter companion for Green Forest Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.

## What happens

The hunter, frustrated by Blacky the Crow's previous interference, sets up in his blind to wait for Dusky the Black Duck and his flock. However, Farmer Brown's boy, hidden in another blind, fires his gun twice at crucial moments, scaring the ducks away each time. The hunter, unable to find the shooter, returns home empty-handed while Farmer Brown's boy chuckles at his success.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Cooperation

Farmer Brown's boy acts to protect the ducks, cooperating with nature to thwart the hunter's plans.

### Moral Ambiguity

The hunter's pursuit of ducks for sport contrasts with Farmer Brown's boy's protective actions, raising questions about right and wrong in hunting.

## Character check-ins

### Blacky the Crow

Blacky is mentioned as having previously warned the ducks; the hunter threatens to shoot him if he tries again.

### Dusky the Black Duck

Dusky leads the flock, circling cautiously before attempting to land, but is scared off by gunfire.

### The Hunter

The hunter waits in his blind, determined to shoot the ducks, but is thwarted twice by Farmer Brown's boy.

### Farmer Brown's boy

Farmer Brown's boy hides in a blind and fires his gun to scare the ducks, protecting them from the hunter.

## Key lines

> It is well for you that you didn’t wait for me to get nearer,” said the hunter. “You are smart enough to know that you can’t play the same trick on me twice.

The hunter tells Blacky that he is lucky to have flown away, warning him that he won't be fooled again.

_The hunter acknowledges Blacky's cleverness but threatens him._

> With that Crow out of the way, I think I will get some Ducks tonight,” thought the hunter and looked at his gun to make sure that it was ready.

The hunter feels confident that without Blacky's interference, he will successfully shoot the ducks.

_The hunter's misplaced confidence is highlighted._

> If ever there was a disappointed hunter, it was the one crouching in that blind.

The hunter was extremely frustrated after his shot was spoiled.

_Emphasizes the hunter's disappointment._

> He didn’t get those Ducks this time,” said Farmer Brown’s boy.

Farmer Brown's boy is pleased that the hunter failed to shoot the ducks.

_Shows Farmer Brown's boy's satisfaction in protecting the ducks._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters/xxvi-why-the-hunter-got-no-ducks
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters