Big Red

Jim Kjelgaard’s novel Big Red (1945) traces the adventures of protagonist Danny Pickett after he befriends a unique Irish setter named Red. Danny has lived at the edge of the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett, for as long as he can remember. Although he loves his father, their life together, and the surrounding woods, Danny longs for a friend. Danny is thrilled when Mr. Haggin, the Pickett’s property owner and boss, hires Danny as his show dog Red’s caretaker. Red still belongs to Mr. Haggin, but he moves in with Danny thereafter. Danny’s relationship with his new dog teaches Danny responsibility while developing his capacities for compassion, loyalty, and trust. Every day, Danny and Red adventure in the woods and through the mountains together. They hunt partridges, fish for bass, rescue cows, and face bears. These challenges teach Danny about life, while developing the novel’s themes of Coming of Age and Personal Growth, the Bonds Between Humans and Animals, and Respecting and Understanding Nature.

This guide uses the 2023 Maple Press paperback edition of the novel.

Content Warning: The source text contains depictions of hunting and wilderness survival, complex portrayals of human and animal interactions, and gun use. Originally published in 1945, the novel is reflective of the time period in which it was written, and thus includes outdated perspectives on nature and wildlife conservation.

Plot Summary

Danny Pickett lives in the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett. They reside in a humble trapper’s cabin at the edge of a clearing. Their boss, Mr. Haggin, owns the estate in the middle of the clearing, and allows them to remain in the cabin as long as they care for the property. Danny and Ross are poor, but Danny is happy.

One day, Danny encounters the infamous bear, Old Majesty, while trying to recover one of Mr. Haggin’s cows. He hopes to rid the region of the bear once and for all but gives up after discovering that Old Majesty killed the cow.

Danny reports to Mr. Haggin’s estate to tell him what happened. While waiting for Mr. Haggin, he meets Mr. Haggin’s show dog, an Irish setter named Red. Danny is immediately taken by the dog, who disobeys his trainer, Robert Fraley, to stay by Danny’s side.

Ross wakes Danny in the middle of the night. Red ran away from the estate and is sitting on their porch. On his way back to the estate with Red, Danny considers keeping the dog for himself. He’s always wanted a companion, and Red seems special. When he arrives at Mr. Haggin’s, Mr. Haggin announces that Danny can be Red’s caretaker. He also invites Danny to attend Red’s dog show in New York.

Danny leaves the Wintapi for the first time and travels to New York with Red, Fraley, and Mr. Haggin. Throughout the trip, Mr. Haggin teaches him many new things. Danny is excited to see Red perform in the show but worries that Red doesn’t seem like himself when he’s around Fraley. When Red sees Danny in the stands, he comes to life and wins a blue ribbon.

Danny and Red return to the cabin. Danny enjoyed his time in New York but is glad to be home. As soon as he and Red see their home in the distance, they burst into a run. Danny spends the rest of the night recounting his experiences in New York to his father.

Danny tries to decide how to train Red. Ross suggests that he teach him to hunt rodents and wild animals, like his own hound dogs. Danny knows that his father is experienced but wants Red to hunt partridges. He isn’t sure how to tell Ross that he has different ideas about Red’s future.

One night, Ross gets lost in a snowstorm. Danny and Red go out in search of him. After wandering and worrying for some time, they find Ross buried in the snow, but still alive.

Danny spends the winter training Red how to chase and catch partridges. When they aren’t training, Danny and Red go on adventures in the woods. Danny takes Red everywhere, even when Red can’t help him with his work. Red proves himself to be loyal and affectionate. Whenever Danny gets into trouble, Red comes to his rescue. While hunting a buck one day, Danny gets trapped and cannot get home. Red stays by his side all night and makes sure that nothing happens to him.

Old Majesty emerges from hibernation when spring comes. He stalks the woods and clearings in search of food. He knows to fear humans in the daylight but feels more confident and powerful at night.

Meanwhile, Ross returns from a hunt looking weak and upset. He tells Danny that Old Majesty killed his hounds and attacked him. Danny settles his father and sets out with Red in search of the bear. He decides that Old Majesty has to die. The bear is a fearful creature, but Danny is confident that he and Red can conquer him.

Danny finds Old Majesty with Red’s help. He’s shocked when the bear and the dog charge one another and engage in a lengthy brawl. Finally, Danny shoots and kills Old Majesty. He and Red don’t touch the body or claim it as their trophy.

Danny returns to the cabin feeling like a different person. He tells Mr. Haggin what happened, apologizing for Red’s wounds. Mr. Haggin forgives him and congratulates him for triumphing over Old Majesty. He rewards Danny by giving him a new job, more responsibility, and higher wages.