This book is about a young boy named Billy who lives in the great bottoms of Cherokee country. He resides with his mother, father, three sisters, and his two dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. While Dan possesses sheer strength, Ann possesses intelligence, and Billy possesses the heart to train them. As a team, they become an unbeatable hunting force. Billy acquires the two dogs by saving up through hard work, sweat, and a little assistance from his grandpa. It takes him two grueling years of saving to gather the required fifty dollars for the two pups. He then secretly leaves his house for a night and journeys all the way to the nearest town of Tahlequah. There, he retrieves his dogs and engages in a scuffle with some local boys while conversing with the sheriff. He dedicates himself to working and training with the pups until they are prepared for hunting. Throughout the year, Billy hunts and collects numerous coon skins, giving all the money earned from selling them back to his parents.
When winter arrives, the protagonist participates in a hunting competition, emerging as the most skilled hunter and attaining the coveted gold trophy. However, tragedy befalls them in the following spring during their final hunt. Their two dogs succeed in cornering a mountain lion, but with great difficulty fend off the lion’s assault. Sadly, Old Dan receives a fatal injury, and shortly after his demise, Little Ann succumbs to a broken heart. Eventually, the protagonist buries both beloved dogs on a hill, only to discover later that a Red Fern has sprouted between their resting places.
