The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been invaded by alien hunters. The protagonist, a man who once enjoyed hunting squirrels in the woods, finds himself in a desperate situation, hiding from these extraterrestrial hunters. The narrative juxtaposes his past leisurely hunting experiences with his current predicament, where he is now the prey. The aliens, equipped with advanced technology and silver guns, hunt humans who have fled to the forests for refuge after the destruction of cities worldwide. The protagonist reflects on the irony of his situation, recalling how he once took pleasure in shooting squirrels, and now he must rely on the trees for survival, much like the animals he once hunted. The story explores themes of survival, fear, and the reversal of roles between hunter and hunted, as the protagonist grapples with the reality of being pursued by an inhuman force.
By Robert F. Young · First published 1963 · Genre: Post-apocalyptic Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction