Ben is a college student who is well known in the area for his expertise about wild, bighorn sheep. Madec, a ruthless Los Angeles businessman, heard about Ben from the locals and offered him a job as his hunting guide in pursuit of bighorn sheep.

The story opens as the pair is on their way into the desert.

As they proceed, Ben notices that Madec is a skilled shooter and willing to shoot anything, regardless of whether or not it is moving. Madec is condescending toward Ben and does not think he is the type of person who can understand the appeal of big game hunting. Ben regrets taking the job, but he admits that the money Madec is paying him will cover a semester or two of college. Ben is studying to become a geologist and work for an oil company.

During their hunt, Madec professes to see a bighorn in the distance, but Ben tells him he does not see any horns. Madec argues that he sees horns, and he shoots. After shooting the object in the distance, Madec immediately begins trying to bargain with Ben. His permit only allows him to kill one bighorn, but Madec wants to take home a prime specimen.