When John Denson undertakes to clear a Washington State client of a marijuana charge, he finds himself in spotted owl country. He discovers that the tiny bird is up against the logging industry. A spotted owl is found murdered, and Denson's partner, Willie Prettybird, wants him to investigate. But then Jenny Maclvar of the Fish and Wildlife Service is murdered; a simple marijuana case turns into a hunt for a killer, and Denson may be the next victim.