In the movie, two police officers, Cliff and Ronnie, respond to a call from a farmer named Frank, who reports that his chicken has been stolen. Frank suspects Hermit Bob, who lives in the nearby forest. The officers find signs of recent activity in the woods, including a skinned rabbit and a campfire. They spot Hermit Bob hiding and question him about the missing chicken. Hermit Bob reacts by shooting at them, but Cliff, who has a long history with Bob, chooses to give him a warning instead of making an arrest. Ronnie is puzzled by Cliff's decision, but Cliff believes Bob is harmless despite his eccentricities.