From vintage scholastic cover:

In the very instant Bucky took aim, he slipped on the snow-sheathed log. The shot went wild. As he caught himself, the rifle slipped from his grasp. The thing came up on him. The jaws lanced in and clamped on his leg and he felt his own warm blood. Then his hand found the skinning knife at his belt and the blade sank deepin the corded neck--sand and turned till the jaws released. Bucky rested, panting, spent. He whimpered once. Finally he smiled. never again would he be afraid of anything above ground. --- This book takes place in Maine, around the Kennebec river and is all about hunting, hunting rights, over-hunting, and the need for moderation and some wildlife sanctuaries. Lots of action and adventure. A main character dies because of some city hunters' careless actions.