Harold Feld, an old Wisconsin consulting forester, is hired by a Montana ranch family to assist in selling timber. Jim, a bachelor, and his spinster sister, Har, operate the large cattle ranch along with their brother, Hack, a Viet Nam war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress. While Harold develops plans for the harvest, he becomes entangled in the personalities of the ranch owners and the dynamics of their lives. He learns that Hack especially has emotional tensions. Harry needs forestry help because of the vast expanse of the ranch. A previous assistant from Wisconsin, Angela, and her young son, Joe, are summoned. Both of them soon develop a fondness for Hack, unaware of his obsession. But love and good forestry conquers all and through romance and friendship, a happy ending is realized.