The series is about a spaceship returning to Earth, after being flung to the other side of the Galaxy, and is set in the 24th century of the Star Trek science fiction universe.
First Officer Chakotay and Chief Engineer Torres learn that a large majority of their Maquis friends have been imprisoned or killed by the Cardassians and their new Dominion allies.
Helmsman Tom Paris, facing the possibility of a difficult letter from home, realizes his own problems pale in relation to Torres' news.
The Hirogen are established as a vicious race of hunters, addressing their captives as prey and describing the torture to follow while dissecting them into trophies.
"[2] Actress Jeri Ryan, who plays Seven of Nine, said that "Hunters" was one of her favorite episodes along with "Revulsion", "The Raven", "Prey", and the two-part "The Killing Game".