CANADA GOOSE-SHOOTING. 303 
Now, a word to the amateur goose hunters. Of 
course, to hunt them with success you must go where 
they are, and go prepared. Never go without profile 
decoys. When you arrive at your destination, if a 
stranger, get acquainted with some local hunter who 
knows the grounds, and how to hunt them. Follow 
his advice. But be extremely cautious about writing 
for a good place to go ; always bear in mind that there 
are descendants of Ananias living wherever game 
frequents. I can say this with safety and confidence, 
. 
for I once took a trip on a “ wild goose chase,” and was 
badly deceived, wilfully too, for the man who wrote me 
knew shooting was very poor, “but thought it might 
be all right by time I got there.” Then be extremely 
cautious where and when you go, and when you find 
the right place, improve it. Practice the imitation of 
their cries, and always answer their call, as near as 
you can. If you are sure they are coming to your 
decoys, don’t call too often, lest they discover the 
deception ; but call softly, just so they will hear you, 
and they will come near to you. Place your hand over 
your mouth, so the hollow of your hand will throw the 
sound down to the ground, then call gently in a sooth- 
ing, cowxing tone ; youare trying to win their confidence 
now, and must use your sweetest notes. Should you 
wing a goose, tie it among or very near the decoys, it 
will prove obstinate at first, and sullenly lay for a 
time with neck outstretched, but will soon get over 
that, and standing on its feet will call loudly to its com- 
panions, as they fly over. You will find this call an 
improvement on your own, even if you get to be an ex- 
pert at calling them; besides, the goose will be quickly 
noticed, as 1t moves around, restrained by the string by 
which it is secured. 
