CHAPTER X. 



EVENING MALLARD SHOOTING FALL. 



The general character and methods of proce- 

 dure in the " evening shooting " of mallards are so 

 similar to those described in the foregoing chap- 

 ters that a full explanation of them is unneces 

 sary. The stand is commonly selected in some 

 one of their various feeding-ponds, or on some 

 favorable point on their route to them from 

 their mid-day resorts. The first named, however, 

 is generally the best, if it can be reached con- 

 veniently, as the shooting lasts much longer — 

 often until too dark to see to shoot — from the 

 ducks flying about the pond for some time after 

 coming in ; and more opportunities for close shots 

 are to be had here than on the pass ways, as 

 their flight is lowered immediately on reaching 

 the pond. 



After it begins to get dark there is no need 

 of a blind ; just stoop a little — the ducks Mill 

 take no notice of you — and by facing the west 

 you may see them distinctly against the light 



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