28 AMEKICAK GAME BIRD SHOOTIKG. 



as they are then iu the highest condition, both physically 

 and mentally; and the best guns for bagging them are 

 those having a full choke, for both velocity and penetra- 

 tion are required to bring them promptly down. The 

 most effective shot to use are No. 1, B, BB, or BBB, as 

 either of these brands can stop a gobbler at a distance of 

 fifty or sixty yards. Some persons prefer buckshot, 

 however, whilst others consider a rifle-ball the only sure 

 missile, so that in this, as in other matters of sport, 

 people of various experiences differ in their opinions. 



If a rifle is used, aim should always be taken at the 

 body; but the head and neck are the safest parts to fire 

 at with a shot-gun, if the bird is any distance away, for 

 a shot in the side is more likely to wound than to kill; 

 yet, I have known more than one struck in that part 

 with No. 6 to give up the ghost without much effort. 



The main secret in being a successful turkey-hunter is 

 to learn the haunts and habits of the bird; to be light of 

 foot, keen of eye, and persevering in pursuit; and, above 

 all, to be a good caller. Correctness of intonation is 

 not everything, however, for a man must learn the ex- 

 pression and meaning of every note, and be coy or bold, 

 persistent or silent, according to the mood displayed by 

 the creatures he desires to bag. If a person calls too 

 much, he may bring the most resolute and daring mem- 

 bers of the flock wathin range before the remainder can 

 come up, and if he does not shoot them then they may 

 detect his deceptive character, and not only flee from 

 him themselves, but take all their companions with 

 them, and if he does fire, he is almost sure of scaring 

 away those that have not come up. Persons who de- 

 sire to make a big bag with one volley, call cautiously 

 on this account, as they want to bring the whole flock 

 within range together, and mow them down when they 

 get several heads m a line. This saves time and trouble, 

 and may be legitimate enough, but whether it is in ac- 



