^88 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTIKG. 



species, which is very abundant iu the regions bordering 

 the Mississij)pi and Missouri Eivers, east of the Eocky 

 Mountains, is considered to rank next to the canvas-back 

 and red-head in delicacy of flesh. It is one of the first 

 of its family to appear from the north, and as it moves in 

 vast teams, it affords splendid sj)ort. Market hunters 

 are its greatest enemies, for they slaughter it by the thou- 

 sands, owing to the constant demand for it. 



When "springs" are startled, they rise suddenly 

 from the water and flee at a high rate of speed, but 

 they may not go far before settling again. As they 

 huddle closely when on the wing, a man may bag 

 twenty or more in one round, but it must be deliv- 

 ered at the proper time, that is, when they have 

 just passed, or when the Imlk of the team is in front, as 

 they fly rajiidly and scatter in all directions after the 

 first shot, though they may reunite shortly afterwards. 

 Any shot from No. 7 to 9 is heavy enough to use, 

 as they are easily killed. They drop to mallard decoys 

 and readily answer the mallard call, which is not 

 unlike their own, though it is not so short, thin, and 

 high. They may be easdy approached on the water by 

 employing ordmary iirecaution, but they are rather shy 

 on the wing, and always ready to flee from the vicinity 

 of any unusual sight or sound. Their favorite haunts 

 are ponds and shallow streams and lakes where insects, 

 wild rice, duck grass, and pond lilies thrive, and tlie 

 more muddy the bottom and tranquil the water, the bet- 

 ter they like it. They are generally pursued in screened, 

 flat-bottomed skiffs, and fired at the moment they rise in 

 a bunch, as a person cannot afford to give them any 

 chances, owing to tlicir speed. They are also shot from 

 blinds when they are trading, and if they fly close to the 

 ground one is almost certain of making a big haul Avith 

 both barrels. Being found from Manitoba to Florida, 

 tliey afford sport in some part of the country throughout 



