270 The Caribou 



on snow-shoes before the band that was being 

 pursued was finally overtaken. When hard 

 pressed, and their efforts to baffle their pursuers, 

 in woods or swamps or tangled thickets, have 

 proved unavailing, caribou will take to the moun- 

 tains and seek their summits, thus adding greatly 

 to the toil and exposure of the hunt. In New- 

 foundland in certain localities this deer is fre- 

 quently killed in the water, being pursued in boats 

 when crossing lakes, for it is a famous swimmer 

 and does not hesitate to cross a wide expanse of 

 lake or stream. 



This method of hunting will probably by some 

 be considered as not altogether savoring of true 

 sportsmanship. 1 But, my critical friend, have you 

 ever tried to follow a Woodland caribou in win- 

 ter through the forests and barrens, mountains, 

 swamps, and valleys ? It is man's endurance pitted 

 against that of the deer, reinforced on the latter's 

 side by its native wariness and ability to baffle 

 pursuit, while the snow-shoe is but little superior 

 to the broad hoofs of the deer in passing over or 

 through snow, and on the ice the hunter is hope- 

 lessly outclassed. Many unfortunates have re- 

 turned to camp weary and worn from a long and 



1 It is emphatically unsportsmanlike to follow caribou or any other 

 of the deer family on snow which requires snow-shoes. On a light 

 tracking snow it is fair and good sport, but when the animal sinks 

 to its hocks it is a cruel game and excusable only when meat is 

 needed. — Editor. 



