METHODS OF CAPTTTRING BIRDS OF PREY. 



Oftentimes certain of the birds of prey, as sliown on 

 preceding pages of this work, become very troable- 

 some, and the farmer, poulterer or stockman is often 

 oFiliged, in order to protect himself from serious 

 losses, to adopt means whereby he can rid himself of 

 the feathered depredators. Some of the methods em- 

 ployed in this and other States to destroy Hawks. 

 Owls and Eagles are as follows: 



When the scalp act of 1885 was in force, great num- 

 bers of Hawks were killed by hunters who approached 

 the birds on horseback, in wagons or in sleighs. In 

 one day a hunter shot sixteen Hawks; they were: '■'>. 

 Cooper's; 3, Sparrow; 2, Red-.s-houldered; 2. Rough- 

 legged, and fi. Red-tailed. If Hawks are shot at and 

 missed two or three times when thus approached, 

 they become veiy shy and will seldom allow a wagon 

 or sleigh to get near them. At first, however, these 

 birds can easily be appioached by vehicles drawn by 

 a quiet horse, so that the gunner can get within 20 

 or 30 yards before they fly; and often you can dr-ive or 

 ride directly under them when perched on trees. It 

 is much easier to shoot from a sleigh than a wheeled 

 vehicle. When you use the latter it is best to jump 

 out on the ground before shooting and Take the bird 

 aa the wing. It is better to go on horseback after 

 Hawks and Eagles than in a sleigh or wagon. 

 Never attempt to shoot when sitting on the horse un- 

 less you know the animal will not be frightened at 



