264 The Wilderness Hunter 



good game-laws. Yet this kind of hunting may also 

 be carried on under circumstances which render it 

 if not a legitimate, yet a most exciting and manly 

 sport, only to be followed by men of tried courage, 

 hardihood, and skill. This is not because it ever 

 necessitates any skill whatever in the use of the 

 rifle, or any particular knowledge of hunting-craft; 

 but because under the conditions spoken of the 

 hunter must show great endurance and resolution, 

 and must be an adept in the use of snowshoes. 



It all depends upon the depth of the snow and the 

 state of the crust. If when the snow is very deep 

 there comes a thaw, and if it then freezes hard, 

 the moose are overtaken and killed with ease; for 

 the crust cuts their legs, they sink to their bellies at 

 every plunge, and speedily become so worn out that 

 they can no longer keep ahead of any man who is 

 even moderately skilful in the use of snowshoes; 

 though they do not, as deer so often do, sink ex 

 hausted after going a few rods from their yard. 

 Under such circumstances a few hardy hunters or 

 settlers, who are perfectly reckless in slaughtering 

 game, may readily kill all the moose in a district. 

 It is a kind of hunting which just suits the ordi 

 nary settler, who is hardy and enduring, but knows 

 little of hunting-craft proper. 



If the snow is less deep, or the crust not so heavy, 

 the moose may travel for scores of miles before it 

 is overtaken; and this even though the crust be 



