HOW TO FIND GAME. I9 



The sportsman should invariably carry his rifle himself, or he will miss many 

 opportunities, and he will only have himself to thank if he loses valuable game by not 

 doing so, as it is a native peculiarity never to be at hand when wanted. 



He should not walk out on to a dambo at once, but inspect it before reaching it 

 through the trees from a distance, and at any time that a new vista is opened up 

 should approach cautiously and very slowly. 



When he has satisfied himself that there is no game near him, he should keep 

 up the edge of the dambo in the shade of the trees, and frequently inspect all likely 

 places and objects, which might be game, through his glasses. 



He should always go slowly, as in so doing there is less chance of being seen or heard. 



If men are taken out to carry in any game shot, they should be made to walk at 

 least half a mile in the rear in open country, and not come up close, as they always 

 try to do. 



If they see anything they should pass up word by whistling or signal. 



One should at all times walk noiselessly, even when one thinks that game is not 

 close, and avoid treading on sticks and dead leaves. 



The habit of pointing which natives are fond of indulging in should be 

 discouraged, as any quick movement attracts the attention of game. 



Your native hunter will often see things first, and should be taught to indicate 

 the direction with his hand below the waist and close to the side. 



The two great maxims to observe in looking for game are, to go quietly and to 

 keep the wind right. 



The first is by no means easy, as in the dry season the ground will be covered 

 with dry grass, reeds, brittle sticks, and leaves, not to mention thorn bushes, over- 

 hanging boughs, holes in the ground, stones, and fallen timber ; and in the wet 

 season the green grass will make a swishing sound. Therefore, to go quietly one 

 must go slowly. 



Care should be taken to pitch camp at least a quarter of a mile from any water 

 where game may be expected to drink during the night, so that it should not 

 be disturbed by the noise and smell of the camp. 



This especially applies to the larger game, such as elephant, rhino, and buffalo. 



Of course, this is not so important on the banks of a big river, where the game 

 may drink anywhere, and where two trackers may be sent to look for spoor up and 

 down stream, on both banks, at early dawn. 



At a small pool which game frequent, by neglecting such precautions, it may 

 be driven off, thereby necessitating it to drink elsewhere, and perhaps the next 

 pool may be a day's march away. 



