The Black-Tail Deer. 163 



come into view, and closely inspect every place in sight 

 in which a deer could possibly stand or lie, always re- 

 membering that a deer is when still a most difficult animal 

 to see, and that it will be completely hidden in cover 

 which would apparently hardly hold a rabbit. The rifle 

 should be carried habitually so that the sun will not glance 

 upon it. Advantage must be taken, in walking, of all 

 cover, so that the hunter will not be a conspicuous object 

 at any distance. The heads of a series of brushy ravines 

 should always be crossed ; and a narrow, winding valley, 

 with patches of bushes and young trees down through the 

 middle, is always a likely place. Caution should never 

 for a moment be forgotten, especially in the morning or 

 evening, the times when a hunter will get nine tenths of his 

 shots ; for it is just then, when moving and feeding, that 

 deer are most watchful. One will never browse for more 

 than a minute or two without raising its head and peering 

 about for any possible foe, the great, sensitive ears thrown 

 forward to catch the slightest sound. But while using 

 such caution it is also well to remember that as much 

 ground should be crossed as possible ; other things being 

 equal, the number of shots obtained will correspond to the 

 amount of country covered. And of course a man should 

 be on the hunting ground not starting for the hunting 

 ground by the time there is enough light by which to 

 shoot. 



Deer are in season for hunting from August first to 

 January first. August is really too early to get full 

 enjoyment out of the sport. The bucks, though fat and 

 good eating, are still in the velvet ; and neither does nor 



