188 FIELD SHOOTING. 



much nearer than at other times when the dis- 

 tance is actually the same. In nine cases out of 

 ten, when a man shoots at ducks flying over him, 

 they are higher in the air than he believes them 

 to be. 1 have often seen men fire at ducks 

 which were so high and so far ofF that the 

 flock would not change its direction at the re- 

 port, and just kept on, seemingly looking down 

 contemptuously on the foolish shooter. In the 

 spring of the year and late in fall, when the 

 ducks are heavily feathered, a side shot is best 

 for penetration, as it may take effect under the 

 wing. When shooting from a blind, it is best to 

 let the ducks pass a little before firing. When 

 the shooter is lying on the ground, the turn 

 made by the ducks as they tower up gives better 

 chance of penetration ; but the grand secret of 

 penetration is a hard-hitting gun of good weight 

 and calibre, and plenty of powder. 



In the prairies there are many ponds and 

 sloughs, and the waters are generally well up in 

 them when the prime of the time for shooting 

 ducks comes in the spring and fall. At such 

 places it is advisable to use decoys, and with 

 these well set out a man may shoot on and off 

 all clay when the ducks are flying about. Wooden 



