The Black-Tail Deer 177 



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 fawns should be killed, as 

 many of the latter are in the spotted coat. Be- 

 sides it is very hot in the middle of the day, though 

 pleasant walking in the early morning and late 

 evening, and with cool nights. December is apt 

 to be too cold, although with many fine days. The 

 true time for the chase of the black-tail is in the 

 three fall months. Then the air is fresh and bracing, 

 and a man feels as if he could walk or ride all day 

 long without tiring. In the bright fall weather 

 the country no longer keeps its ordinary look of 

 parched desolation, and the landscape loses its same- 

 ness at the touch of the frost. Where everything 



