136 Where to Hunt 



bird shooting season and the branting season. The 

 season for shore-bird shooting in Massachusetts opens 

 the 1 5th of July, and from that time on to October 

 the birds are flying. Chatham flats consist of a vast 

 extent of sand, and at ebb-tide are uncovered. They 

 are the natural home of shore-birds. At times there will 

 be a dearth of birds, but it is believed more shore-birds 

 are killed each year on these great flats than at any 

 other point in New England. About October 1st, after 

 the summer shooters have left, the cooting season 

 opens, and the booming of guns may be heard from 

 morning till night. Later the black duck come, and 

 in the early spring the branting season opens. Un- 

 doubtedly this is the best locality for brant on the New 

 England coast. 



