236 THE GAME OF BRITISH EAST AFRICA. 



test before he is allowed to fire at game. I have seen some atrociously bad shots 

 disporting themselves on the veldt. I think it very hard on game to let loose on 

 them some of these bad and irresponsible shooters. Moreover, such men are a 

 danger to others besides game. 



Prospective sportsmen should be made to pass a shooting test before being 

 granted a licence. Such a test could take place in the country in which the licence 

 is granted, and also in England, so that intending sportsmen from home could be 

 saved any possibility of disappointment by being tested before they started. Such 

 a test might be arranged at a dummy buck, say an impala, set up partly concealed 

 by bush and grass. The figure could be made solid on the side facing the firer, but 

 hollow on the other side, with an arrangement for placing a target representing the 

 heart and lungs in this hollow in their exact positions relative to the body. These 

 would, of course, be invisible to the firer. The sportsman would then be allowed to 

 approach not nearer than a line one hundred and fifty yards from the animal. He 

 would be prohibited from crossing this, but might move his position to right or 

 left so as to get a better view of the animal. He should also be allowed field glasses. 



He might then be allowed a specified number of shots at the animal broadside 

 on, a similar number facing, and again another lot half facing or three-quarter ways 

 on. He should be required to make a certain percentage of vital hits out of these 

 shots, say, three out of five through heart or lungs and the remainder well placed. 

 This would not be a very severe test. 



