78 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



as results go to settle the difference, or, in other words, the 

 shooter practising hutting invariably has better success than 

 the one who chooses to stalk about. To some extent circum- 

 stances go a long way towards controlling the plans of the 

 shore-shooter. Some quarters are unsuitable for hutting, and 

 consequently other methods have to be adopted. In either 

 pursuit it is always necessary for the gunner to be thoroughly 

 acquainted with the habits and movements of his quarry, as 

 they are affected by tides, winds, and other similar governing 

 elements. Also, and with no less importance, the shooter 

 should be able to "call" or mimic the cries of his quarry, for 

 unless he is proficient in this art his chances of good sport are 

 considerably lowered. It is equally necessary for him to under- 

 stand the conditions with regard to tide times and the hour of 

 day when his birds will most readily heed his deceiving calls. 

 These details will be referred to later, but in the meantime it 

 will be well to state that, unless close observation and experi- 

 ence are coupled with the advice tendered, the learner cannot 

 expect to become expert, neither can he conceive those un- 

 teachable details of sound and circumstance. To assist the 

 ready, apt, and willing learner is all I aim to do. More than 

 that is impossible and should not be anticipated. 



Before constructing a hut, first observe the daily flights of 

 the shore-birds and other fowl as the tides compel them to 

 leave their feeding grounds. Note their regular lines, and 

 choose a spot where you will not be turned out until high 

 water or thereabouts of spring tides. Weigh matters generally 

 and decide in favour of a situation which will enable you 

 to hide at top tide rather than retreat to take your chance 

 unhidden. Of course, two huts might be built, but this is 

 extremely laborious, and where shooters are numerous is im- 

 practicable, for one could not easily claim on a free shore all 

 the best spots and hold them for emergencies. The best plan 

 is to hit on one spot and stick to it, even if birds do not come 



