HINTS FOR SOUTHERN SHOOTING. 557 



men being to over shoot. Wild turkeys are hard to kill, but often 

 an expert caller will bring them so near that missing them is 

 needless, and the use of a wire cartridge of large shot in one barrel 

 will do all that can be to insure success in getting this superb bird, 

 which is a far finer trophy, and more difficult to obtain thati any 

 that tempts the sportsman from his camp while the day has not 

 dawned. 



In following a wounded deer on the trail, remember that as a 

 general rule all wounded animals will travel the easiest paths and 

 those requiring the least exertion. Always let a wounded deer lie 

 down and " get sick " before following in the trail. The time con- 

 sumed will not be wasted. The quality of the blood, whether it be 

 bright red or dark, and the way it lies upon the trail, will indicate 

 whether the animal is hit in a vital part. The tracks will also help 

 often in this, and should inform you whether the animal is fat or in 

 poor order. If following a wounded bear and you have reason to 

 know where he is, do not approach on the trail, for he is watchful 

 that way, but circle and approach from another direction, and if 

 possible against the wind. 



In still hunting or trail following, remember that you can not 

 go too watchfully, carefully or slow. Go slow, sit down often, 

 don't shoot if by yourself until you get a dead shot ; don't be 

 afraid to let a deer run away without shooting at him. Never 

 shoot at the bulk of anything ; always shoot at some particular 

 place on a deer, the smaller the better, so it be not his head ; but 

 even the head is better than to just get a sight full, and pull with- 

 out knowing where you are going to hit him. Of course, some- 

 times you will have to shoot quick, but don't mistake " quick " for 

 a " hurry and flurry." These last two words in hunting and rifle 

 shooting mean nearly the same thing. When you kill game so big 

 that you can't take it to camp and have to return for it, always 

 mark it down by some prominent object so as to find it easily. 



In Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana, which are much inter- 

 sected and traversed by bayous and water courses, for short trips 

 from, the settlements, nothing will be more convenient, and render 

 the sportsman more independent, than a flat-bottomed boat, with 

 small sail, centre board, and a water tight end with tight trap to 

 carry dry clothing, tea, sugar, etc., to protect from the frequent 



