xxvn. WOODPIGEON SHOOTING (PART /) 437 



of the wind blowing from the fields to you (and as 

 shown in fig. 92). 



If the pigeons are feeding on ground with the wind 

 blowing from them to you, they will surely first fly 

 high over or to one side of you, and after passing 

 some distance downwind will then head up against 

 the wind, as they invariably do (if they come at all), 

 for your tree and its decoys (fig. 92). The dis- 

 advantage to the shooter of the pigeons passing the 

 decoys before heading up for them is obvious, as it 

 gives the birds an opportunity of a spy round as they 

 fly over downwind, and their suspicions may be 

 excited, whilst if the birds fly straight for the decoys 

 without wheeling (as in fig. 91) you are far more 

 certain of obtaining fair shots, as they are in such 

 case less likely to see you before you see than. 



It is well to previously clear away the brushwood 

 and small branches, so that you may have free use of 

 the gun, from two or three spots in a wood near the 

 most suitable trees ; you can then without delay take 

 up your stand according to the position of the birds 

 in the fields and the direction of the wind. 



ON SHOOTING THE PIGEONS 



Now, when you propose a day's sport, you can 

 either shoot the pigeons as they fly to and fro of their 

 own accord throughout the day from their feeding 



