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LETTER XXIX 



WOODPIGEON SHOOTING (PART III) 



SHOOTING WOODPIGEONS AS THEY FEED IN THE FIELDS 



To shoot the pigeons as they feed in the open, you 

 will have to discover their favourite ground. On no 

 account attack the birds when they first gather on 

 some particular field, but give them two or three days' 

 armistice, so that they may visit it with confidence as 

 a safe resort for food. It is well worth your while to 

 scatter broadcast a stone or two of maize, just where 

 the birds mostly feed. This should be done, of course, 

 ((f'to- the pigeons have left at dusk to fly to roost. 

 They will quickly perceive the food in the morning, 

 and will spread the good news far and near. Pigeons 

 are only too thankful to find grain on the surface 

 ready for them, especially in a frost, as they cannot 

 scratch below the soil. By acting thus you may 

 increase your bag considerably. 



AVhen you decide to shoot, construct an ambush in 

 the hedge of the field the birds frequent,* and within shot 



* You will never shoot satisfactorily through a hedge, but if your 

 shelter is well assimilated to the colour of its surroundings, and you 

 are properly concealed, the birds will not notice you. 



