8o SHOOTING THE DUCK 



feeding on land for an hour or two, make their way 

 to any water which may be near at hand. This 

 general movement to water is usually known as the 

 second flight. If the gunner, as he ought to have 

 done, has ascertained by the presence of feathers 

 what water is used by the birds, and if, after the flight 

 proper is over, he takes his place there under cover of 

 a blind or pit, sport will be his. 



I have experienced no more delightful sport than 

 walking after duck on a light night. On the saltings, 

 as well as on inland marshes, good bags are to be 

 made. India-rubber boots should be worn, in order 

 to deaden the sound of the tread, and if there is 

 snow upon the ground the gunner should be garbed 

 in his white overall. All likely water should be 

 walked to up-wind, as far as it is possible to do so. 

 After firing a shot, let the gunner remain still for 

 some minutes, as other birds which may have been 

 put on the wing by the sound of the discharge are 

 likely enough to come within range if no movement 

 be made by the shooter. It is to be remembered 

 that when one springs a duck with one's back to the 

 moon it is often very difficult to distinguish the bird 

 plainly ; whereas, if it presents the shadow side to 

 the gunner, if the gunner be facing the bright part of 

 the sky, it offers as clear and easy a shot as can be 



