e99 



METHODS OP CAPTURING BIRDS OF PKEV. 



Oftentimes certain of the birds of pre}', as shown on 

 l»receding pages of this work, become very trouble- 

 some, and the farmer, poulterer or stockman is often 

 obliged, in order to protect himself from serious 

 losses, to adopt means whereby he can rid himself of 

 the feathered depredators. Some of the methods em- 

 ployed in this and other States to destroy Hawks. 

 Owls and Eagles are as follows: 



SHOOTING. 



When the scalp act of 1885 was in force, great num- 

 bers of Hawks were killed by hunters who approached 

 the birds on horseback, in wagons or in sleighs. In 

 one day a hunter shot sixteen Hawks; they were: 8, 

 Cooper's; ?>, Sparrow; 2, Red-shouldered; 2. Rough- 

 legged, and 0, Red-tailed. If Hawks are shot at and 

 missed two or three times when thus approached, 

 they become very shy and will seldom allow a wagon 

 or sleigh to get near them. At first, however, these 

 birds can easily be approached by vehicles drawn by 

 a quiet horse, so that the gunner can get within 20 

 or 30 yards before they fly; and often you can drive or 

 ride directly under them when pevfhed on trees. It 

 is much easier to shoot fiom a sleigh than a wheeled 

 vehicle. When you use the latter it is best to jump 

 cMit on the ground before shooting and take the bird 

 on the wing. It is bolter to go on horseback after 

 Hawks and Eagles than in a sleigh or wagon. 

 Never attempt to shoot when sitting on the horse un- 

 less vou know the animal will not be frightened at 



