198 BIG GAME SHOOTING 



Having thus fairly considered all the pros and cons, I am 

 decidedly of opinion that the stalker will get more pleasure and 

 more game by stalking between daylight and 10 or n A.M., and 

 again between 3.30 P.M. and sundown, than at any other time. 



There are some places where game, although plentiful, is 

 so wild, and the ground so absolutely devoid of any covert, 

 that stalking is an impossibility. Under such circumstances, 

 and more particularly if the game sought after is scarce, or 

 carries a particularly fine head, there are ways of circumventing 

 it which are admissible, and which cannot in any way be con- 

 sidered unsportsmanlike. These are driving, the Bushman's 

 stratagem of the stalking ostrich, and sitting up at night near a 

 drinking-place. The two former I have myself tried successfully. 



It will be found that most antelopes are very partial to 

 certain localities, where they are seen day after day in or quite 

 near to the same place. They are also sure to have certain 

 lines of retreat in case of danger ; a habit very much in the 

 sportsman's favour should he decide on a drive. To find this 

 line of retreat is very necessary, and it can only be done by 

 making one or two test drives without either the sportsman or 

 ' stops ' in position. Of course all game should be driven down 

 or across the wind. The beaters, from ten to fifteen in number, 

 should be formed into a long line, and should then slowly ad- 

 vance on the game. On no account should the beaters proceed 

 too quickly, lest the game should become thoroughly scared, 

 and (if in a herd) split up and driven in different directions. 

 On the second day the same tactics may be tried again, and 

 it will be found in all probability that the game will make off 

 by exactly the same line of retreat. The third day the sportsman 

 and the ' stops ' can take up their positions in the line which 

 the game seems likely to take, behind the most convenient 

 shelter available, which may be artificial if there should be 

 no natural covert, such as a bush, ant-heap, or tuft of grass 

 large enough to conceal them! The ' stops/ who are generally 

 gun-bearers, these being as a rule more intelligent than the 

 ordinary porters, should be directed to take up their positions on 



