Duck-shooting 19 



located as regards the blind that birds about to 

 come need not be forced too close to the gunner, 

 when they inevitably sheer off, giving a poor shot, 

 but in such position that the decoying bird is at 

 the easiest possible angle to shoot. Next to de- 

 coys the blind is all-important. Having selected 

 the most favorable situation for it, the construc- 

 tion depends on circumstances. It should re- 

 semble closely the surroundings and be as small 

 and inconspicuous as possible. In exposed places 

 hay, grass, or seaweed are often available and 

 useful; in winter, cakes of ice. If the location 

 permits it, a pit can be dug and a box or barrel 

 sunk. Numerous portable blinds have been sug- 

 gested, of canvas or other material ; but these 

 usually fail to give much satisfaction. Of the 

 various craft employed in duck-shooting, it is un- 

 necessary to go into detail here. The principle 

 of a duck boat depends upon whether it is to be 

 used in shallow water on marshes and flats or off- 

 shore, where deep water and sudden squalls make 

 a strong boat necessary. The craft for rivers and 

 marshes should be light and low, with a flat bot- 

 tom ; these boats are generally decked over. 



Points and the edges of marshy ponds are 

 favorite locations for decoying ducks, and this 

 method of shooting is in universal use along the 

 bays of the coast and throughout the interior. 

 The sounds off the shores of North Carolina 



