PIN-TAIL DUCK. 225 



The time to shoot at them is just as they are flutter- 

 ing to light. They are then stationary and easy to hit ; 

 but after your first barrel is fired, look out for high and 

 lofty tumbling, for they will rise with a jump. So be 

 prepared, and hold high over them, and give them the 

 second barrel as soon as } r ou can get aim. Use strong 

 powder, and 1 1-8 oz. No. 6 chilled shot, and if you hold 

 right, they can be killed forty and fifty yards with choke- 

 bored guns. 



I do not believe there is any duck that frequents 

 Western waters, that gives the hunter greater satisfac- 

 tion in shooting than these birds, principally because 

 of their wild, wary natures. It takes strategy to kill 

 them, and after one has become proficient in finding, 

 decoying and shooting them, he feels that his utmost 

 skill will be taxed to make a good day's "bag." Just 

 before flying from land or water, they walk or swim 

 together, and raking shots, doing great execution, may 

 be had. This is also the case when they fly up. They 

 then huddle together, and several may be killed at one 

 discharge of the gun. Should the hunter attempt 

 flight-shooting at " travelers,*' his gun will be thorough- 

 ly tested. He should use nothing smaller than a ten- 

 bore, that should be heavy, full choked, loaded with 6 

 dins, powder, 1 oz. No. 2 or 3 shot, and he should 

 hold from 10 to 20 feet ahead of them. 



They afford delicious eating, feeding as they do on 

 rich, nutritious and substantial food, and are invaria- 

 bly in excellent condition for the table. 



Anas Acuta. The pin-tail duck is twenty-six inches in 

 length, and two feet ten inches in extent ; the bill is a 

 dusky lead color: irides, dark hazel; head and half the 



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