CANADA GOOSE-SUOOTING. 303 



Now, a word to the amateur goose hunters. Of 

 course, to hunt them with success you must go where 

 they are, and go prepared. Never go without profile 

 decoys. When you arrive at your destination, if a 

 stranger, get acquainted with some local hunter who 

 knows the grounds, and how to hunt them. Follow 

 his advice. But be extremely cautious about writing 

 for a good place to go ; always bear in mind that there 

 are descendants of Ananias living wherever game 

 frequents. I can say this with safety and confidence, 

 for I once took a trip 011 a "wild goose chase," and was 

 badly deceived, wilfully too, for the man who wrote me 

 knew shooting was very poor, " but thought it might 

 be all right by time I got there." Then be extremely 

 cautious where and when you go, and when you find 

 the right place, improve it. Practice the imitation of 

 their cries, and always answer their call, as near as 

 you can. If you are sure they are coming to your 

 decoys, don't call too often, lest they discover the 

 deception ; but call softly, just so they will hear you, 

 and they will come near to you. Place your hand over 

 your mouth, so the hollow of your hand will throw the 

 sound down to the ground, then call gently in a sooth- 

 ing, coaxing tone ; you are trying to win their confidence 

 now, and must use your sweetest notes. Should you 

 wing a goose, tie it among or very near the decoys, it 

 will prove obstinate at first, and sullenly lay for a 

 time with neck outstretched, but will soon get over 

 that, and standing on its feet will call loudly to its com- 

 panions, as they fly over. You will find this call an 

 improvement on your own, even if you get to be an ex- 

 pert at calling them ; besides, the goose will be quickly 

 noticed, as it moves around, restrained by the string by 

 which it is secured. 



