324 



WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



seem, and are moving fast. That it takes time to decide 

 to shoot, to press the trigger, to ignite the powder, for 

 the shot to reach the bird, the time is infinitesimal, and 

 yet the bird moves swiftly all the while. Then hold 

 well ahead, don't be afraid of getting too far, for your 

 estimate of distance will almost invariably be less than 

 it should be, and when you think you are holding four 

 feet ahead of the bird, you will not be over two. On 

 .a duck you estimate at 40 yards, going at a moderate 

 gate, say a mallard ; let it come a little to your side 

 and over, just as it gets near you coolly bring up your 

 gun, draw it in behind, gauge the swinging of the gun 

 by the speed of the bird ; cover the bird, then advance 

 ahead j list as the bird is passing you ; keep the gun 

 moving, and when you think you are from two to three 

 feet ahead, steadily pull the trigger, and you have 

 centered the bird. Don't check the moving of the gun 

 until you hear the report. 



In other chapters of this book, full directions have 

 been given how to aim at ducks in their different 

 flights ; but let the reader bear in mind that the great- 

 est fault of every beginner and inexperienced duck-shot 

 is to shoot behind. So, try to overcome this universal 

 fault, and on cross or quartering ducks shoot from one 

 to ten feet ahead, according to their distance from you, 

 and the speed with which they are flying. 



When ducks jump up and fly from you, they are con- 

 stantly rising ; your shot obeying the laws of gravita- 

 tion will drop. These things must be taken into con- 

 sideration, and you should aim well over the bird, from 

 5 to 20 inches. 



Never fear your gun bursting by an excessive charge. 

 Any good gun will safely stand the strain of three times 



