Shooting from a Canoe 



his love for the aqueous element and the time of year. 

 But, of a certainty, it is hard upon shells, blankets, guns, 

 cameras, and grub, to say nothing of the patient and 

 ruminant guide. To avoid unpleasant experiences, 

 such as are suggested above, a little forethought and 

 study of the accompanying pictures may help those who 

 anticipate canoeing and gunning simultaneously. 



When hunting in the eastern part of Canada and the 

 United States, a mixed bag is more entertaining and 

 better to seek for the sportsman with a short vacation 

 period than specializing on some particular kind of 

 game. The canoe, being silently propelled (when 

 expertly handled) and, if painted grey, having low 

 visibility, is the ideal craft for a hunter-voyageur. A 

 shotgun, rifle, trout-rod, camera, and a skilful guide 

 are a symposium that will assure a sportsman an interest- 

 ing day, always provided that the above adjuncts are 

 carefully and correctly manipulated. Otherwise it 

 would be better for a sportsman to blunder along in a 

 boat or go hunting afoot. 



A canoe is a surprisingly stable craft when its occupants 

 are kneeling in the bottom, half sitting upon and half 

 leaning against the thwarts. But when one or both of 

 the passengers are sitting upon the thwarts, the centre 

 of gravity is too high for safety. In spite of the fact 

 that much canoeing is done in this way vtfitfifcaK accident^ ; 

 it is neither the proper nor the best way'io'^use a cano'e" * 

 Where stiff joints or bulk make it essential to -sjt ^ji^Hfe: : .A 

 forward thwart or seat, the guide would naturally take 

 the kneeling position, and by so doing halve the risk 

 of tipping over. Where a sportsman can kneel down 

 in the bottom with comparative comfort, he should 

 accustom himself to this position. 



The hulls of these useful craft are purposely built of 

 the lightest fabric so they may be portaged with the 



101 



