Moose - Hunting. 



163 



or approach in a stealthy manner and retire on discovery of the 

 cheat. Moose-calling is seldom attempted by white men, the gift of 

 calling with success being rare even among the Indians. 



Fire hunting, or hunting by torch-light, is practiced by exhibit- 

 ing a bright light, formed by burning bunches of birch bark in places 

 known to be frequented by moose. The brilliant light seems to fas- 

 cinate the animal, and he will readily approach within range of the 

 rifle. The torch placed in the bow of a canoe is also used as a lure 

 on a lake or river, but is attended with considerable danger, as a 

 wounded or enraged moose will not unfrequently upset the canoe. 



The mode of hunting which generally prevails is that of still 

 hunting, or creeping upon the moose, which is undoubtedly the most 

 sportsmanlike way, and affords the greatest pleasure. Still hunting 

 can be practiced in September, and all through the early winter 

 months, until the snow becomes so deep that it would be a sin to 

 molest the poor animals. The months of September and October 

 are charming months for camping out, and the moose are then in 

 fine condition, and great skill and endurance are called for on the 

 part of the hunter. The moose possesses a vast amount of pluck, 

 and when once started on his long, swinging trot, his legs seem tire- 

 less, and he will stride over bowlders and windfalls at a pace which 

 soon distances his pursuers, and, but for the sagacity of the Indian 

 guide in picking out the trail, would almost always escape. 





J 





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STIt.l. HUNTING. 



