724 



Field Sports in Minnesota. 



WILD GEESE. 



HUTCHINS'S GOOSE — 

 CANADA GOOSE — 

 WHITE-FRONTED OR 

 LAUGHING GOOSE — 

 SNOW GOOSE. 



resemble the true brant of the sea-coast (Branta hernida)* which 

 may be found occasionally in the midst of flocks of the other kinds, 

 yet are by no means common. 



From about the latitude of Kandiyohi County to the Red River 

 of the north, the different species of the wild goose hold high revel 

 and, upon the approach of the cold weather, may be seen in count- 

 less thousands massing for the southern flight. An early morning 

 drive along the wheat-fields which they frequent will disclose them 

 feeding either upon stubble or breaking. They must be allowed to 

 depart not only unmolested, but of their own accord, when an exam- 

 ination of the feeding-ground is carefully made, and the pits may 

 then at once be sunk. If there are two shooters, as many pits are 

 necessary, and they are best circular in form, about thirty inches in 

 diameter and forty inches in depth. The earth of the excavation 

 may be partially utilized in constructing a slight embankment around 

 the edges of the pit. The surface of the soil about the pit-openings 

 must be manipulated until it accords in appearance with the natural 

 surroundings. The pits may be near enough to permit of a whis- 

 pered conversation between the occupants when the game is ap- 



* Branta bernicla (Linn.) on the Pacific coast is the variety nigricans. 



