170 WILD-FOWL 



on the bay are put up by the bay-man sailing down 

 upon them, and these as they fly about are attracted 

 to the decoys. The objection to this form of sport is, 

 of course, that it drives the birds from their feeding 

 grounds, besides being very destructive. Immense 

 numbers of ducks have been shot from a battery in a 

 day. 



Point shooting is at passing birds. As they travel 

 from one feeding ground to another the ducks are 

 required often to pass near or over certain points 

 where the shooting is at times excellent. The shoot- 

 ing is more difficult than shooting over decoys, since 

 the shots are usually at long range and fired at birds 

 under full headway. To estimate correctly the rate 

 of speed and the distance of a passing duck, requires 

 much practice, and a good shot is he who can often 

 send his load of shot far enough in advance to meet 

 the swiftly moving mark. Shoot yards, not feet, ahead 

 of the fastest birds when passing at long range. Each 

 shot is different and must have its own estimate. 

 Practice alone will make a good pass-shooter. Do 

 not be afraid of shooting too far in advance of the 

 birds. The shooting in the line of boats and the toll- 

 ing with small dogs, will be described in connection 

 with the birds so taken. 



In California and the Gulf States the sea-duck shooter 

 has finer weather, and in many places, particularly in 

 Louisiana, Texas, and Southern California the shoot- 

 ing is still very good indeed. 



