THE RANCHMAN'S RIFLE ON CRAG AND PRAIRIE 



35 



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occasionally rake very large bags of antelope, but a true sportsman who 

 only shoots for peculiarly fine trophies, or to supply the ranch table, will 

 not commit such needless butcheries. Often accidents have thrown it 

 into my power to make a big killing ; but the largest number I have ever 

 shot was on one day when I bagged four, all bucks, and then we were 

 sorely in need of fresh meat, and it was an object to get as much as possible. 

 This day's shooting was peculiar because it took place during a heavy 

 rain storm, which, taken in connection with my own remarkable costume, 

 apparently made the animals act with less than their usual shyness. I wore 

 a great flapping yellow slicker, or oilskin overcoat, about as unlikely a 

 garb as a hunter could possibly don ; but it seemed to fascinate the game. 



