DEER IN BANDS. GENERAL HINTS, ETC. 253 



before coming in to water or feed. And if he backs 

 off instead of coming ahead don't be in too much 

 haste to go after him, for he may be coming around 

 by a trail or down the next ravine. 



Though deer can go without water, especially when 

 the browse is wet with dews or fogs or rain, yet in hot 

 weather, especially in the dry countries, they are very 

 fond of it. Hence if you can find the only water-hole for 

 a long distance, and camp so close to it as to keep the 

 deer away from it for a night or two, you will be very 

 apt to find them hanging about in the close vicinity 

 in the morning waiting for a chance to come in. This 

 is vastly better than watching the water all night and 

 crippling one or two with an uncertain shot, or pot- 

 shooting them with a shot-gun. I have never tried 

 it, but a friend of mine, who is otherwise an excellent 

 hunter, does it with great success, and considers it 

 almost sure. 



Antelope generally, if not always, water by day, and 

 cannot, when on dry feed or sun-cured grass, go with- 

 out water as long as deer can. But much more care 

 must be used in watching for them. You must be 

 better hid and be in such position that no motion is 

 necessary before shooting. If you cannot hide, the 

 best way to wait for either deer or antelope to come 

 close enough after they once come in sight is to lie 

 flat on your face or back and not move a muscle until 

 you are ready to shoot. Then if they are certain to 

 see you anyhow, jump as quickly as you can. But 

 otherwise move slowly and make no noise, as you may 

 in this way get standing shots instead of only running 

 ones, as may be the case where they see you or you 

 have to move quickly. 



When game has once seen you it is of little use to 



