DECOYS AND HOW TO USE THEM 43 



so much floating ice all the time, that far greater difficulty 

 will be experienced in working. Whereas, in the former case, 

 as soon as the ice is detached the wind carries it away to lee- 

 ward, and you are not further encumbered or annoyed by it. 



The " wake " made in a suitable position, attention should 

 be turned to the channel by which the punt is to enter, and 

 this must be regulated according to circumstances. 



The decoys are placed, some in the water, others on the 

 ice, the shooter being guided more or less by fancy, -selecting 

 what he considers the most desirable positions. It will be 

 found best (if you expect your "wake" will not be open) 

 to arrive on the scene of action an hour or so before day- 

 break, in order to re-break the ice, place the decoys, and put 

 all straight before retiring to the retreat, to watch and wait 



O O 



like a spider over his web. Provided there are any fowl at 

 all in the neighbourhood, we do not think your patience will 

 be very much tried before the melodious whistling of wings 

 startles your reveries and causes that keen excitement which 

 the sight of mallard in the grey dawn invariably stirs up in 

 the breast of a true wildfowler. 



If the " wake " is small and the surroundings suitable, an 

 ambush can be made and splendid sport with shoulder-guns 

 obtained, answering to all intents and purposes the French 

 huttier system. 



The main reason why decoys are used in "wakes" is 

 obvious, for, as there are usually many more " wakes " than 

 one in any large sheet of water, the wildfowl would assuredly 

 prefer selecting those furthest from the shore, unless lured 

 by counter attractions. 



Again, decoys can be used when punt-shooting under the 

 following circumstances. Where one is gunning on an estuary 

 frequented by a large number of shooters, it is usual to divide the 

 ground into berths, and the maxims of " first come," etc, and 

 " possession nine-tenths of the law " prevail. Then it will be 

 found an advantage to lay out several decoys opposite your 

 berth, as, when skilfully placed, it is marvellous how the 

 wild birds are deceived. 



