140 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



them than if the region is thickly settled and the turkeys pro- 

 portionately scarce and wary from previous hunting ; for in this 

 case it requires much labor, skill, and cunning, to entice them 

 within gun or rifle-shot. 



A good turkey-dog is of great consequence, Audubon remarks, 

 in the pursuit of these birds, as they not only scent the game from 

 a great distance, but, when up with it, perform the most essential 

 service in running into their midst and forcing them to take flight 

 to the trees in the utmost confusion, thus procuring for the sports- 

 man the most desirable shots. 



If the turkeys were not thus scattered by the dog and made to 

 take to the trees in disorder and terror, they would all make off" in 

 a body with such suddenness and precipitancy that it would be 

 impossible for the sportsman to come up with them. 



The wild turkey runs with amazing celerity, vigor, and bottom, 

 insomuch that they soon outstrip both dog and rider; even when 

 badly winged, it requires a swift dog to overtake them. 



Turkeys are easily killed if shot in the head or neck ; when hit 

 only in the body they most frequently make off and are lost to 

 the hunter. 



It is a common practice in some localities to shoot these birds 

 on their roost on moonlight nights, when they can be distinguished 

 quite easily on the trees. 



Dr. Sargent states " that wild turkeys commence gobbling a 

 little before the break of day, and continue on their roosts until 

 broad daylight; during this interim, the hunter can cautiously 

 glide within shooting-distance of the tree upon which they are 

 perched, and, silently and patiently awaiting till the dawn has 

 broken, secure his game without further trouble. This march 

 upon our victims, however, must be accomplished in the most 

 stealthy manner ; otherwise, the wary gobbler will be alarmed, and 

 seek safety in the most inglorious flight." If such should be the 

 case, the doctor further remarks that the sportsman must now 

 remain perfectly calm and quiet for twenty minutes or so, and 

 then, perhaps, by a few well-timed yelps, may be able to draw the 



