THE MOOR 173 



SHOOTING THE GROUSE 



i. Over Dogs 



There are several important points to be remem- 

 bered by the keeper in shooting over dogs. Some of 

 these are dealt with in the chapter on dogs, others may 

 be recalled here. As to whether pointers or setters are 

 preferable on a grouse moor depends largely on the 

 moor, and how it is watered setters require much 

 water but as a rule pointers are more steady than 

 setters. 



1. "Guns" must be kept in line, and should be 

 warned not to walk too quickly. 



2. Outside beats should be worked first, so as to 

 drive in birds on to the lower grounds for the after- 

 noon shooting. 



3. The direction of the wind must be continuously 

 studied, and the beats arranged accordingly. 



4. A knowledge of the habits and habitats of the 

 grouse must be taken into consideration. In the early 

 morning the birds are found on their natural feeding- 

 grounds that is, on heather, three to four years old. 

 On the approach of the dogs the grouse generally seek 

 cover in the thicker heather near. After feeding-time 

 they return to their roosting-ground, where they remain 

 during the middle hours of the day. In the evening 

 they return again to their feeding-ground, and after that, 

 a little before dusk, return again to their roosting-ground. 



