WILDFO WLING 309 



used with success when ducks are flighting to crop or 

 roots. 



Shooting Afloat 



When shooting from a small boat, especially with 

 an 8-bore, the keeper must be most careful to keep the 

 head of the boat well up to the waves. The recoil of an 

 8-bore is sufficient to rock the boat and topple the gun 

 into the water, unless the boat's head is kept well up. 

 In approaching from the sea towards duck feeding 

 ashore, always manoeuvre towards them along the 

 shore, and never by direct frontal attack. 



Punting 



This subject is a study in itself, and only a few 

 practical points may be noted. The rest must be 

 gleaned from experience. First beware of strong tides 

 and southerly winds. A discreet punter will never 

 leave the poling-ground with an uncertain wind, especi- 

 ally if it be from the south. When approaching a 

 flock of duck, always give due heed to the sentinels 

 that will be seen dotted here and there apart from the 

 flock. Upon their conduct the punter should base his 

 scheme of operations. An outlook should also be kept 

 for black-backed gulls, as they are a frequent source of 

 disturbance, and often mar what would have been ideal 

 chances. Never attempt punting in rough weather, 

 but watch and take advantage of the first lull after a 

 storm. A punter should make a point of making as 



