denig] THE ASSINIB01ST 539 



catch them in a pit or hole dug for the purpose — covering it with 

 a revolving trap door with a bait of meat on each end above and 

 beneath. The animal in endeavoring to reach the bait is turned in 

 by the revolving of the door under its weight, which brings the 

 other bait on top. A second revolution turns up the first bait and 

 turns down the second wolf. 



In this way they will catch as many as the pit will hold, especially 

 as when a few are turned in they commence fighting; and the 

 noise attracts others. Wolves are also sacrificed to and small presents 

 given them, with the view of avoiding their being bitten by them 

 when mad, or as the Gods of War. 



The chase does not vary much at any season, except that in the 

 summer, no skins being seasonable but deer in the red, only enough 

 animals are killed to suffice for food, clothing, lodges, etc. From the 

 middle of September to the middle of March the hair and fur of 

 all animals become merchantable. They are then hunted for the 

 hide, though all prime furs are taken off in the middle of the win- 

 ter. Pelts are judged by the thickness of their skin and fur. In 

 the warm months all animals shed their hair. A little observation 

 enables a person to determine to a certainty in what month the 

 animal has been killed. 



Hunting parties not decided on by council in the soldiers' lodge 

 are formed by any respectable hunter sending invitations to those he 

 wishes should accompany him. 



The spoils of smaller game belong to him who killed it but they 

 share the meat with all who are there, and but little difficulty occurs 

 on this point. When but few animals are killed it is always known 

 who killed them, and when many are slaughtered all have enough. 

 Disputes arise occasionally, however, but it is not a matter of suffi- 

 cient importance to proceed to extreme measures, and one of the party 

 usually relinquishes his claim. 



The morning and evening are the best hours for approaching 

 small game, as at those times they are found feeding, but buffalo 

 can be easier approached in the middle of the day when they lie 

 down for an hour or two, and if not asleep their range of vision is 

 much diminished by that position and intervening grass. Light 

 and shade are not of much consequence in approaching game. The 

 object of the hunter is to keep out of sight entirely until the moment 

 of firing, and when that is not possible to make use of some skin, 

 branches, grass, etc., to deceive the animal, move very slowly, and 

 keep the wind in his favor. 



The manner in which animals are decoyed has been pointed out, 

 but is not always successful, and only resorted to by those who are 

 adepts in the art of mimicry, as in the rutting season. This is the 



