1 66 DEER-STALKING 



easier to hit than one which is lying down where the 

 shooter is in a cramped position ; and I cannot help 

 thinking that better results would follow if stalkers 

 would have greater confidence in themselves, and not 

 sacrifice time and run many other risks, such as a 

 change of wind, the arrival of other deer, and 

 accidents of all kinds, in order to make sure of a pot- 

 shot. 



Here is an example. Suppose you find yourself 

 within sixty yards of a stag that is lying down, not 

 above him, but on flattish ground, with a small hollow 

 intervening. His head is turned towards you or side- 

 ways. With the greatest difficulty you are able to 

 bring your eyes to the level of the mound in front in 

 order to see him. To show more than the peak of 

 your cap is impossible ; to get the rifle on the mound 

 out of the question what is to be done? If the 

 stag is a real good one, it may be well to wait for him 

 to get up, then take the opportunity of getting the rifle 

 over the ridge when his head is turned away, and fire 

 as soon as he presents a broadside shot. Even then 

 he may move off, tail on, and a fresh stalk may be 

 unavoidable. But if only a moderate beast, and it is 

 early in the day, by waiting you may lose the best 

 part of it and after all not get a shot. Under 

 these circumstances I should have no hesitation what 



