158 WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



while the wounded escape in the darkness to die a lin- 

 gering death, — these methods are familiar to every 

 reader of sporting literature. 



In the West they are not so well known and are 

 recognized as a rara avis when found along the Missis- 

 sippi. On the inland lakes andrivers of the West they 

 are frequently found, and goodly "bags" are made. 

 Excellent shooting is had at times in Illinois, Iowa, 

 Nebraska and other western States. At and around 

 Ruthven in Iowa, when one is there at the proper time, 

 it is no uncommon occurrence for one gun to get from 

 20 to 40 in a morning or evening's shooting. Once in 

 a while it seems, as if by accident, they are seen flying 

 up the Mississippi, or again, floating idly along with 

 the current. 



When the Western duck hunter, throtigh a generous 

 fate, is fortunate enough to enjoy one good day's shoot- 

 ing of canvas-backs, he is apt to remember it for years, 

 if not during his whole life, for in the West, they are so 

 scarce that one successful hunt becomes so emblazoned 

 on our memory, that years cannot efface it, nor will 

 time tarnish the pleasant recollections, for as years 

 are added to our declining life, they seem to brighten 

 and make more splendid those days spent in shooting 

 canvas-backs. We cherish these memories, and love to 

 have our minds wander back, reverting with satisfac- 

 tion and delight, to the moments we sat hidden in our 

 boats, with numerous decoys scattered around us, 

 shooting the noblest wild fowl that ever spread wings, 

 as they come in their wedge-shaped column, fearlessly 

 over our decoys ; or, carried by their wonderful velocity, 

 light just on the edge of the decoys with feet extended 

 shoving small billows of seething foam, as they plow 

 tlu'ough the water. 



