BED-HEAD DUCK SHOOTING. 203 



snow melts in the north it booms and rushes and roars, 

 carrying everything before it. 



Once when shooting red-heads on this stream I picked 

 my way out on a projecting point. I was there about 

 two hours. During that time the river rose fully three 

 feet, and but for a farmer I would have had to pass the 

 night in a tree. Red-heads are as nice a bird to shoot as 

 any duck in existence ; their flight is steady, strong, and 

 regular. They do. not pitch .and dart like most ducks, 

 but fly compactly together, straight ahead, with great 

 velocity. They should be hunted with decoys, as they 

 come to them prettily. While one should ,use decoys 

 of their own kind, canvas-back answer nearly as well, 

 and they will come in to blue-bills. Frequently when 

 coming in they will pass by as if . not seeing them. 

 This. is often done while going down wind. If the de- 

 coys are seen, the ducks will usually circle and come 

 back, alighting up wind. If they pass by, and the 

 hunter thinks they haven't seen the decoys, he should 

 make a low chattering or cackling sound, — not loud, 

 just so they can hear. They will then be attracted to 

 the decoys and return. Some hunters let them light 

 and fire the first barrel while on the water. I dislike 

 this method and catch them while wings are outstretch- 

 ed, and just above the water. Experience has taught 

 me that the surest way to capture a crippled red-head 

 is to kill it, and I always shoot them as soon as I learn 

 they are crippled. It only takes from 1 1-8 to 1 1-4 oz. 

 shot and is soon done. Don't chase them with a boat. 

 They are strong swimmers, very sagacious, and great 

 divers. Instinct teaches them to do anything to avoid 

 human beings. 



In placing out your decoys select some open spot 



