28 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING. 
as they are then in the highest condition, both physically 
and mentally; and the best guns for bagging them are 
those having a full choke, for both velocity and penetra- 
tion are required to bring them promptly down. The 
most effective shot to use are No. 1, B, BB, or BBB, as 
either of these brands can stop a gobbler at a distance of 
fifty or sixty yards. Some persons prefer buckshot, 
however, whilst others consider a rifle-ball the only sure 
missile, so that in this, as in other matters of sport, 
people of various experiences.differ in their opinions. 
If arifle is used, aim should always be taken at the 
body; but the head and neck are the safest parts to fire 
at with a shot-gun, if the bird is any distance away, for 
a shot in the side is more likely to wound than to kill; 
yet, I have known more than one struck in that part 
with No. 6 to give up the ghost without much effort. 
The main secret in being a successful turkey-hunter is 
to learn the haunts and habits of the bird; to be light of 
foot, keen of eye, and persevering in pursuit; and, above 
all, to be a good caller. Correctness of intonation is 
not everything, however, fora man must learn the ex- 
pression and meaning of every note, and be coy or bold, 
persistent or silent, according to the mood displayed by 
the creatures he desires to bag. If a person calls too 
much, he may bring the most resolute and daring mem- 
bers of the flock within range before the remainder can 
come up, and if he does not shoot them then they may 
detect his deceptive character, and not, only flee from 
him themselves, but take all their companions with 
them, and if he does fire, he is almost sure of scaring 
away those that have not come up. Persons who de- 
sire to make a big bag with one volley, call cautiously 
on this account, as they want to bring the whole flock 
within range together, and mow them down when they 
get several heads ma line. This saves time and trouble, 
and may be legitimate enough, but whether it is in ac- 
