346' BIG GAME OF NORTH AMERICA. 



44 Winchester, and have had no trouble in bringing down 

 the game; though rarely have I had to shoot over one hun- 

 dred yards. 



There is one precaution which it will be well to observe;, 

 that is, keep the wind in your face when possible, as tho 

 Goats, when they scent you, may take a notion to skulk off 

 among the rocks and keep out of sight, adding to your 

 trouble in finding them. 



A couple of good Indians will be necessary, to pack your 

 grub and camp outfit, and to pick out the least difficult way 

 in making the trip up the mountain; for, during the months 

 above mentioned,' Goats are rarely found below the sum- 

 mit. When the summit is reached, if the game is not iu 

 sight, the usual signs are sought for — a fresh track, or tuft- 

 of wool hanging from bush or projecting rock. In places 

 where this game is abundant, trails will be found worn deep- 

 in the soft ground. 



Of course, there is always a certain amount of interest 

 and excitement attached to the hunting down of a wild, 

 animal; but after his first Goat-hunt, the average sports- 

 nifan will probably conclude that the sport obtained in the 

 capture of the Goat hardly pays him for the leg-wearying 

 toil experienced in climbing the rocky heights to reach, its- 

 habitat. 



During the winter months, say January and February, 

 if one take a canoe and a couple of Indians, and paddle- 

 along the shore of any of the inlets which indent the coast- 

 line of British Columbia, he may get a shot at a Goat with- 

 out proceeding far from the water' s edge. I have, on one 

 occasion, bagged three and got back to my canoe within 

 one hour from the time of leaving it. The only drawback 

 to a hunt during these months is the disagreeable, wet 

 weather which one is almost certain to encounter in winter 

 on this Northwest Coast. 



I have found more pleasure in sitting down on the 

 sunny side of a rock, and, with the aid of my field-glass, 

 watching an hour or two the queer actions of these sleepy- 

 looking denizens of the mountains, than I ever got out of a 



