CANVAS-BACK DUCK. 257 



if there were equal numbers on each side, when 

 the ducks would be as likely to turn one way 

 as the other. If during the day the wind should 

 change, it will he necessary to alter the position 

 of the battery. This may be done without taking 

 up the decoys, if they are arranged as directed ; 

 all that is necessary being to shift the box to 

 windward. 



When ducks are flying by, especially on very 

 calm days, a good way to attract their attention to 

 the decoys is to raise your hands above the edges 

 of the box and wave them quickly to and fro^ imi- 

 tating as near as may be the action of ducks when 

 flapping their wings or when alighting on the water. 

 This turning involuntarily the eyes of the passing 

 ducks towards the decoys, they come in readily. 



The shooter should be careful not to rise up too 

 soon when ducks are approaching. Wait until they 

 are over the "tail" decoys, and if there is a 

 large flock, and they choose to alight, let them do 

 so; and when you catch a sufficient number to- 

 gether, rise and fire quickly. A second gun 

 often adds considerably to the score, if the shooter 

 can handle it rapidly. A strap fastened across 

 the top of one or both feet will help him in rising. 



The method of shooting canvas-back from the 



