444 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 
their bodies appeared in the gathering darkness like 
enormous black fruits outlined sharply against the 
glowing western sky. 
“When it became thoroughly dark we cautiously ap- 
proached the trees and took a stand almost under one 
containing several birds. They were perched two or 
three feet apart, so that only one could be shot at a 
time. 
“As we knew the old fellows were very wary, we 
held our guns in readiness as soon as we came within 
range, and prepared to shoot at the first sign of alarm. 
I sent my companion to the next tree, and told him 
to give a low whistle when he was ready. I held my 
10-bore gun leveled at one of the birds, and it began 
to feel very heavy before the signal was given. When 
it finally came I fired both barrels in quick succession, 
and was much gratified an instant later to hear a crash- 
ing noise among the branches as two fine old gobblers 
came tumbling down, landing before me with a loud 
thump. Instantly heavy wing strokes could be heard 
in all directions as the frightened birds left their 
perches. My companion had also made successful right 
and left shots into his tree. After some search we 
each located and killed another turkey, after which 
no more could be found. We then gathered the big 
birds together, swung them well out of reach of prowl- 
ing coyotes or mountain lions, and started for camp. 
When about a quarter of a mile from the roost I 
saw by the dim moonlight a turkey form among 
the branches of a big pine. A chance shot was 
