FOREST AND STREAM: 



403 



DEER HUNTING AND BUFFALO 

 SLAUGHTERING IN TEXAS. 



NEW Rochellb, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1ST7. 

 Editor Forest and Stream : 



I learn through G. H. Ragsdale (one of your contributors), Gaines- 

 ville, Cook Co.. Texas, trial five or six hunters from that city have just 

 returned from their usual fall hunt near that place. Owing to heavy 

 rains, they hunted but three clays. They killed, of deer alone, forty-one, 

 of which Capt. Rowland, the " Deer Slayer " of the party, killed twenly 

 in two and a half days. This looks as if the deer arc not yet quite gone 

 there. I know they used to be very plenly In this region, and I have 

 hitherto, through your columns, pointed out this, " the upper cross tim- 

 bers," as the very paradise for sportsmen during the fall and -winter. 

 These grounds are within three or four days' ride from New York city. 

 Wild geese also by the thousand (and, of course, ducks) were seen on 

 the sand-bars in Bed River, and ranging from 100 to 500 yards. 



The question is asked me— how are the punts made and used? Will 

 Borne one, who knows better than I do, please answer through your col- 

 nrnns ? Let some one give us a full article on punts ; thereby we shall 

 all learn. Herein lies the beauty and strong points of your paper— it 

 educates all up to the standard point. But to return. 



Speaking of the buffalo, the Texas Sew Yorker for Nov. says, "The 

 buffalo hunters in the camp on the headwaters of the Colorado River 

 have over 20,000 buffalo hides now ready for hauling to the markets In 

 the lower counties." These hunters have been sending off their peltries 

 during all the past year. The wagon trains which go West to supply 

 the frontier posts, are reported as returning loaded with buffalo hides. 

 They pass through Mason, the county seat of Mason county, to the city 

 of San Antonio ; and also through Palo-pinto, the county seat of Palo- 

 pinto county, to old Port; Worth, the county seat, of Tarrant county (all 

 my eld stamping grounds), at which two points they reach the rail- 

 roads, and where the skius find a ready market. The Galveston News 

 estimates the number of buffalo killed within the pa»t year by these 

 Western hunters at 200,000. Only think of the number! It fairly chills 

 the true sportsman's blood to think of this immense slaughter. I say 

 true sportsman, for these are quite all pot hunters. Slaughtering these 

 200,000 noble, animals ! And for what ? For their hides mostly ; to sell 

 them for $1.25 each for poor shoe leather, and this when the meat of 

 each animal is really worth $20 to live on. Without pursuing this sub- 

 ject further, which does not fall within the purpose of this hasty letter, 

 I cannot refrain from adding, in view of the happy past, how sad 

 to think that our dear little children, when out on their merry rides with 

 the. sleigh, and when pinched with piercing winds and Winter's cold, 

 Will soon be able to enjoy the nice, soft warm buffalo robe of our earlier 

 days no more. These robes are worth, at all times— whether in the 

 camp, the house, or the sleigh, or on the land or the sea— about six good 

 Mackinac blankets, as we can all affirm. Let us all arouse, and declare 

 for the robe and the buffalo. 



When we shall come to lose this precious boon, the robe— as soon we 

 must unless we cry aloud and spare not— then, indeed, will half the in- 

 habitants of the globe sustain a great and irreparable loss, and one 

 which cannot be remedied. Texas, especially, should be aroused to the 

 importance of this subject. She should at once pass and rigidly enforce 

 laws to protect her now very abundant game. Especially should she 

 protect the buffalo, the most noble and gigantic wild animal of all our 

 possessions. Maj. H. W. Merrill. 



Far Forest and Stream and Bod and Gun, 

 AFTER THE NEZ PERCES. 



Oantonmeht at Tongue Rivek, M. T.,) 

 Nov, 25, 1877. j 



JOSEPH and Ms band, after marching through Idaho and 

 Western Montana, visiting the National Park, and having 

 various conflicts with the military— Regular and Volunteer— 

 came sufficiently near to invite the attention of Gen. Miles at 

 Tongue River, M. T. 



Orders were issued. We crossed the Swift Yellowstone on 

 the 18th of September, passed up a ravine, where two of 

 Custer's men were killed by Indians in 1873, over a high 

 plateau which gives commanding views in every direction, 

 cast one long lingering look at the fair forms and waving 

 handkerchiefs on the other side of the river, and our march 

 began. 



We soon reached the Valley of Sunday Creek, and passed 

 through a camp of Cheyennes and Sioux, our enemies of last 

 year, but now firm friends. They surrendered last March, 

 and the only secret of their conversion, after fighting them, is 

 summed up in one word, "Justice." Their main camp is near 

 the post. They are treated fairly, have sufficient food, and 

 from time to lime small parties, with an escort of soldiers, 

 have been permitted to go out hunting buffalo'. ' In this way 

 they have provided themselves with new skin lodges, and are 

 better off in every respect than before their surrender. This 

 camp has just started out for a hunt, and greet us with hearty 

 "Hows," as we march by them. A ride of seventeen miles 

 through dust, and our first camp was made. 



Sunday Creek varies from a roaring torrent after heavy 

 rains, to an insignificant thread of alkali water, which is the 

 usual condition. As progress is made toward the head of 

 the Creek, the water is found in pools, and these at long in- 

 tervals. Our second day's march is again over a dusty trail, 

 through barren, fantastic, badlands, alternating with patches 

 of luxuriant grass. 



After making camp, several men go out hunting. The 

 pickets report buffalo in sight. Result of the hunt, one black- 

 tailed deer. A few jack rabbits were seen during the day, 

 but there is so much cactus that dogs have no show. 



The next morning ushered in a bright, lovely day. I bagged 

 a splendid buck antelope, whose horns would have been a fine 

 trophy, but some teamster, who had no appreciation in his 

 soul, threw them out of a wagon after a few days' march. One 

 young officer, who had never seen a buffalo in bis native 

 haunts, killed two, and it would require a Nast to do pictorial 

 justice to the scene. All sportsmen can appreciate the feel- 

 ings of an ardent hunter as he bags his first specimen. The 

 command had a hard day's march, and camped on a branch 

 of the Big Dry Pork of the Mo. River. Just at dark we 

 heard the war song of thirty Cheyennes and Sioux as they 

 came riding into camp. They are our allies on this occasion. 



Each warrior has one or two extra ponies, which are not rid 

 den until in the immediate vicinity of an enemy. The loose 

 ponies trot along in front, nipping the grass now and then. 

 They don't present to the eye any indication of tbe fire within; 

 but when the time arrives for action, sooner than^I can tell it, 

 the warrior strips for fight, catches up his favorite war pony, 

 and, ye gods ! what a change comes over rider and horse. The 

 small snaky eyes of the former no longer look sleepy; they are 

 flashing fire, while his pony pricks up his ears, dilates his 

 nostrils, and darts off with the speed of the wind. 



Our next day's march is over a rolling, picturesque country. 

 We see recent signs, but no buffalo. Antelope are around us 

 in great numbers. I knocked one over at the first fire ; my 

 orderly killed another. A great many were secured, and every- 

 body bad antelope for his supper. 



We have rain in the night. Our beef cattle herd ran off ; 

 but on we march, leaving a cavalry company with the herders 

 to bring tip the strays when found. 



We see plenty of buffalo, but orders have been issued to 

 prevent firing. The lumbering fellows act as if they had re- 

 ceived a copy of the order. They cross our trail, running 

 between the advance guard and the next battalion. To 

 accustom my horse to buffalo, I gave chase to one, and ran 

 by his side for two hundred yards; but we have a long journey 

 before us, and it behooves one to take good care of the beast 

 that is to carry him in a chase after Indians. 



If we can't do any shooting, we have the pleasure of seeing 

 the Cheyennes kill a buffalo. Orders have no effect on our 

 red allies. An Indian is as much excited over a buffalo as.he 

 is over an enemy. 



We passed over a God-forsaken country to-day. For miles 

 there was not enough grass, to sustain a donkey. We camp 

 in the Valley of Squaw Creek, and discuss the prospect of 

 finding Joseph. Again, we have rain. As we travel down 

 Squaw Creek we [see fresh buffalo trails ; some of them are 

 worn two feet deep. The hills bordering the valley are 

 covered with cedar and pine— fine places for black-tail and 

 mountain sheep — but for the present we are intent on other 

 business. A steamer transfers us to the north side of the 

 Mo. River. We learn that Joseph has crossed the Big Muddy 

 two days before us. Ferrying a command over the Mo. River 

 means hard work for the men. It is a tedious job. While 

 this is going on, our camp is m a beautiful cottonwood grove 

 on the left bank of the river. 



It is evening. One battalion marches out of the valley, 

 over the hills, the men singing as they go. With the camp 

 fires, the scattered animals, the rumble cf the moving train, 

 the crack of the drivers' whips, the occasional scream of the 

 steamer's whistle, and the song of the cavalrymen as they 

 march off, the scene is intensely interesting, and it is difficult 

 to realize that we are in the wilderness. Next morning the 

 balance of the command toils up the hills and follows the 

 trail. The Cheyenne Indians wound an antelope and chase it 

 down. We have a windy, disagreeable day. Next day we 

 see plenty of buffalo. We make a noon halt to allow the 

 wagon train to close up. Buffalo come among the mules and 

 ponies, and quietly feed, looking up occasionally to see what 

 their strange neighbors are doing. We march in the after- 

 noon with the pack train, leaving the wagon train to follow 

 more leisurely. 



The Judith Mountains are to the southwest, while the 

 Little Rockies are to the west and in front of us. Buffalo are 

 on either side ; one herd ran across the trail just in front of 

 the column. Next day we have clouds and rain. We cross 

 a branch of Milk River ; Buffalo are all around us, and occa- 

 sionally a herd dashes across our trail. In the forenoon we 

 reach a gap in the Little Rockies. A swift-running stream, 

 bordered by willows and filled with beaver dams, tumbles 

 and dashes by, singing as it goes. Not far away there is a 

 large pond upon which countless numbers of ducks plume 

 their feathers, while others circle about in the air at the sight 

 of their intruders. Some are lighting and dashing the spray ; 

 others are moving gracefully or taking wing. They need 

 have no fear; we are not hunting ducks to-day. As we 

 travel up the valley of the mountain stream, buffalo look in 

 wonderment and dash across the trail, or leisurely walk over 

 the hills. 



The scenery is very picturesque— rolling, grassy slopes, 

 ending in pine-covered hills on either side ; pretty green val- 

 leys, hemmed in by precipitous, white, lime-stone walls, 

 crowned by mountain pine ; amphitheatres, terraces, ra- 

 vines swift, clear streams, with beautiful little cascades made 

 by the beaver dams ; — these greet and charm the eye, and 

 overcome all sense of fatigue. 



There is evidently more rainfall here than on the prairie ; 

 the luxuriant bright green grass and abundance of water indi- 

 cate it. The cactus and sage brush, our constant companions 

 on the prairie, disappear. This would be a hunter's paradise. 

 The water is palatable and wholesome; a very important 

 matter. The majority of the water-holes and prairie streams 

 are strongly impregnated with alkali. Besides the buffalo, 

 elk, black-tailed deer, bear and antelope abound. 



Next morning we had rain, but march as early as we can 

 see to move, and go to the Bear's Paw Mountains, over a 

 country which is much less interesting than the Little Rockies, 

 although antelope and buffalo are seen. Much of the grass 

 has been closely cropped by the vast numbers of buffalo re- 

 cently here. As we approach the Bear's Paw there is an im- 

 provement. We camp in a valley near a pond filled with 

 ducks. Two great hills tower high above us. It soon begins 

 to rain in the valley, while snow falls in tho mountains. Our 

 scouts report the Indian trail not far away, 



Sept. 30— Reveille at 2 o'clock a. m. The moon and stars 

 shine in a clear sky, the air is chilly. We march as early as 

 wc can see to move. A wolf serenades us at our first halt by 

 the side of a stream. We soon come upon the broad Indian 

 trail. Our Cheyennes and Sioux undergo a sudden trans- 

 formation ; they are painted, .stripped for fight, on their fa- 

 vorite chargers, and are a study for an artist. The picture 

 lasts but a moment ; they are bounding over the plain on 

 either side of the column, which is now in rapid motion. To 

 be astride of a good horse, on the open prairie, rifle in hand, 

 has an exhilarating effect on the majority of men. To be one 

 of four hundred horsemen, galloping on a hot trail, sends a 

 thrill through the body which is but seldom experienced. 



It is not long before the sharp crack of the rifle greets the 

 ear ; volley after volley from Springfields are answered by 

 Sharps', Remington's and Winchester's. A Hochkiss Moun- 

 tain gun, throwing a percussion shell, adds its roar to the 

 general din. The bullets hum all the notes of the gamut, fit 

 music for the dance of death ; zip, zip, zip, thud, thud ; the 

 dirt is thrown up here and there, while others go singing 

 overhead ; riderless horses are galloping over the hills ; 

 others are stretched lifeless upon the field ; men are being 

 struck on every side, and some so full of life a few moments 

 before have no need of the surgeon's aid. The explosive balls 

 are not all on our side. One officer as he rides down the line 

 is struck by a bullet which explodes, shatters the bone, tears 

 a fearful hole in his arm and carries off a good portion of his 

 ear. Our gallant commander, on a splendid steed, is here 

 there, everywhere. When the first horse is blown a fresh 

 one is mounted, and off again. Three horses are ridden down 

 during the day. their rider appears never to tire. The Indian 

 herd, 700»head, has been captured, their village surrounded, 

 and we can take our time. In the afternoon a charge is 

 ordered and gallautly made. It develops the fact that more 

 warriors are opposed to us than we supposed. A regular 

 seige follows. At the first attempt to talk with them the re- 

 ply is, " Come and take our hair." A dreary night succeeds 

 an exciting day. 



Oct. 1— A cheerless morning, with clouds and wind and 

 mist, succeeded by rain and, finally, snow. Early in the day 

 we discovered in our rear two long lines of cavalry marching 

 toward us on either flank. Were these Gen. Sturgis' troops, 

 or the warriors of Sitting Bull? Many anxious moments 

 were spent before we determined that they were' buffalo 

 marching in single file, with all the regularity and precision 

 of soldiers. 



The Indians were again hailed. They come out with a flag 

 of truce, and we see Joseph face to face. He is a man of 

 splendid physique, dignified bearing and handsome features. 

 His usual expression was serious, but occasionally a smile 

 would fight up his face, which impressed us very favorably. 

 Several chiefs had been killed the day before, Looking Glass 

 and Joseph's brother among them. Joseph appeared very 

 sad ; he was inclined to surrender, but did not have control 

 of the entire camp. Joseph remained with us that night, 

 while St. Jerome, Second Cavalry, remained m the Indian 

 village. One wagon train arrived in the afternoon, bringing 

 a twelve-pounder brass piece, which was of great service to 

 us, as the Indians had been industriously digging rifle pits 

 and holes for protection, which sheltered them from small 

 arms very effectually. 



When the firing began that evening there was great anxiety 

 in regard to the fate of St. Jerome ; but we learned next 

 morning that the Indians had put him in a safe place, and 

 said no harm should come to him if Joseph was returned 

 safely to them. On the morning of Oct. 2 Joseph was ex- 

 changed for St. Jerome, who reports that there are at least 

 100 warriors in camp, and about 250 people altogether. 



Oct. 3— The camp is moved to a better position. Firing 

 begins with both field piece and small arms. We are in a 

 snow storm. 



Oct. 4— A disagreeable, raw, chilly, cloudy day ; firing all 

 day long. Gen. Howard, with two aids and a small escort, 

 arrives in the evening. 



Oct. 5 ushers in a beautiful morning. Firing was kept up 

 all last night. 



Joseph and several followers visit us again to-day. They 

 are getting very tired of the seige; they don't like the big 

 guns. The runners they had sent to theAssiniboins had been 

 killed. The soldiers fired at them, citizens fired at them, In- 

 dians fired at them ; they were ready to surrender, and soon 

 afterward gave up their arms. 



We begin our return march, Oct. 7, with 405 Nez Perces, 

 from the octogenarian to the pappoose born during the seige. 

 The country is rolling and picturesque, with snow and pine- 

 covered mountains in the background. Sunshine and cloud 

 shadows add to the beauty of the scene. The Indians clad in 

 lively colors and strung out in a long line ; the pack train, 

 the pony herd, the mounted troops, the wagons, the wounded 

 on travois, all combine to make an unusual and striking pic- 

 ture. Soon after camping dark clouds roll up, and lightning, 

 thunder, wind and rain threaten to cause a stampede, but the 

 storm soon passes over. Next morning dull clouds and rain, 

 which finally pours down in a torrent, keep us in camp all day. 

 It is interesting to watch the Indian boys at a game of mimic 

 warfare, xhey take sides, select their ground, and each party 

 mixes up a lot of* mud. A piece the size of a marble is 

 moulded and thrust on the point of a stick about three feet 

 long, which is held by the opposite end, and by a sudden jerk 

 the pellet is sent with considerable force and precision. They 

 arc experts in selecting cover, making feints, and taking ad- 

 vantage of any false move on the part of their opponents 



