86 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[Feb. 25, 1886. 



IN MICHIGAN WILDS.-l. 



THE Hoosier Hunting Club consists of a small company 

 of amateur sportsmen, who take annual excursions into 

 the trackless forests of Northern Wisconsin Or the peninsula 

 of Michigan to find relief from the exactions of business, to 

 incite new energy by quaffing the pure waters and yet purer 

 air of that exhilarating climate. We hunt deer and cast 

 lines for bass and trout also; but these are but a tithe of the 

 game we take. The genuine sportsman returns from such a 

 tour laden with a wealth that no guns or rod can bring to 

 camp. The forests and streams invite him to the most royal 

 of feasts: they bid him enter their secret halls, feast upon 

 their richest viands and be thrilled by their most tender melo- 

 dies; all their joyous birds will join the chorus, the winds 

 will deftly touch reolean harps, and myriad leaves will clap 

 their hands in happy welcome. He 'who is sick will here 

 find a panacea for every ill, and the nervous will be given a 

 tonic from Nature's faultless and exhaustless laboratory, 

 more effective than all the nervines of all the medical 

 schools. 



The club of which mention is now made, have caught 

 muscalongeMn the lake region of the upper Wisconsin river; 

 black bass from lake Gogebic in Michigan a little to the 

 north; and captured spotted beauties from the silver ribbons 

 of brooks singing their way to the icy bosom of Lake Su- 

 perior; and meanwhile have still-hunted that wariest of wild 

 animals— the red deer. This particular region is specially 

 the paradise of all lovers of the rod and reel. It surpasses 

 any yet visited in wild, picturesque scenery, and in exhaust- 

 less "canoe routes. The Eagle River chain of lakes have a 

 shoreline too extended for any one season's sport, and their 

 finny riches will not be diminished for a score of years. 

 This country is reached by the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and 

 Western Railway, and its officials excel in extending cour- 

 tesies to tourists. 



Members of the club have also hunted along a newer line 

 — Mil. & N. & Wis. & Michigan — extending northwest from 

 Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the Menominee River in Michigan, 

 with good success. All the streams are filled with trout and 

 the forests afford as many deer and black bear as can be 

 found elsewhere. More of the latter are taken by resident 

 hunters, judging by shipments, than elsewhere. 



The route oftenest taken was via the Northwestern road. 

 A glance at any map in a railway guide will show the reader 

 one of their numerous lines extending from Chicago to Mil- 

 waukee and Green Bay to Michigan, where several fingers 

 of this iron arm extend into the immense iron fields. Some 

 of the most successful hunts have been along the numerous 

 tributaries of Menominee River. The old and abandoned 

 lumber camps — "old cuttings" they are called— afford choice 

 pasturage and excellent retreats for deer. All this as a 

 matter of information and in answer to the scores of inquir- 

 ies that come to the writer from Eastern sportsmen. The 

 Forest and Stream is their medium and these items are 

 given as an introduction to the notes that will follow. The 

 roads mentioned have guides, etc., with full particulars, 

 which will be sent on application. 



One of the novel and interesting trips taken by our club 

 was a canoe trip on the Michigania River. The party, five 

 in number, were Maj. G., Lew G., Dolph W., S. and the 

 writer. The mining town of Republic was reached about 

 the middle of September. But the meagerest outfit had been 

 provided, as we expected to make the distance of about a 

 hundred miles in two small boats. One of these was a can- 

 vas—quite sufficient in lakes — but a delusion and snare in 

 dangerous rapids. Lew G. and S. were assigned to the can- 

 vas and were the first to pull out. They waved their caps 

 as they da-shed off and out into a noisy rapid. Just as the 

 wooden boat was about to swing out into the current, a shout 

 from Lew attracted attention. A lively scene was being en- 

 acted as the frail boat popped arouud like a cork, while Lew 

 was making frantic efforts to reach the shore, S. was vainly 

 attempting to close up a hole with his old hat. Lew shouted 

 words of peculiar emphasis, S. got red in the face and thrust 

 his foot in the hole, while the remainder of the party looked 

 on and shouted with laughter. After getting a good wetting 

 the now useless craft was landed, its contents transferred to 

 the other boat, and three of the party, hearing of a boat that 

 could be purchased six miles below, started to walk by a 

 road along the bank, while Lew, a trapperwhom we had em- 

 ployed, and myself, commanded the remaining craft. The 

 crisp September air was most refreshing; the dark, serpen- 

 tine river, between its numerous rapids as smooth as a lake, 

 and the somber evergreens spread their swaying branches 

 toward us in welcome, making that first morning ride a lux- 

 ury as rare as it was delicious. During this distance we 

 passed a "narrows," where the rivet is shot through a 

 "chute," which sent our boat along at the speed of a bird's 

 flight. Phew ! what a thrill tingled through the veins as 

 that arrow-like flight was taken. Our boating had been upon 

 quiet lakes, and this was a new revelation which, before sun- 

 set, was to be more than duplicated. 



At the appointed place the "boys" met us, made a pur- 

 chase of the second boat, and, after lunching under the sigh- 

 ing cedars, we resumed our journey. 



The guide was employed to conduct us through the "Big 

 Rapids." ' This was a succession of rocky cataracts two 

 miles in length. To our eyes, unfamiliar with boating on 

 raging streams, these sething, roaring rushes of maddened 

 waters was anything but inviting. The river was swollen 

 bankful by recent rains and its awful plunge over submerged 

 rocks looked dangerous. A landing was made to steady our 

 nerves and the trapper was placed in our boat, which Was to 

 take the advance. The old dolt, instead of taking the paddle 

 in the rear, to steer our course, gave the paddles to two inex- 

 perienced men, Lew and myself, while he stood in the bow 

 to yell in broken French, "To the left. No, to the right. O 

 hell, there you're on the rock." And crash, the boat would 

 strike some huge boulder. Then the boat would swing 

 about and dash off beyond all control or threaten us with 

 destruction by caosizing. Several times it seemed impossible 

 to escape the complete destruction of the boat and the loss 

 of all its cargo, and possibly its occupants. The trapper 

 yelled right, when he meant left, and the only thing which 

 he was absolutely sure to do was to cry out, "O hell, you're 

 on the rock !" At one point where the plunging waters were 

 seething with resistless power, an immense rock was struck 

 and we only saved ourselves by leaping out on it and grasp- 

 ing the side of the boat nearest us. Here we would have 

 been hopelessly imprisoned, but the other boat passed safely 

 through, and, landing in an eddy below, by the aid of a rope 

 and laborious poling, succeeded in rescuing us. 



For two miles this most exciting and perilous boat ride 

 continued. Its effect was not the least depressing upon our 

 party. The excitement was exhilarating and only incited 

 peals and shouts of laughter as each danger was safely passed. 

 The memory of that day, therefore, is one of pleasure 



though not many of the party would care to duplicate the 

 experience. The picture of the terrific conflict of mad waters 

 and resisting rocks as witnessed that day will remain with 

 the actors through life. 



While our blood was yet hot with the excitement, and 

 before we had untied our guns from their fastenings-^which 

 we did to save them in case of capsizing— the boys called 

 from the boat in front, "What is that?" 



They were just rounding a sharp curve, and we in the rear 

 boat could see our comrades frantically jerking at their guns, 

 all too securely tied. "It's a bear!" we" heard Major G" call 

 out, and this sent us for our guns; but bruin was just enter- 

 ing the dense underbrush as the first guns gave him a parting 

 welcome. We landed, rushed through the tangled under- 

 brush for a mile or more on his trail, while one boatload 

 went further down the stream, hoping to head him off. The 

 old fox was too smart for us, however, and soon left us far 

 behind. 



If the reader has ever had a like experience he will remem- 

 ber what a fund of jokes such an event always provokes. 

 Then, too, every fellow is sure to detail how nearly he came 

 getting a bead on him. "If" — ah! that if saves hundreds 

 of "the biggest bucks in the woods" or "an enormous bear." 

 That bear was the cause of no little merriment after we were 

 safely huddled in our small tent the first night on the Michi- 

 gania. 



The next morning the old trapper was dismissed, and 

 after spending a few hours in prospecting without finding 

 much sign of deer, we loaded boats and were again gliding 

 down the tortuous but swift current. Here was enjoyment 

 that will make glad the heart, of every member of that little 

 company while life endures. A soft haze filled the cope of 

 the heavens above with that dreamy light so delicious to 

 lovers of nature: the boats rocked and swayed in a motion 

 as gentle and delicious as the airy flight of circling swallows 

 in the summer sun; the river sang a ceaseless song, sweet as 

 the dream of childhood, while the tall pines and denser 

 cedars gave answer in a chant low and weird. We seemed 

 to be in a land of enchantment or a pleasant dream. Mile 

 after mile not an oar was struck. Only the man in the stern 

 used an oar to guide our course. 



We passed what is called by the lumbermen of that river 

 "flood wood." At some time the entire river bed for a mile 

 or more was completely blocked by the densest, most com- 

 pact drift that could be imagined. With incredible labor 

 this had been cut away by the numerous lumber companies 

 owning pine lands above and along the river. At this point 

 Major G., who is the hunter of the club, anchored his boat 

 and went ashore to look for sign. Our boat passed on down 

 some distance before stopping. The Major found abundant 

 sign, and we attempted to row back, but the current was too 

 swift for our awkward hands, and we were compelled to 

 pass on. 



Our camp for the second night was about a mile up a swift 

 stream called Fence River. This stream is crowded with 

 trout. Immense numbers of the largest size have been taken 

 in proper season by the few bold sportsmeD who have pene- 

 trated these wilds. Although we were not prepared for 

 taking them, we caught some handsome strings. 



As deer hunting was our special mission, the next morning 

 found all out with the guns, except the writer, who impro- 

 vised a line and pole and had some rare sport in having the 

 trout leap at a red flannel lure. 



The result of the day's hunt was a spike buck, brought 

 down at full two hundred yards by Lew, and a fawn dropped 

 by Major. Lew also had a splendid shot, at a dead rest, at 

 a doe, with three shots while running, but scored clear 

 misses. He is a crack shot and we twitted him over the 

 blunder. 



Venison tenderloin steaks, golden trout and fawn's heart 

 for supper was a feast fit for a prince. What a jolly time 

 was had that night in recounting the mishaps and jokes of 

 the journey. But the editor and reader as well must not be 

 imposed upon further at present, and the remaining experi- 

 ences must be reserved for a future number. Casey. 



SHOOTING IN CUBA. 



Tin" HAT has become of the snipe and teal which have not 

 V t come down to us in the usual quantities or numbers 

 this winter? Heretofore the Siempre Fiel has been particu- 

 larly favored by their winter migration, and the sudden sus- 

 pension of these favors gives us great anxiety lest they have 

 been receiving inspirations from the New York Chamber of 

 Commerce. Oh, dear! oh, dear! has it come to this pass 

 that even the game birds have been infected by the hated 

 political ideas of the Tanks and turn away from us to more 

 congenial feeding grounds in the Central American republics? 

 Well, plenty of "lame ducks" are here strewn along the tracks 

 of the tax gatherers. 



But, though we have been slighted this winter by the same, 

 every steamer is now bringing to us large and increasing 

 flocks of the genus homo, though these are not quite homo- 

 geneous in all respects. The new route by the Florida 

 Southern Railroad, connecting with steamers at Tampa, is 

 open and brings us an inflowing tide twice a week, repre- 

 senting nearly every State east of the Rocky Mountains by 

 individuals and families coming in to us out of the cold. 



The population of the United States is the most mobile 

 and docile in the world, and is catching ideas even from the 

 feathered bipeds; that, among others, of when they are cold 

 they go nearer to the source of all light and life, and imbibe 

 the genial, health-giving influence of the sunbeams. 



In looking over the hotel registers here is pictured to the 

 eye the U. S. A. in the form of an immense funnel with 

 Florida representing the narrow part to which the winter 

 travel from all parts of the north, east aud west is tending 

 toward the. attractive force above indicated, and whether it 

 be that the Herald expose has knocked the bottom out of the 

 Florida peninsula or not (it may have been a false bottom), 

 the fact remains that the winter travel is reaching us here in 

 increasing proportions. 



Here the sunbeams offer a still more cheering welcome to 

 those seeking their kind protection, flowing in upon the mind 

 and body through all the senses, both directly and indirectly 

 through many of its charming elaborations of varied vegeta- 

 ble forms and verdure, and juicy, luscious fruits. Here, too 

 may be studied bv those philosophically inclined, the vestiges 

 of a past civilization and a dawning new one. Mais, ree&n- 

 ons a nos moutons. All acknowledge this to be an incom- 

 parable winter climate. From November to March the ther 

 mometer ranges between 70 and 80 Fahrenheit, within which 

 period are usually interspersed three to five terms of three 

 days each when a cold wave from the north forces it down 

 to 60. This winter has been the only exception to this rule 

 which I have known in a twenty years residence here. 

 This winter we had the mercury down to 60 during fifteen 



days in December, and during several of them down to 55; 

 but we are always beyond the reach of frosts and snows. 



For the information of those who are projecting trips to 

 this island, and are including quail or deer shooting among 

 their expectations, I will state that they will be required to 

 take out a license to carry their gun, which costs $11 gold, 

 and if they should wish to shoot the quail or deer on sight, 

 they will require a second license for that purpose, costing 

 another $11 ; total. $22 per annum. Thus game protection 

 here, being one of the devices of the tax gatherer, is likely 

 to be persisted in. The shooter furthermore requires a writ- 

 ten permit from the owner of the fields he desires to shoot 

 over or to accompany some party who has such permit. 



These, however, are trifling drawbacks, as a few green- 

 backs will rapidly smooth the road before the visitor. Hav- 

 ana, besides its wonderful climatic attractions, has many 

 others usual to large cities, and great novelty to the Anglo- 

 Saxon in almost everything. It is destined to soon become 

 famous as a winter residence for North Americans of the 

 mobile classes. It is perhaps not strange they should, in 

 their mobility, be drawn toward the sources of the most 

 seductive luxuries of their home breakfast tables — luxuries 

 which have now permanently established themselves there 

 as prime necessities. 



Besides it is here that the noxious but seductive weed, the 

 most persuasive solace alike of the man of leisure, the 

 banker, the poet, the philosopher, the theologian, the physi- 

 cian and the proletarian is at home with open house to wel- 

 come its many worshippers. Well, let us enjoy its solace 

 "while we may, old time is still a flying," and while human 

 nature is what it is many will yield to consoling influences 

 of different kinds, and when Boreas blows his wicked blasts 

 many will also try to get in out of the cold. Nemo, 



Havana, Feb. 4. 



WITH THE QUAIL IN VIRGINIA. 



DURING my visit to Virginia last fall I hunted quail in 

 half a dozen of the best counties of that State, with 

 about my usual measure of success. The birds were more 

 plenty than 1 have seen them for twenty years, but very 

 much harder to get. Every year it is becoming more diffi- 

 cult to make big bags. Not so much owing to scarcity of 

 birds as to circumstances connected with hunting them. 



In all localities in Virginia, as in previous years, I found 

 the peculiar fashions of the season much the same among 

 quail. That fashion holds sway among them, who will 

 deny? When we find Bob White not ready to take his 

 breakfast until the sun is an hour or two high ; but quietly 

 remains snoozing in his roost in some secure thicket, until all 

 the morning trains are in, and sportsmen have hunted over 

 the most inviting stubble. Or perhaps he devotes his time 

 to reading the Forest and Stream advertisements of sports- 

 men's resorts, where quail may be killed until March. Im- 

 proved guns that shoot often enough, without reloading, to' 

 kill a whole covey. Men who break ninety-eight out of one 

 hundred clay-pigeons. Englishmen who, with one hand" 

 only, propose to beat Dr. Carver and Capt. Bogardus. Field 

 trial dogs, whose pedigree is traced to the pair that Noah 

 took into the ark, with noses that never misfire. That they 

 know all this, and how to meet it is evident. It used to be' 

 that a quail would crouch down and lie until flushed, then 

 fly straight in the direction its head was pointed, depending: 

 on its rapid flight for safety. Now they run before the dogs; 

 and get up clear out of range, or if caught in close quarters, 

 dart between your legs or around a tree or some other object 

 that will shelter them. Cunning maneuver now seems to be 

 the fashion with them. 



To be successful in hunting quail in the South, after they 

 are fully grown, one needs first of all to have good dogs, be 

 a quick shot, and instead of looking for them in stubble or 

 other feeding grounds, work every thicket, woods and broom 

 straw; I might almost say turn over every stone and shake- 

 up every fence row. When you have found them don't 

 think of marking them to a better place to shoot, but deter- 

 mine to kill while you have them. Don't be afraid of wast- 

 ing ammunition ; Chamberlin cartridges are cheap aud easily 

 obtained. Take all chances in brush and in open. If a bird 

 gets up within gunshot and you see him, always fire; you 

 will often kill when least expected. The man who kills 

 every shot or nearly so will rarely ever make as good a bag 

 as one who is a fair shot as to average, and takes all chances. 

 It is not often that birds are found in the open; but should 

 you be so fortunate as to find a covey in the middle of a ten- 

 acre field, don't put faith in the old idea that quail cannot 

 fly far, but be assured they are going to the woods if it is 

 the next county, and when you get there do not get mad at 

 your dogs if they fail to find. Another recent fashion is to 

 take to trees, or' to let you see them settle down, then run a 

 little ways and take a second flight. Both of these tricks 

 are very disappointing and discouraging to the dogs, and 

 they should be encouraged instead of punished. Under such 

 circumstances a man of limited experience in the field when 

 he sees birds light, or thinks so, and takes his dogs to the 

 spot, they either strike no scent, or make game, or point 

 where birds have been, he becomes angry and blames the 

 dogs for not finding what is not there. I have always found 

 it a good rule never to use force or punishment untd I was 

 perfectly satisfied of a positive fault. 



As an illustration of the closeness with which Virginia 

 quail keep to cover: I spied one evening about sundowu, 

 from an elevation on which I stood, a piece of the most mag- 

 nificent stubble I ever saw, extending about two miles and 

 perhaps a quarter of a mile wide. This being in a section of 

 country that I knew was never shot over except by one man, 

 a true lover of such sport can imagine my feelings when I 

 promised myself that my next day's hunt would be there. I 

 took with me three dogs, all in fine hunting trim. When 

 I got to the stubble I found it high and thick, an abundance 

 of grain scattered all over the ground. We hunted every 

 foot closely and all surrounding thickets and woods without 

 finding a bird, and only saw one little foost. On our way 

 home, while passing through a large body of woods, a noted 

 resort of wild turkeys, we suddenly flushed a tremendous 

 covey of quail. We found three coveys in this wood around, 

 the edge of a little clearing about a negro cabin, where there 

 had been perhaps an acre of oats and two acres of wheat 

 reused 



The best shooting I had during the season was in this body 

 of woods, where I could start from ten to fifteen coveys in 

 a day, finding them in the neighborhood of branches, where 

 they fed on "berries and wild grapes, or about old "plant 

 beds" and negro cabins, where patches of rag weed 

 had been allowed to grow. This, however, was no fit ground 

 for dude sportsmen. None but stout, active legs and lungs 

 with plenty of wind could stand the hills and ivy cliffs. 



One word more before I stop. It is very unwise for 

 sportsmen, non-residents, when they make big bags to carry 



