CALLING THE MOOSE 



127 



laggard to a fancied contest with another of his 

 own sex. 



In some places calling from a canoe on a pond or 

 deadwater is a favorite practice. The first call 

 would be given at a distance from shore, to give 

 the sound the widest possible diffusion. When a 

 bull answers, the canoe is noiselessly moved into a 

 favorable position, preferably, of course, keeping 

 in the lee of the intended victim. If vocal calls 

 at such a time fail to bring the bull close enough 

 for a shot, various other noises to denote the 

 presence of a cow are made on the water — as by 

 striking the water regularly with a paddle to 

 imitate the sound made by a cow in walking. 



Calling from a canoe may have unpleasant 

 features. At best it is monotonous to sit in a 

 canoe cramped and motionless for hours waiting 

 for the answer which does not come. Such was 

 the experience of a sportsman and a guide who 

 returned to camp at two o'clock one morning 

 after having spent the early evening hours in 

 fruitless calling. After some questioning they 

 admitted that they had both spent a large share of 

 the night in the canoe in sound slumber. 



There is considerable diversity in the calls made 

 by cows, and still greater diversity in the imita- 

 tions and tactics employed by successful callers. 



