2 
COOT. 
In some localities, particularly in parts of the eastern counties, the Coot is highly esteemed for its 
edil)le properties. Though a few were tried and proved, when properly dressed, decidedly preferable to 
any of the diving ducks, with the exception, perhaps, of the Pochard, I never avail myself of the chances 
that the immense flocks of this species occasionally offer to the punt gun. It is decidedly bad policy 
on preserved waters to harass these birds, as large bunches of fowl are occasionally attracted to the spot 
where Coots are feeding. If hitherto unmolested they will quietly regard the approaching punt, possibly 
gathering slowly and paddling quietly away, though without exhibiting the slightest signs of alarm. If 
constantly fired at, they rise on the wing at once as soon as threatened, and flying round for a time in a 
confused mob, give warning to every fowl or wader within view, and destroy all chance of a shot. On waters 
open to the public, or when driven to the coast in winter, it is useless to spare them on the score of spoiling 
futuie sport, as the loafing shore-shooter will blaze at every feathered creature passing within a quarter of a 
mile, while the professional punt-gunner, as might be expected, invaluably makes the attempt to possess 
himself of any fowl he thinks will pay for the charge of powder and shot in his old-fashioned and too often 
unserviceable barrel. 
One or two regularly organized Coot-shootings used formerly to he got up annually on many of the 
Norfolk broads, and the same style of battue has been mentioned by several writers as taking place in the 
south-western counties. For some time past the Coots in the broad districts have been slowly but surely 
decreasing in numbers, and these shootings, which for years were looked forward to by all the countryside, 
have now gradually fallen into disrepute. A few lines with reference to the manner in which the proceedings 
were usually conducted and the circumstances that led to their being discontinued may not be out of place. 
The meet was usually fixed for an early hour; but long before the appointed time the company were to be 
seen arriving m craft of every description, those who were unable to get afloat contenting themselves by 
taking up a position on the various hills or on the banks. When all was ready, the boats, numbering usually 
from thirty to fifty, formed in line and worked round the birds so as to enclose them in a corner of the broad. 
As soon as they found themselves hemmed in and the space gradually contracting, they rose and flew in all 
directions, always at last making for the open water beyond the line of boats, affording great sport and still 
greater confusion for several minutes. If the line was well kept, the Coots appeared bewildered and continued 
flying round and round for a considerable time liefore attempting to break througli, though if only a sin«>le 
boat fell out of its appointed station the whole of the birds in a body made for the gap and the drive was spoiled. 
Those that escaped the first round settled on some remote corner of the broad and were again attacked in the 
same manner. So long as Coots were plentiful and order maintained, a good day’s sport was usually insured. 
mce the falling off m the number of the birds less interest has been taken in the affair by the proprietors of 
the water, and naturally no discipline is now enforced, boatloads of strangers, either utterly careless or not 
understanding the regulations, are frequently present, and there is little wonder that the attempt to drive the 
ir s proves a failure. Instead of endeavouring to keep in line, the crews of the boats appear only anxious to 
secure uhat they imagine the best position, and consequently all order is speedilv lost. Some years back I 
joined on one occasion in the drive : latterly, however, the sport has only been watched from a safe distance 
le reckless manner in which much of the shooting was conducted preventing the slightest desire for a nearer 
vieu Smal ami well-organized parties are still, however, got up by the owners of some of the waters 
Wounded Coots are often lost should they retain sufficient strength to dive. The frequency with which 
' eseaue h;is n-mrur fi... .0,1 • 1 j uieu 
they escape has impressed many of the old gunners in the east of Norfolk with the idea that a broken- 
winged 
* On the only occasion I was present an accident, which miffht have been 'ittenderl l.v • n 
