THE GUN AT HOME AND ABROAD 
on to the Yulduz Plateau, which is on the southern side of the watershed, 
and which constitutes the main resort of the wild sheep in the Central 
Tian Shan. Should the hunter succeed here, he will return to the ibex 
grounds which lie at the heads of the tributaries of the Tekkes, such as the 
Kok-su, the Kok-terek and Agoyas Valleys. Here he can hunt to his heart’s 
content amid glorious scenery and with plenty of game. He is certain to 
obtain many ibex trophies; he may get bear, wild boar and possibly a 
chance of snow leopard, while snow cock, black game, and innumerable 
chukar partridges will fill up his odd moments. Later on, towards the end 
of September, the lower foothills below the forest belt — where thickets 
and jungles of scrub and grass form the real haunts of roe deer — will 
attract his attention; having procured good heads of these, he will be close 
to the wapiti grounds in the forest above. The Kok-su will probably be 
the headquarters for the later portion of the expedition. It will be seen 
that the actual area of country to be traversed is comparatively small. 
Other more distant hunting grounds of the Tian Shan will be described 
later on. 
For carrying out the whole of this programme, the caravan engaged at 
Kuldja can be depended upon. At any rate the headman or caravan bashi 
engaged there should be made responsible for supplying horses throughout 
the whole journey. In the mountains it may be better to hire provisionally 
from the local nomads. The hunter can always keep in touch with Kuldja 
and send mounted messengers, when necessary, to get provisions or to 
dispatch letters. Local guides and hunters must be obtained on reaching 
the mountains. The question of these presents some difficulties. There are 
many natives— Kirghiz and Kalmuk — who are hunters, but very few who 
have the least idea of serving a European in that capacity. The pursuit of 
the stag when the horns are in velvet, and occasionally fur and hide -hunting 
expeditions are about their only recommendations to be called shikaris. 
They are hardy, and for the most part trustworthy, and can be depended 
upon as guides, if fairly dealt with. One great secret in dealing with the 
native shikaris of the Tian Shan is to cope with them yourself and not to 
leave it to your employees; above all do not rely upon imported hunters if 
you wish to employ the locals as well. 
In the districts mentioned, a successful trip should produce a bag 
consisting of ibex, wild sheep, roe deer, wapiti, and bear. The ibex are 
especially to be desired for this exact region produces the biggest heads 
that have ever been obtained. Although they range over the whole length 
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