NOV. 13, IQOQ.J 
793 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
A GOOD SHO 
means a bullet placed 
i in the vital spot with 
WOMEN AND SHOOTING. 
It is true without doubt that Englishwomen 
are the greatest sportswomen in the world, says 
one of them in the County Gentleman, but it is 
only of late years they have added shooting to 
their list pf sports. In other countries it is not 
unusual to meet women who shoot with both 
gun and fide, and who have done so for years, 
but their methods are not ours, and, in the strict 
sense of the word, the title of sportswoman 
cannot always be applied to them. 
Some years ago I was abroad and was asked 
to accompany a shooting party. I do not men¬ 
tion the country, for fear there might be a 
sudden rush to the continent of our sports¬ 
women, and, with the shooting season so near, 
this would be regrettable. The party consisted 
of four men and one woman, besides myself. I 
did not shoot, but accompanied the others merely 
as an onlooker. 
Before we started for the scene of action the 
men gathered around the lady, who was our 
hostess, and. complimented her on her appear¬ 
ance. This is not a fashion paper, so I refrain 
from a description of her costume, which was 
extremely picturesque. We all drank her health. 
She returned the compliments with a few kind 
words and drank to the success of the day’s 
sport, and in a state of hopefulness and re- 
ioicing and mutual admiration we set forth. 
We were accompanied by a motley collection of 
nilitary-looking attendants, who were keepers, 
’eaters and personal attendants of the party! 
MI the guns.had muffs attached to their waist 
pelts, and this precaution was wise, as it was 
bitterly cold. 
I We soon found ourselves in a big wood. A 
faulty memory makes it impossible for me to 
iescribe the mysterious maneuvers that took 
pace before a hare was seen on the outskirts 
>f the wood, clearly silhouetted against the dis- 
|ant horizon. The lady was immediately led 
orth by her husband and another of the guns, 
I'hile the rest of us stayed behind. As soon as 
hey were within shooting distance all three 
'aised their guns. My hostess fired first, and 
jte two men immediately after. This was too 
puch for the poor hare and she quietly suc- 
umbed to superior forces. Then we all con- 
ratulated each other, ourselves and our hostess, 
nd I greatly envied the really charming com¬ 
ments that were paid to the latter. We were 
lehriously excited, and began shooting all kinds 
If w ’ld animals from the singing bird that sat 
P a bough to the crafty fox who tried to steal 
way under cover of the undergrowth. We 
Jigged two of the latter. 
Should a woman shoot? Certainly. If she 
careful, and knows how to handle a gun, 
ere is no reason against it, and many for it. 
; IS a healthy form of sport, and not nearly 
tiring as hunting or fishing. She should learn 
st of all how to carry a gun properly, and 
bt until she thoroughly understands and ac- 
mpbshes this should she be allowed out with 
e guns. Her instructor should be as severe 
he would be on any male beginner, and the 
p htes * breach of the rules should be punished 
j the lady, or her gun, or both being removed. 
Ji remove the gun is the simplest course, as 
request, or an order, to the lady to “go home.” 
iwever politely worded, is not like to be suc- 
isful. I know a case in point. 
* §hrl persuaded her host that she was as 
ich at home with a gun as with a fishing rod, 
she was permitted to go out one day when 
y were ferreting rabbits. Probably the ex- 
W ^ s to °. muc h for her, consequently 
r no know if she was carrying a gun or 
*1 ,. Anyway, she waved that gun airily in 
' directions, much as if she were dry-fly fish- 
]■ Instructions from her host had but short 
”ct. “Don’t be afraid,” she said, “I won’t 
ot you; I really won’t.” 
Ine almost began to believe her until an- 
'er wave of forgetfulness passed over her, 
the gun was used to emphasize her every 
, ° anc j action. Beads of perspiration burst 
, on a “ the party, and even the ferrets trem- 
J: How excited you all look,” she re- 
ked. “Now,. I’m as cool as anything.” 
1 er repeated instructions, which she did not 
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