DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3461#0156
THE WILD SPORTS OF INDIA. 143
•A-n extract from a letter from an old sporting friend to
Whom the author wrote a few years since for a hint or
two up0I1 the subject of deer-shooting-, may not be
^acceptable in this place.
, -Hie best place for shooting deer, which I have
"een able to discover for the open plains, after some
years' constant practice is, to circle them on horseback,
raking- care not to get too close, till you get the sun
and wind in your favour. Having fixed on this desi-'
'able point, gradually close into it, the deer will be in
a state of uncertainty; take your rifle from the bearer's
shoulders, who is walking at your stirrup, and the
foment the deer make up their minds to be off, dis-
count ! Ay, ay! what a splendid buck—he turned
round to see what you were doing; and as the sight
°t the rifle meets your eye, his clean, white breast is ail
before you, distant one hundred and fifty yards; one
foment, and all the herd but him are scattered at
their speed over the plain. Now pace the distance,
and see if you judged correctly. Ay ! one hundred
and forty paces—not so bad ! and the ball in the
centre of the bottom of the neck. A deer standing, as
* have mentioned, is, I think, the best mark; a rifle is
generally held straight on the object, and a ball varies
"'we in its elevation than it does sideways. An
amusing way for two people is with double barrels.
*ou spy a herd of deer a mile off; take your guns and
canter away to the right and left, at a moderate angle
from your people, who are to go straight on the herd;
as
you get towards the flank of the herd, gradually
close in; they are getting alarmed, but looking at your
^en more than yourself. Judgment is now required
when to ride fast or slow; now the leading doe makes
a dash forwards, and all the rest follow her example;
she stops, and so do they ; you both gallop as they
"O; and stop when they do, and if the judgment is
8'ood, they will run between you, giving each spoils-
man two good shots."
•A-n extract from a letter from an old sporting friend to
Whom the author wrote a few years since for a hint or
two up0I1 the subject of deer-shooting-, may not be
^acceptable in this place.
, -Hie best place for shooting deer, which I have
"een able to discover for the open plains, after some
years' constant practice is, to circle them on horseback,
raking- care not to get too close, till you get the sun
and wind in your favour. Having fixed on this desi-'
'able point, gradually close into it, the deer will be in
a state of uncertainty; take your rifle from the bearer's
shoulders, who is walking at your stirrup, and the
foment the deer make up their minds to be off, dis-
count ! Ay, ay! what a splendid buck—he turned
round to see what you were doing; and as the sight
°t the rifle meets your eye, his clean, white breast is ail
before you, distant one hundred and fifty yards; one
foment, and all the herd but him are scattered at
their speed over the plain. Now pace the distance,
and see if you judged correctly. Ay ! one hundred
and forty paces—not so bad ! and the ball in the
centre of the bottom of the neck. A deer standing, as
* have mentioned, is, I think, the best mark; a rifle is
generally held straight on the object, and a ball varies
"'we in its elevation than it does sideways. An
amusing way for two people is with double barrels.
*ou spy a herd of deer a mile off; take your guns and
canter away to the right and left, at a moderate angle
from your people, who are to go straight on the herd;
as
you get towards the flank of the herd, gradually
close in; they are getting alarmed, but looking at your
^en more than yourself. Judgment is now required
when to ride fast or slow; now the leading doe makes
a dash forwards, and all the rest follow her example;
she stops, and so do they ; you both gallop as they
"O; and stop when they do, and if the judgment is
8'ood, they will run between you, giving each spoils-
man two good shots."