I once started to stalk a pheasant that was feeding in the corner of a
meadow. Beyond the meadow there was a cornfield which extended across to
a preserved wood. But the open stubble afforded no cover--any one
walking in it could be seen--so that the pheasant had to be got at from
one side only. It was necessary also that he should be shot dead without
fluttering of wings, the wood being so near.
The afternoon sun, shining in a cloudless sky--it was a still October
day--beat hot against the western side of the hedge as I noiselessly
walked beside it. In the aftermath, green but flowerless, a small flock
of sheep were feeding--one with a long briar clinging to his wool. They
moved slowly before me; a thing I wanted; for behind sheep almost any
game can be approached.
I have also frequently shot rabbits that were out feeding, by the aid of
a herd of cows. It does not seem to be so much the actual cover as the
scent of the animals; for a man of course can be seen over sheep, and
under the legs of cattle. But the breath and odour of sheep or cows
prevent the game from scenting him, and, what is equally effective, the
cattle, to which they are accustomed, throw them off their guard.
The cart-horses in the fields do not answer so well: if you try to use
one for stalking, unless he knows you he will sheer off and set up a
clumsy gallop, being afraid of capture and a return to work.
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