Connecticut western news., 1873-08-15
Chasing the Antelope.

From the many knolls which lay in our path, writes a Yellowstone expedi- tionist, commanding extensive views of the country, we could frequently watch chase for antelopes from the start to the close, and where the view was in- terrupted the temptation to follow at full speed with our horses was seldom resisted when the issue was close. In- dians were entirely forgotten in the rage for antelope. I cannot resist the inn pression that for purpose of sport alone it IS wanton cruelty to hunt down this beautiful creature of the plain. But when one has lived on ham or bacon for several days, with only an occasional relief of though beef, the impression changes. Antelope becomes a neces- sity. The sport is only concomitant. It is hard thing to remember when you are hunting antelope or other game that you are going to funeral. If one succeeded in remembering this, an un- due regard for conventional ceremony might defeat his purpose. The sport eally lies in catching the fleet animal. It is only when you have reached him that you think of the knife. There is plenty of room for pity at the death. And do not think that among army officers this element is regarded as a weakness. It is assumed when the old bucks are caught that they have lived long enough, and the time has come for them to serve their day and generation. But let the dogs run down some young fawn but month or two old, and how the father element comes to the surface. The other day the dogs caught fawn scarcely over 8 month old. Just as they were about to bounce on it, an officer, an old hunter, not given to sentimental ity, who has slain his buffalo and ante lope by the score, rode up and saved the babe from the dogs. "It bleat so piteously," he said, Git made me think of my own babes, and let it go." No one in the regiment would dispute the bravery of this officer; but towards would be the first to laugh at his pity. I only tell this and the following incl dent to show you that the men that com mand and compose the expedition are not all savages, even if they don't be- ievs in the Presidents peace policy as practical measure. I was riding yesterday with Gen. Stanley, at the head of the column just in advance of the party of scouts. As we walked our horses four abreast, we started mother grouse from the nest. She flew over our heads and settled a short dis tance off, within easy range. One of the party dismounted and found the nest in the trail. It was full of eggs just ready to hatch. "Poor things; let them be-" said the commander, and the eggs were replaced, the rifles lowered, and the column of horsemen parted to save the nest and the frightened mother. It may seem an unnecessary and trifing thing to turn an army from it's path to spare nest of eggs to lowering bird, but anything that gives the better part of human nature chance to come to the surface is worth the trouble it costs.
 In accordance with the order of Gen. Stanley issued before the starting of the Expedition, a certain number of men along the line were allowed to shoot at antelope and other game. The General was desirous of giving the men every opportunity for hunting. But it was soon found that the liberty was gr ,atly abused. The men in their ex- citement after game were not at all par ticular which way they fired so long as they aimed at an antelope. Frequently an antelope would pass between the hunter and the column. A ball whiz- zing over our heads showed us that the hunter appreciated his situation but did not appreciate ours. During the day balls came pouring in thick and fast from both Hanks. l doubt if we shall receive many heavier volleys from the indians than we received the second and third day of our march from the hunters. It is wonder that no one was killed. An cratic ball came within Q brief distance of my horse and struck still nearer to Dr. Kimball's orderly. Gen. Stanley was finally compelled to modify his previous order, and prohibit any firing whatever except by his own special permission. This modification will effect great saving in ammunition and will make no difference in the amount of antslopes shot.