The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-11-14
A RARE DAYS SPORT.

The cold weather of last week, with bleak winds
from the North, brought to our swamps and
lagoons immense aocks of ducks and once more
the vendors of these fowls may be seen on our
streets well loaded with this desirable article of
iood, which, in the winter season, make up their
stock in trade.
But those who buy them thus lose more than
half the satisfaction of their possession, as
day "a hunt affords recreation and excitement, and
is quite certain to be rewarded with handsome
bag of fat and luscious game.
Almost any afternoon no. crowds of amateurs
may be seen on the 3:l5 train OF the Mobile Road
bound for the hunting grounds, among which the
ponds around
MILLER's BAYOU
are considered the best. Such party left the
city last Wednesday evening" and the writer was
one of the number. On arriving at the station
we found Miller and one Of his men waiting to
convey us in boats to his ranch, which is situated
on small island of high and fertile ground
about quarter of mile from the railroad track.
Half an hour was spent in admiring Miler's feet,
which now numbers about fifty pirogues and
skitfs, of all sizes and dimensions and inspecting
the comfortable quarters provided by our host
for visitors. Supper was served in one OF the
lodges, and consisted of tea and coffee, wi b good,
rich country milk, fried duck and other meat,
and splendid dish of fresh green trout.
Somehow, everybody felt hungry and pro
nouneed everything fine, and backed their words
by their actions. After an hour or two spent in
conversation the party turned into the clean and
comfortable beds, which were pentifully sup
nl-oS1 nd
dreaming Of the "happy hunting grounds. "
About in the morning Miller called US, and an
nouncing that coffee was ready, said it was about
time to start The coffee was excellent,
We now got under way, quite q little fleet, as
there were about six boats. Did you ever try to
manage pirog0e? They are "mitey unsartain !"
as some OF our best oarsmen can testify, and If
you don't fancy cold water bath, you had bet
ter mind your p's and as But they are light,
easily propelled, ana when handled carefully are
as safe as a fatboat.
The trip to the railroad depot, and thence Two
miles along the canal, was very pleasant The
stars shone out with briliiancy which made it
almost as bright as day, and the morning air was
fresh and bracing. At the second miIe-post we
crossed the railroad, and, following little bayou
to the right, soon reached the Seven Ponds.
Ducks? Yes, thousands of them Miller there
placed the men in different binds, scattering
them so that their firing would keep the game in
motion. AS the sun threw his first rays over the
scene the opening shot was fired, and for about
two hours the bang bang. was almost inces-
SAINT. Such flocks Of duck, teal, red heads, can
vas-back, gray-backs and dozen other species
whose names we do not now remember, as flew
around and over US would have delighted the
most exacting professional, and therefore the joy
and excitement in our party cannot be won
dered at. When the time came to return to the
rancho everybody had good show to make, the
result being firm nine to thirty three ducks
each.
The exercise of the morning gave us all good
appetites, and when dinner was announced, the
call was responded to with alacrity. Dinner con-
sisted of green trout fresh from the water ducks,
that were that morning flying around the Seven
Ponds, with coffee, bread and butter, 'and SO
forth, all gotten up IN good style, and some in
the most inviting manner. We left Miller's at
half past in the afternoon, and reached home
about 4, all well satisfied with the sport We had
enjoyed, and determined ERE long to 60 to Mil
ler's again. In the meantime, we advise the
many readers Of the BULLETIN, to place them
selves under the direction Of that experienced
hunter for few days sport, feeling assured that
on their return they will thank us for having
done 80.