Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-05-15
SHOOTING DUCKS.
RsPORToRIAL EXPERIENCE ON THE
LAKE MARSHES.
An Early breakfast and . Cold, Gray SKY
The Preparatory Outfit-The Fun
Wakes Fast and Excit-
ing-The Game.
Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribunel
Our reporter started out in the midst Of
the furious snowstorin the other afternoon,
well equipped with all the implements for
the sport Of duck-hunting. Briefly enumar-
ated the articles of his costume were: One
doub!e-barrel breech-loading shotgun and
cartridges; oil-tanned horsehide boots reach
ing to the hips; two pairs of woolen socks;
heavy underclothing; two outside flannel
shirt; corduroy suit and hat; outer shoot
ing jacket If canvas; long rubber coat; and
thick, obtained dogskin gloves Arrived
at SYuth Chicago. livery wagon landed
him on the shi of George lake, one Of the
Calumet system of lakes, and just over
the Indiana state line. a knock at the door
Of solitary house, standing near tie
waters edge, AMI decorated with huge
punches Of ducks, was answered by q cry OF
Some in" and a chorus OF dog mu,ic."
Around a long table sat dozen or SO hun
tiers rapidly making away with n steamins-
hot supper Of ham and eggs, potatoes, bread
and butter and coffee Guns vera in every
corner, AMI various article, of al parel were
drying over a roaring wood fire. The re-
pIrter was quickly doing his let TO let no
lalatable morsel esca e. Then followed
suclal smoke, the loading OF shells, the final
preparation, for the morrow, &c Joi night
and oblivion III a comfortable bunk.
AN EARLY BREAKFAST.
At 3:i5 the next morning the sleeper was
awakened by the cry Wake up; breakfasts
ready" a hasty toilet was made, and soon
the table va, again full of hungry men stow
Ing away the greatest quantity of hot break
fast in the shortest possible time. Singly
a,.l In a II
their heavy outer garments. graspei gun
and shell-case, and started for the boat
house on the lake shore. The light, dat-bot-
TONED hunting skiffs were filled with clean,
dry hay, the decoys piled into the stern and
a race begun fC- the most desirable blinds
Oat in the lake the bitter northeast wind
was blowing a gale. AMI the waves were
running high, making a watchful eye and a
strong arm II csssity. The day was Just
breaking, and the cold, gray sky, covered
with low hanging clouds, and the long
stretch OF foam-cappsi waves and desola.e
marsh maze q dismal p.ctlre indeed. Early
as it was, the ducks were awake and vigil
liant. A tie boats crept slowly over the
lake flock after flock arose and circled here
and there
THE HUNTERS "BLIND."
Alter Il iOilB anu leDOTlOus row across t'l0
stormy lake the other shore and smooth
water were reached, and the reporter drew
up at his blind The blind" is supposed
to blind the ducks to the hunters presence,
and is a cover Of brush and nay, under
which the boat is drawn. Soon the boat
was hidden behind the cover, tue brush and
hay disposed u tho best advantage, and tho
flock of wooden, gaily-paintel dec0y ducks
spread in an inviting group in front Of the
blind. Then the shell box is conveniently
placed ready to hand, and the hunter. cock
ing his gun, lies fiat in his boat ready for
the fray. a puff of smoke rise, from
blind down the lake; the report comes
slowly up against the wind. Ii is the first
shot OF the day and the sport has begun. A
sharp and steady gaze in the direction of the
shot shows three flying objects Swimming
aloag the water, coming with the rapidity
Of bullet against the wind and heading
straight for the decoys. On they come to
within forty yards, unconscious of danger.
Then they see the trap, and swerve in
alright, rising high in the air. Too late!
The hunter rises one knee and takes
quick aims, fires and two of the three ducks
fail vita a splash into the water.
FUN ALIVE.