The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-17
GUN CLUBIMPROVEMENTS.
THE wAPoNoCA GOING INTO THE
BUSINESS EXTENSIVELY.
Deceptive Boats, vari- Colored Suits
and Other Devices to Lure and Cause
the Death of Ducks-Even the Poor
est Marksman May Get There.

This is the time of year when the genial
gun club member is itching to get even
with some OF his companions for FRANKS
played during the bird season.
1t is also fine time with them to throw
out hints as to their ideas Of what should
be done in the way oil improvements.
To this end one Of the most energetic,
intelligent and trusty members OF the Wa
ponoca Club remarked to an APPEAL re-
porter yesterday:
"0n Friday last, the 18th instant, the
open season closed with the Waponoca
Outing Club and spring shooting is now at
an end. For the past six months this
club has enjoyed uninterrupted sport, and
the flight OF ducks has been phenomenal,
caused by the mildness oil the winter and
no ice. Scarcely day has passed since
the LIST OF last September to the present
that has not found from two to nine men,
beers at the clubhouse. Many happy hou rs
have been spent round the great log fire
that sparkled and burned in an old lash
ioned chimney that occupied the entire
east end OF the clubhouse. Many yarns
have been spun and many stories told
that If siited for the truth would not cause
the REALTORS thereof TO occupy MS high a
place in the history OF this country as did
the immortal George W, for truth. Yet
1t is positive fact that most OF these mar
rators 20 around with a Ratchet Of ancient
pattern, and it is highly amusing to notice
them on their way from the clubhouse TO-.
the boat, loaded to the guards with shell
and lunch buckets, paddles, an old chair,
decoy ducks, etc. and their little Ratchet
occupying the most prominent place in
their make up. Ii you ask the question,
what is the hatchet for?' you are are
answered promptly, 1t is indicative
Of truth and a good stand One
may accept the latter, but must
be allowed TO take the former explanation
with little sugar in ours have often
thought that il the paternal ancestor OF the
little boy who played the leading part in
the cherry tree-hatchet story were per.
mitted to drop in occasionally among
crowd Of hunters and listen to their mar.
vicious stories and hair breadth escapes he
would be convinced that the moral pre-
cepts taught by the aforesaid story have
been sadly neglected as it found It's way
along the corridors Of time past, aud when
II reached the average sportsman finally
'peiercd out.
well, that paragraphs good enough"
remarked the sporting editor OF THE Ar
PEAL as he finished dotting ii down.
snow tell us something as TO who has
been the most successful marksman during
the season."
"This cannot do, as the score-book
was fired at the last flock Of geese, or is
locked up in one OF the many chests in
the clubhouse, 80 that II leaves us free to
go rs you please when reporting our bag.
therefore can only speak for myself. My
largest kill for any one day was l2j. AS
to how many baggcd the 'deponent say
eth not, answered the member.
"Do you contemplate making any inn
proyements or doing anything 10 increase
your sport for next season during the
coming summer"
"Well, l should think we do. II Is our
intention TO build n large and commodi-
Gus clubhouse, with all the improvements
known 10 sporismen, the greatest Of
which will be the electric shock. attached
10 each bed, and 30 arranged that IL will
20 of OF lis own accord NJ exactly o'clock
In the morning, thereby causing the
sleeper TO be shook to death or Join In tho
disturbance with the early risers. We
also intend planting many busk-
els Of wild rice, celery seed,
milet, etc, in order TO have plenty OF
feed for the ducks during their visit next
winter. Some have suggested that We
plant n little corn, cotton aud tobacco, but
| hardly think the committee will enter
tain the idea m they airs not exactly clear
as 30 what species OF water fowl do mostly
feed on this particular food. Among the
greatest improvements TO bo made will DO
the introduction OF several wide bottomed
boais-called 10y some scows-to be pro-
PEELED bv wheel attached TO the stern
aud 80 arranged that the motive power
can lay, back up. and. entirely unseen,
steer the shooter, who Is In the bow of the
boat In q similar position, into n flock Of
ducks unnoticed, thereby enabling him to
make bag at one shot la order TO carry
out this idea the executive committee con-
template having the mud removed from
the bottom OF the lake In order 10 get a
sufficient amount OF water TO float tho
aforesaid boats. These craft will be for
the convenience aud safety Of those mem
bcn who wade, and ride in turn-wading
being the principal part OF their boat
exercise. II is also contemplated
TO build stands up in the trees
with comfortable seats and a small bench
on which the occupant can rccline while
waiting for the flight The paddler Ia 10
bo furnished with field glass, and when
he secs the fight approaching will notify
the shooter la time % get on good ready.
Different c0lorcd suits, 10 correspond with
the different colors OF the foliage during
the several seasons, will be ordered for The !.
mcmbcrs, No that the birds will not be- able
10 drop on EN- improvements, should
smilc,' aud the enthusiastic member
stopped for a long breath.
''sec here, Young man, don't you give
me away In this, as have repeated tho
secrets Of the club. aud YOU may cause me
much trouble II you mention Il"
The ArrEAL reporter promised ito DO
quiet, but a. other clubs may wish 10
make similar improvements, II Is n public ]
duty TO give Il 10 them. There Is ono
thing the communicative member im-
pressed upon the writer iorcibly, and that
WIS that "tho Kansas City Railroad Of.
ticiala are tho clcycrcst aud most accom-.
modaiing people IN the world, aud II " q
great pleasure TO have a clubhouse To-
Gated ON their line Of road supL ]. II.
Sullivan surely knows how TO run a rail-
road"
The sfnudulne