New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-02
DrCK SHOOTING SEASON OPEN.
GOOD SPORT on LONG ISLAND OWING TO
THE CLUBS AND GAME LAWS.

The season for shooting ducks opened on Long
Island Yesterday and the bays and marshes which
the toothsome birds are known 10 frequent Were
crowded with gunners In some OF the towns there
ar ordinances which not only prohibit shooting on
Sunday but also the mere carrying % guns. As
whole. however these laws not strictly en-
forced. providing the eunners steer clear OF the
villages For several days tho Long Island trains
have carried parties Of sportsmen who desired TO
look The ground over short time before the sea-
son opened. Many OF the sportsmen went to places
where they had made their headquarters I'm other
seasons and where they were reasonably sure or
having good luck They found that ample prepara-
tions had been made for their coming and that
plenty ~ guides. boats. dogs and other things
necessary for the sport We're hand The bonl-
faces in the villages frequented by the gunners had
also prepared Tor them by laying In an extra sup
ply OF good things not forgetting the liquid re-
freshmonts that are not only supposed TO be ef-
ncacous I'm case OF snake bites but are also bene-
fetal ln helping TO ward of colds and other evils
that men not accustomed 10 exposure might con-
tract.
The objective point Of the majority Of experienced
srortsmen yesterday the Great South Bay.
Long island Sound IS a great place for the ducks
90 cousrcgato bat It is difficult TO get near them
until cold weather sets I'm. While the weather re-
mains open the birds stay away from the shores
and are extremely hard TO approach In boats
A number Of the sportsmen who have plenty OF
time 20 spare Will begin the season IN Snlnhecoch
and Peconic bays. I'm the extreme eastern part OF
the island The birds arrive in these waters earlier
than they do IN the bays and marshes further west
and afford better sport Later IN The season they
become more wary and are much harder 20 get at.
Froeport. Amtyville Massapequa, Babylon Bay
shnf" and bayport are the h'adQuartets OF thc
duck hunters Then. again. there are the homes
of the shooting clubs where, OF course. the mem
hers put 40 when engaged I'm their iaVoriie aInuse-
mouL 10 is I'm these places whore the sport Is seen
at IFS best With the aid OF good cooks. for the
most part natives Of the country. duck oinntts are
prepared for the hungry and weary hunters AZ the
cOso OF tlc day slyory enough 10 make the N"rlest
cfi. wish they might feast on duck forever.
for duck hunters FOR years but this does not appear
to have lcssened the number of the birds TO any
from the frozen North every fall in immense flights
COLL their way south. only TO return again In the
spring The League OF American Sportsmen ana
kindred organizations have done mucn 10 prolttt
Gil. birds I'm tho close season by obtaining ina
ua4-iea ~ stringent laws This has afforded the
ducks chance to multiply and the present season
East Of Smiths Point the birds may be shot from
blinds. bun shooting from launches or after sun
Tho trio sportsman has abandoned the old fash
i0nrd method Of Strengthening ducks from hhnds
poor sport TO lie the bottom Of a pig trough
afrarg.mcut ON the water all day merely 10 XIII
Remaining wet and half frozen for several hours,
the gunner is apt To- pay dearly for his ALLEGED sport
Dr. The loss of health Nading through the maIsn
lands shooting from open boats rs considered 4
much more spOrtsmaniike way OF bagging the birds.
IIc true sportsman ot the present day Will nor
efluchter tic ducks for mere pastime He will not
KIN moro than he can 70 rcplenish the family
'.i 'l Ky 49, ts - NOT brI.-er 1D, a snorts-
man. Twenty-Five or thirty ducks are considered a
fair bag and satisfy the average sportsman;
although now and then some freakish individual
starts ott with insane desire TO est3 uish new
record such Efforts are frowned upon 10y the shoot
ing clubs on the Island