DRIVING THE BIRDS UP THE PIPE. | |
| Along this path the Decoyman can run to the head show without his being detected by the birds he is about to drive up the pipe (see plan facing page 57). As this is the more modern and simplest method, I will adhere to it in preference to the former one described, though the other arrangement may be sometimes necessary owing to the nature of the ground. There is one serious and frequent error made in Decoys by inexperienced Decoymen. That is just not to lure the fowl quite far enough. The extra yard or two is of the greatest value, and tells a clever manipulator at once. Such a one will always lure the fowl three or four yards under the net before attempting to drive them. If the fowl are brought up the pipe a LITTLE short of the necessary distance, the effect is, that when the Decoyman arrives at the head show place, they are often almost out of the pipe again. Some of them will then fly back to the pond, as it appears so close, at any hazard, and so spread alarm right and left to what have hitherto been unsuspecting fowl. As already said, the Decoyman endeavours to decoy the birds up the pipe step by step, inch by inch, inspecting them as they progress, through his peep-holes in the screens. Sometimes, however, he has to gallop, as it were, behind the screens to keep forward of the ducks, so furiously will now and again eager, unsuspicious fowl follow up the food or chase the dog. But at most times it is only by very judicious management that he persuades them to follow dog or food up the pipe, and even then they are always on the point of retiring. It is just at the moment they hesitate he always uses his best efforts to make them come but one yard farther, and that one yard may be all he wants to ensure their capture. It is a question of a difficult and disputed persuasion from first to last -a much discussed argument between man and birds. "Are we safe in coming so far into this cage?" quoth the ducks. "You are," says the Decoyman behind the screens; "so do come a little farther, I entreat you." If the Decoyman has an assistant, the latter lies well concealed within easy reach of the head show place. | |
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