How to Hunt and Trap

Front matter

Knd "“^heirloom booKs.

As of 12'3i"9^

"1^

Preface

To MAKE record of my experience in form of a book, was a thing I had not thought of when I first went, heart and soul, into hunting and trapping; but friends have urged me to give my experience, and the pleasure in so doing will compensate, if nothing else results.

My boyhood was spent in Massachusetts, in the valley of the old Connecticut, where for many years my shot-gun made havoc among the small game, and my traps cleared many streams of muskrats and mink.

Later, I hunted West, and at last found a camp home in the glorious Rocky Mountains, whose wild scenery and abundant game made me forget for a time that civilization had any claim upon me.

Trappers and miners, Indians and half-breeds, have all been my fellow-comrades, and in “ roughing it ” with each I have lived and gloried in all the varied experiences of a hunter’s and trapper’s life. Forest shades, rippling streams and bounding game, bring recreation and take us from —

“ The vain low strife that makes men mad,

The tug for wealth and power.”

A quaint fellow says : “ I go to the woods after game, but if the game is not there, I get nuts; if there are no nuts, I gather leaves and flowers; if all fail, I get health.” So, whatever the object. Nature at least is benefited, and the cares of life are often lessened.

J. H. B.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

Animals, Poisoning Carnivorous 215

Arrow Heads 58

Bear, Grizzly, and Deer 118

Beaver’s Skull 195

Belle, Champion Pointer of the World 33

Big Horn, Hunting the 106

Boat, Bull 49

Boat, Duck 48

Boat Section, packed 48

“ READY FOR use 47

Bow, Buffalo 57

Buffalo Hunting 72

Camp, Indian 70

Camp, Old Winter’s 23

Cartridge, Sharpe’s 39

“ Winchester 37

Chips, Buffalo — 68

Clear Lake 54

Deadfall, Figure 4 158

“ Norwegian 157

Deer, Hunting the White-tailed 88

“ “ ‘‘ Mule Deer 92

“ Suspended 96

Elk, Hunting the 78

Grouse, Hunting Prairie ; 123

Gun, Shot, Baker 42

“ Fox 42

“ Parker 40

“ Remington 41

Lariat.... 29

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

Quail on Wall 129

Quivers 59

Raft, with Hunter 51

Rifle, Sharpe’s 38

Winchester 37

Sheep, Horns of Rocky Mountains 108

Shell, Williams’ 43

Shoe Pack, Good’s 12

“ Thompson’s 12

Shoe, Snow, Chippewa 13

Snare, Figure 4 162

‘‘ Ground . 159

“ Hedge 160

Log 161

Stove, Dunklee, packed 14

“ UNPACKED 14

Straps, Blanket, Thompson’s 11

Stretchers for Stretching Skins 219, 220

Traps, Bowl 163

Figure 4 164

“ Novel. 165

** ON Tree, for Birds of Prey 212

“ Stove-pipe 163

** Way’s Sure Pop 155

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE. Steel Traps

CHAPTER THIRTY.

Home-Made Traps...

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE.

Trapping the Bear.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO.

1* lO

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE.

Trapping the Wolverine 170

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR.

Trapping the Wolf 171

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE.

Trapping the Fox 173

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX.

Trapping the Lynx and Wild-Cat 175

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN.

Trapping the Badger 177

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT.

Trapping the Woodchcck 179

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE.

Trapping the Raccoon 182

CHAPTER FORTY.

Trapping the Skunk 184

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE.

Trapping the Otter 187

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO.

Trapping the Beaver 190

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE.

Trapping the Fisher 197

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR.

Trapping the Marten 199

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE.

Trapping the Mink 201

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX.

Trapping the Weasel 203

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN.

Trapping the Muskrat 206

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT.

Trapping Rats and Mice 209

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE.

Trapping Birds of Prey 21 1

CHAPTER FIFTY.

Poisoning Carnivorous Animals 2i4

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE.

Preparing Pelts 218

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

Chapter I, Outfitting

Modern invention has given us comforts, and even luxuries, for the camp, that cannot fail to satisfy the most fastidious tastes. Complete stoves, easy lounges, hammocks that would make one lazy to look at, portable boats, and light canoes in endless variety, and a thousand and one things that cannot be dwelt on here.

Yet, while comfort should not be ignored, it is not advisable to take one article that can be dispensed with. Two pair of long, heavy blankets or a large cow buffalo robe, afford much comfort, and Thompson’s Blanket Straps, as seen in the illustration, are the most convenient to carry them with, when on the

, , , j Thompson’s Blanket Straps.

march. A poncho and rubber

blanket, as a wrapper for bedding, should always be taken ; and each individual of a party should carry one or more sections of a dog or shelter tent, to use in rainy

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

I 2

weather. The clothing required is a buckskin or caribou suit, heavy flannels, woolen socks, a large, light colored felt hat, and moccasins, or larigans.

When traveling over mountainous country, and jumping from rock to rock, the hunter should wear leather shoes thickly studded with iron, instead of steel nails, as a safeguard against slipping.

The Thompson Shoe Packs,” seen in the illustration, are the best for rough traveling. They lace up easily and snugly around the ankle, and give an elasticity to the hunt-

Thompson’s Shoe Pack. er*S Step

The larigans or oil-tanned shoe packs are best for winter wear, and snow shoes can be worn with them.

There are .several makers, but “Good’s ” are less easily penetrated by water than any others. Larigans should never be dried near the Shoe Pack. fire, as the heat draws out the oil,

and causes shrinkage ; frost does not injure them, and when taken off they should be placed in the cold.

In timber or on the plains, where there are no cacti, the soleless Chippewa or Crow moccasins should be worn.

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

In northern Montana, where the prickly pear is common, the Dakota (or Sioux) moccasin with par-flesh soles, made of pemmican bags, and firmly sewed with sinew, do good service. For winter wear in the north, the buckskin moccasin, partially filled with hay and worn over woolen socks and footings of blanket, will be found very comfortable. The perspiration freezes in the hay^ and after a hard day's tramp a solid cake of ice will often be found, while the feet are warm and dry.

Of snow shoes the Chippewa is most desirable. Snow shoes are made in various ways. The Norwegians make theirs of wood, while those of the North American Indians are made with wood frames, woven over with shaganapa or strips of rawhide.

The white weasel skin makes the warmest cap for winter wear, and the color will not betray the hunter, while a coon-skin cap will.

A hunter wearing one was accidentally killed near one of our camps. He was trailing a black bear, and raising his head just above a log was mistaken for an animal by a member of his own party.

Cliippcwu Suuw Shoes.

. 14

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

A cooking outfit is sufficiently complete in a double frying pan, out of v/hich an oven can be formed, a nest of camp kettles, two iron dogs for kettles to rest on in the fire, tin cups, plates, knives, forks, spoons, etc., and a light axe and hatchet. The Dunklee Camp Stove and utensils are great improvements on the Tude camp fire. It will heat a cabin or tent in a few moments, and

Dauklee Stove, Unpacked.

consumes but little wood. It weighs but twenty-five pounds when packed with utensils, and its portability and utility make it a general favorite.

Rations should be chosen that are most easily carried and readily cooked. Good bacon is the main stand-by in camps. Not only is it desirable in itself, but if

Duuklee Stove, Packed.

furnishes fat in which meat, fish and fowl can be cooked Flour is perhaps more the staff of life to the huntey than to the civilian, and a full supply should alwayt be taken. Barley, rice, hominy and grits are good diet, and sugar, coffee, tea and a few dried fruits are among th^ necessaries. All eatables can be conveniently packed in canvas bags, which will not tear in traveling. A few fish

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

lines and large hooks can be made ^ood use of, as bass and pickerel are found in large lakes, and can be caught through the ice in winter or from the ^hore in autumn.

When the hunting ground is reached by water, a good birch canoe or dug-out is all that is needed for transportation; but if the route is overland, a good riding animal and one pack mule is necessary for each man. One horse is often well packed and led into camp and used in a variety of ways afterward. Many hunters return horses after reaching camp ; but if feed can be found it is best to keep one, as it saves the task of packing game.

A most important matter is the selection of a gun, and hunting-knife. The improved Winchester rifle, model *73, is the gun for hunting in timber. It will not lead like the old Henry rifle, but shoots close and throws the shells clear from the breech. It can be well handled on snowy days, and easily loaded with cold fingers. During the winter of '74 and ’75 we had in camp one muzzle-loading shot-gun, one muzzle-loading rifle, one Maynard breech-loading shot-gun, one improved Sharpe’s rifle, one Spencer rifle and the improved Winchester. In extreme weather the main springs of all became frosted, so that we could not crack a cap or explode a cartridge, and beads were drawn without effect for three days on bucks, does and wolves.

The guns were wrapped in cloth and skins, and we even sat upon them to keep the locks warm, but Jack Frost penetrated everything; the Winchester, however, was the last to give out.

l6 HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

There are so many excellent shot-guns in the market that it would be an injustice to call one better than another. The Parker gun shoots all sizes of shot equally well, and such unusual shooting has been done with it, that it deserves particular mention.

The hunter really needs two knives, a good sized pocket knife, with a large blade and belly for skinning, and the regular sheath bowie-knife, of the best steel, for general use. For several years a heavy bowie blade of Rogers,' mounted in the butt of an old buck's horn, did me great service. Many hunters use the common Rogers' or Wilson’s butcher knife, but they are only fit for dressing the game ; whereas a bowie is a good weapon of defense.

Chapter II. Camping, Cooking, Bills Of Fare

“ Home is where the heart is,'' and a hunter’s is in his

camp. Picturesque sites in the Rockies ” are as fresh in memory as when we first staked canvas among them, and recollections of those peaceful days and nights will be with me always. No sleep is sweeter than under the blue skies of Heaven, and no part of life is purer than that passed in the wilderness. Venerable trees have risen at a mighty Will, and verdant roofs have been woven by a mighty Power that would make a temple of greater grandeur than those of wood and stone raised by our frail hands. Peals of thunder roll more solemn than any tolling bell, and sounds of softly murmuring, tinkling brooks fall on the ear more sweetly than faintest tones of sacred lyres. Birds twitter in branches, deer and antelope shoot by almost in shadow.

A morning plunge into a cool brook invigorates one more than can be imagined, and the day's life gives an appetite never before experienced. Many delicate constitutions have been strengthened, and health restored to many whose lives were despaired of. One’s comrades make a vast difference in a man's enjoyment, and their tastes and abilities should not be ignored. When campl8 HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

ing in an Indian country an artist can always find subjects for his sketch book, a naturalist, specimens for his cabinet^ a hunter, game, and an angler, fish. A dandy suddenly transported from Broadway to the far West, is the most disconsolate mortal on earth, and will cast a gloom over a whole party ; beware of such !

A party of four “ live men can build a camp, and settle almost anywhere. Before settling for a FalBs hunting, or Winter’s trapping, it is well to examine all the surroundings. A party will often “ fetch up ” at the terminus of a railroad, or near a steamboat landing, and find that they must get further away from civilization. One season our party hired a settler to haul us to a good game locality, where there was a water course, which would enable us to travel by raft until we found a suitable camping site. We decided to make a temporary shelter, and scour the country before building a cabin ; so the first camp fire was made and a night’s rest taken. In the morning, although feeling a little stiff, each went off in a different direction to view the surroundings. After a long day’s search all met again at the camp fire.

“ Poor country for still hunting,” said Jim; “too level and too much underbrush.”

“ Jes so,” said Dick the trapper; “but there’s a heap o' sign * cross the river in the oak timber ; scrapes all over, bushes skinned, deer run early there.”

“ Right glad to hear about deer,” said another, “ but can’t kill em yet : too many leaves on the ground, ankle deep, deer can hear a man walk for three hundred yards.

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

Then there's no feed when acorns are gone ; must have hazel bushes, kinnikinick, popple sprouts, willows or white pines to browse on ; besides, deer will soon go into the hills to run and get out of the wind."

So “ the hills ’’ seemed to be the best camping place and the next morning we loaded our raft and took an early start. Down the river we floated, and after a time selected the south side of a hill near the wate;*.

The situation was thought to be a favorable one, from many points of view ; when a deer was killed it could be rafted to camp ; or in winter, traveling over the frozen river we could drag, instead of pack our game ; also water could be procured by cutting through the ice. As various animals travel through river bottoms, it was favorable for trapping. The course of the river would enable a party, if bewildered in a snow-storm, to reach camp in safety. A winter camp should be underground as much as possible, so we set to " and dug into the hill until we had a level site. Vigorously were swung our axes while felling the trees and cutting them in proper lengths. After hewing two even sides to each log, they were carried and placed in position, which was quite a task, as each had to be taken on two sticks between four persons, so as to have the weight equally balanced. Space was left in the back of the cabin for a fireplace, and the front logs were cut short to allow for a door. When the sides were up, a skeleton roof was formed of poles ; this was covered with bark, spread over with leaves and dirt, which when frozen became water-tight.

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

The large logs were placed at the bottom ; and for side walls, the butts were all laid one way, to give the roof a

slight pitch. Logs for the front and back were fitted

together to keep the walls level. The next thing was to dig out a fireplace, make in it a small throat, and line the whole with stones. When stones are not to be had, the sides may be braced with pieces of split wood, and the whole surface cemented with mud or clay.

Some basswood was then split to make slabs for a door; then the cabin was chinked up with the same. Every crack in the walls having thus been cemented, bunks and cooking outfit were arranged according to space. Not being able to indulge in the luxury of a

closet, nails and pegs were driven into the walls, and a

gun rack made near the fire, of bucks' horns and crooks of trees.

With the forethought of husbandmen, dry wood and pine cones were stored. Green birch, oak and maple will burn, but dry wood is better and should be provided when it can easily be obtained. After completing the cabin, we struck out two or three miles, and blazed trails and took note of peculiar features of the country, which would serve as landmarks. We felt no timidity in going a long distance from camp, knowing that the farther we ventured the sooner we could learn the country, and its best hunting grounds. During a snow-storm it is best to keep near camp, as objects covered with snow are deceptive. Pine timber lands change very much in the winter, and in some of our northern forests, any but a thorough

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

woodsman would easily be lost. It is always well for a party to have understood signals that can be recognized at a moment of danger or trouble. A camp may be constructed in various ways. If for temporary use, it can be made water-tight by covering it with a poncho, or piece of canvas ; in an extremity bark and blankets are sometimes used. The A tent is best for use on the plains, as it is easily handled and affords shade. .

Although the real enjoyment of camp compensates for any difficulties that may be experienced, the life is not without its discomforts, and even hardships. The illustration is from a sketch of an old camp, which was well stocked in November. We settled with the intention of staying two months, but got “ snowed in,’' and were compelled to remain there until spring. Having, in the early part of the season, more meat than it seemed possible to use, we thought best to sell some of it. We got a Norwegian to swamp a load ” to our camp, and with oxen he hauled two loads of deer and grouse to the nearest railroad station, a distance of ninety miles. By January the deer began to yard, and the wolves came into the heavy timber, being driven from the plains of Dakota by the piercing winds ; they scoured the woods, driving all before them, scattering and killing the deer, and picking up what straggling hares we had not killed, until the forest was cleared of game. Our flour, though used with economy, gave out ; and had it not been for the numerous flocks of ruffed grouse that came from their burrows in the snow, to feed just before sunset, we would

AN OLD WIN'IER CAMP.

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

surely have perished from hunger. As it was, we became so weak that traps set near the camp were neglected ; finally a lucky shot brought down a straggling doe, and this furnished food until we could re-stock with flour ; to do this we had to break a trail to the nearest settler, and pack a few pounds to camp at a time.

Not among the least of comforts to be considered is the inner man, and a careful hunter will keep his larder well supplied. It is always advisable to have a good supply of cooked food on hand to guard against emergencies. Storms will not wait, traps must be cleared of snow, and game must be dressed and packed at the proper time. Biscuits never “ go to waste ” in camp, and should be made in large quantities. Bean Swagen is one of the substantial, and* is easily cooked ; the beans should be soaked over night, then, with any kind 01 meat, stewed slowly in a heavy camp kettle, which will prevent burning. Hominy, rice and grits make an agreeable diet ; and prunes, dried peaches and apples are a pleasant variety in the fare. In Minnesota cranberries can be found, in Colorado, gooseberries and red raspberries, and in the mountains, the wild cherry and huckleberry. Nova Scotia boasts of a baked appleberry, the northern Rocky Mountains yield the serviceberry, and in the Missouri bottoms are found little red berries, called bullberries ; they are small, very acid, and grow thickly on the thorniest of bushes ; they make an excellent sauce, however, which relishes with buffalo steaks, or chops from mountain sheep Summer

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

greens are often found, such as cowslips, wild spinach, brakes and palmetto. There is a plant having a large bulbous root like a turnip, which is very palatable in stews or soups; it is called bread fruit by the trappers, and is used in large quantities by the Indians. Good bacon is savory, and makes excellent gravy when thickened with flour. Camp bread can be made as follows : With flour and water mix a pail of batter, and if the weather is cold, hang the pail near the fire till sour; then add salt, also soda or baking powder to neutralize the acidity, thicken with flour and knead well. If salt is mixed in the batter it will take longer to sour. After kneading, cut in pieces and set before the fire to rise ; bake them in the open tin oven, bean pot, fry-pan, or in ashes, as your resources will admit.

The flesh of the big horn of the Rocky Mountains makes the finest eating ; then comes the mule deer, and young buffalo cow. Antelope meat is dry and unsavory, except early in the Fall, when the quarters of the young doe are at their best. The meat of the grizzly is better than that of the black bear, as the flesh is lighter colored and not as strong. Roasted coons are a favorite dish wTth many ; their fat makes good shortening, and is useful in frying meats. The favorite “ bite of the trapper is the tail of a beaver, roasted to a turn ; but they contain a great deal of grease, and every one would not aptpreciate them. Teal and young ducks, broiled over buffalo chips, are enjoyed by all hunters on the plains, and make an agreeable change from bacon and salt junk.

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

Grouse are good until they begin budding, when their backs become very bitter. Young sage hens are fine eating, but the old ones are suggestive of fish hawk. The wild turkey is the king of game birds, and is always welcome in the hunter’s camp.

The Bay of Fundy furnishes the hunter with cod, hake, pollock, flukes and herring ; the little island of Nantucket is a favorite resort for lobsters, and there are sea birds’ eggs, which may be used in various ways. A mention of Western fish must not be omitted ; salmon trout and white fish have been taken in the St. Mary’s river and Chief Mountain lake, in the Province of Saskatchewan, that would have made Sir Isaak Walton stare. Trout, the delicacy of whose flesh is well known, are found in many streams of the “ Rockies one species of the salmon trout predominates, being common to all mountain streams where falls do not prevent their ascent. Salmon trout are very abundant in the Eagle river of Colorado ; and near the mountains of the Holy Cross great numbers of them were taken, using grasshoppers for bait.

The silver catfish abounds in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers ; they are good eating, and may be caught with pork, venison, or the flesh of birds. Throughout our entire country the resources and varieties of food for the hunter are unlimited, his supplies depending on his skill and judgment ; which requirements are also needed in their preparation as food.

Chapter III. Mules And Horses

An Irishman spoke truthfully when he said, The hunter’s best horse is a mule;” and the great prejudice that people have against them arises more from ignorance of their natures than any other cause. Mules are kind, gentle, and easily managed, and after long usage one becomes much attached to them. A quick, long-legged mule, of medium size, will, if carefully trained, make a useful animal, and has the human trait of liking to be persuaded rather than driven. All dumb beasts will, in their way, express much gratitude, and usually serve a considerate master faithfully. A mule that has been abused is always jerking his head about as if expecting each moment to be struck.

In the mountains a mule will outclimb or outpack a pony, and keep fat on the poorest of food. Mules eat an incredible quantity of grass, and their accommodating sides expand to make space for any amount ; indeed, the exact capacity of their stomachs is something that has never been fully calculated. A packer is often in a state vof despair on finding a cincho a foot or so short, that a few hours before was slack.

A good mule will pick his way over loose stones, fallen timber and rocks ; shows great sagacity in fording rapid

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

rivers with uncertain bottoms, and with free rein will take a bewildered hunter to camp through storm and darkness. When mounted and still-hunting, every stick and stone is avoided, fallen timber is crossed without the sound of a misplaced hoof, and the hunter is carried silently over all kinds of surfaces. The best trails are chosen, and with large ears “ pricked,*' the mule stands instinctively at sight of game and gives chance for a good shot. Some will stand fire remarkably well and pack warm game without a tremor ; others will become violent, and on seeing dead game or smelling blood, will back and kick furiously. All mules are affected by the smell of a bear. We had a great struggle with one while packing the skeleton and skin of a grizzly ; he resisted very strongly during the first few days of travel, but finally carried the load four hundred miles. Most mules are slow travelers, but occasionally a fast one is found. In 1874 a hunter in Montana owned one that would catch a bull buffalo ; the cows, however, were too much for him. When riding a mule, a broad cincho and wide crouper is needed, as the saddle is inclined to slip forward and turn, particularly when going down hill.

A mule that insists upon being lazy can scarcely be spurred into activity ; with a good leader they will sometimes quicken their pace, as they do not like to be left behind. The high tempered Mexicans must have great skill in managing them, as they have not the patience to wait their motions. They are very powerful when frightened, and require the full strength of a lariat to keep

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

them in place when away from the herd. A small mule walked into camp one day dragging a good sized pine tree, to which he had been tied four miles distant, and we greeted the rider a few hours after as he came in sight with the saddle on his shoulder. They have great confidence in a horse, and will often follow him in single file when it would be impossible to drive them. When large mounted parties are hunting, a bell mare is picketed, and the other animals will not leave her unless the feed is very poor. Mules known in Western parlance as buck mules, excel some horses in real beauty; their plump quarters, tapering legs, small hoofs and glossy coat, with the characteristic black stripe down the back, make them attractive animals.

Mules are easily frightened into a stampede ; they are much given to rolling, and will often do so when packed for a march. Indian ponies are the horses usually used by hunters. They are scarcely fourteen hands high, of rather light build, and have bright, intelligent eyes. Indians have a faculty of getting a great deal of work out of them, and the ponies, in their hands, are at all times submissive ; when managed by the whites, they become stubborn and lazy, and the mule is more generally preferred. These ponies are good travelers, have greater power of endurance than the American horses, and are useful in many cases ; they should not be run too hard or loaded too heavily; and when climbing a mountain side, they should be tacked up to lessen the angle of ascent, and give sure footing. When trails are rough, and obstructed

HOW TO HUNT AND TRAP.

with rocks and fallen timbfer, the ponies should be dismounted and led by taking the rein over the arm. In attempting to pull they often become stubborn and unmanageable. Faulty management has ruined many horses and mules. When they attempt to draw away at the end of the rein it is advisable not to pull forcibly, particularly if a curb bit is used, as they always resist it. All riding animals are often urged over too great a distance without food. They should be allowed to stop aud feed occasionally, if only for a few moments. A herd must be watched and not allowed to drink too much alkaline water, or rush for water into quicksands ; in many places on the upper Missouri the soil is so treacherous that it is impossible to lead stock to water.

In picketing a horse, a lariat, about thirty-five or forty feet long, should be used. It should be tied rather tightly to prevent its slipping and choking him ; it will also keep his feet from getting through when brushing flies from neck and ears. The foot, when once through, is not easily withdrawn, and often causes a severe struggle; when a horse is sharp-shod his head and neck sometimes become so badly lacerated, that he will bleed to death, or strangle from the effects of the rope and the swelling of the wounded parts. The iron picket pin, with a swivel