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The Quail Snare

Categories: SNARES OR MOOSE TRAPS.

That quails are sociable in their habits, and that they run together

in broods in search of their food, is a fact well known


to all sportsmen. A most excellent opportunity is thus afforded

the hunter to secure several at one shot, and the same advantage

may be gained by the trapper by specially arranging for it. For

this purpose there is no invention more desirable or effective than

the snare we next illustrate;
and on account of the companionable

habits of the quail, it is just as sure to catch six birds as one.

The principle on which the trap works, is the same as in the three

foregoing.






Two notched pegs are first driven into the ground, about four inches

apart, and the flat stick with the hole in the centre caught beneath

these summits, as just described. It should be firmly secured;

several nooses are next to be attached to the drawstring, and the

trap set as already directed.






The best bait consists of a nub of pop-corn, firmly impaled on

the spindle, together with a few loose grains scattered on the ground

right beneath it. The nooses should be arranged around the bait so

as to touch or overlap each other, and the bait stick introduced

into the hole a little more firmly than when set with one noose. The

quail on reaching the trap all rush for the corn on the ground,

and thus fill nearly if not all the nooses. When the supply here

is exhausted, then united attacks are directed towards the nub

on the bait stick, which soon becomes loosened: the knot is thus

released and each noose will probably launch a victim in mid-air.

This invention is original with the author of this work, so far

as he knows; and it will be found the simplest as well as most

effective quail snare in existence. Pop-corn is mentioned as bait

partly on account of its being a favorite food with the quail;

but particularly because the pecking which it necessitates


in order to remove the grains from the cob, is sure to spring the

trap. If pop corn cannot be had, common Indian corn will answer

very well. Oats or buckwheat may also be used, as the ground bait,

if desired.



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