Fishing and Shooting Sketches

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

There were many varieties of birds that were hunted without season or limit -- dowitchers, sandpipers, snipe, willets, etc. As an aside, plover on toast was fine dining, indeed. I saw a recipe for greater yellow legs in an old (mid-19th C.) hunting book. In Kansas, meadowlarks were shot, as were robins. In our recent Parker Pages there's an account of eating stew made with redwing blackbirds. Snipe was one of the more common targets until their numbers dropped so much that the season was closed. It's hard to imaging just how much wildlife there was in America, and how inexhaustible it seemed at the time.

I'm really glad to see you take up the banner for those old big bore guns, Milton. Keep up the good work!

The page before Cleveland writing about summer shore birds does show what I think is a sketch of a snipe but he doesnt mention it specifically. Would you happen to know of any books that are about the origins of what or why certain birds are considered game birds? Its something I have wondered about what makes a game bird a game bird and another species a non game bird?

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Milton C Starr

The page before Cleveland writing about summer shore birds does show what I think is a sketch of a snipe but he doesnt mention it specifically. Would you happen to know of any books that are about the origins of what or why certain birds are considered game birds? Its something I have wondered about what makes a game bird a game bird and another species a non game bird?

I'd have to think more about any literature to specifically answer your good question. Remember early on, almost any bird (of size and worth of expending powder and shot) was considered a target. After seasons were established, when numbers dropped, seasons were closed (the early form of game management). What had developed into a tradition (shore bird hunting, for example), was lost. When seasons were re-established after the closures, what was deemed "game" was redefined through whatever processes existed in a state to enact laws (an exception were the migratory bird laws, which are federal in nature and established by treaty -- and an interesting topic in an of themselves). You can still see the evidence of our regard for what is game, songbird, and/or vermin in our current hunting practices. There was a time when, if you purchased a hunting license of some states, there was tacit agreement (and sometimes explicit) that you would shoot all hawks (and free roaming cats in some states). There's some fascinating history to examine in all of this.

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

I'd have to think more about any literature to specifically answer your good question. Remember early on, almost any bird (of size and worth of expending powder and shot) was considered a target. After seasons were established, when numbers dropped, seasons were closed (the early form of game management). What had developed into a tradition (shore bird hunting, for example), was lost. When seasons were re-established after the closures, what was deemed "game" was redefined through whatever processes existed in a state to enact laws (an exception were the migratory bird laws, which are federal in nature and established by treaty -- and an interesting topic in an of themselves). You can still see the evidence of our regard for what is game, songbird, and/or vermin in our current hunting practices. There was a time when, if you purchased a hunting license of some states, there was tacit agreement (and sometimes explicit) that you would shoot all hawks (and free roaming cats in some states). There's some fascinating history to examine in all of this.

I figured it either came down to cultural norms or perhaps or species that are more easily repopulated were chosen as game birds. Im not sure about other states but I believe here we have two categories, non game animals and non game protected animals. I guess what I am looking for would be something on the cultural or social roots of modern hunting. Regulations aside locally we have game animals we dont hunt I suppose you could call its a custom passed down by the older generation.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Milton C Starr

I figured it either came down to cultural norms or perhaps or species that are more easily repopulated were chosen as game birds. Im not sure about other states but I believe here we have two categories, non game animals and non game protected animals. I guess what I am looking for would be something on the cultural or social roots of modern hunting. Regulations aside locally we have game animals we dont hunt I suppose you could call its a custom passed down by the older generation.

I came across this ad in a 1924 periodical. Notice they were still hunting shore birds (and with Parker small bore guns)

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

I came across this ad in a 1924 periodical. Notice they were still hunting shore birds (and with Parker small bore guns)

A small bore Parker or your favorite American double name would probably be most ideal for a gun to carry with a fishing rod. He also mentions using his waterfowl gun as well though so perhaps Cleveland used his 8 gauges on rail or snipe occasionally haha. I take it to mean he would carry a sub gauge while fishing if a opportunity arose but also would take his waterfowling gun and pursue shore birds.

I think its interesting he mentions even 100+yrs ago people would complain specifically about a public figure hunting.

[zacheryfrevert]

I had never even heard of bow fishing before I picked up Fishing and Shooting Sketches by Grover Cleveland. I was flipping through the pages idly, looking for something new to try, when I came across a description of bow fishing. It sounded like a lot of fun, so I decided to give it a shot. I went out and bought a used compound bow and a few arrows from https://bowarchery.com/best-bowfishi...r-muddy-water/ and headed down to the local pond. It didn't take long to get the hang of it, and I was soon hooked. I've been bow fishing ever since, and I love it. It's a great way to get some exercise, and it's also a lot of fun. If you've never tried it, I highly recommend it.