Gunning Snipe on the Gulf Coast 1901

[stumpstalker]

There is a chapter on rail gunning skiffs in the book THE SEA BRIGHT SKIFF AND OTHER SHORE BOATS, by Peter J. Guthorn, Rutgers University, 1971; updated in 1982.

Quote:

“The rail does not fly high or fast so the range is less than twenty yards. Even so, the rail can be an elusive target. Guns range from 410 to 12 gauge, usually cylinder bored doubles. The more proficient gunners favor the smaller bore pieces. As gunning is limited to about two hours at each flood, downed birds are not immediately retrieved, but their location is marked.”

Guthorn references Thomas Eakins and his 1874 painting, THE ARTIST AND HIS FATHER HUNTING REED BIRDS (copied below), saying “Thomas is shown in the stern poling while Benjamin, his father, stands forward with gun ready.”

[stumpstalker]

Here is another, and more chromatic, rail gunning painting that Guthorn references in his book, by this top-tier American artist: WILL SCHUSTER AND BLACK MAN GOING SHOOTING, Thomas Eakins; 1876.

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Russell E. Cleary

Here is another, and more chromatic, rail gunning painting that Guthorn references in his book, by this top-tier American artist: WILL SCHUSTER AND BLACK MAN GOING SHOOTING, Thomas Eakins; 1876.

Heres another one of his works I saw recently about rail hunting.

[Kevin McCormack]

Originally Posted by Milton C Starr

Heres another one of his works I saw recently about rail hunting.

The description for this print is mismatched; the title of the print is "Whistling for Plover" by Eakins. Notice the stick-up decoys; they are priceless today. Most were wood but several decoy makers offered sets of hollow, half-body tin decoys boxed in a wooden carrier. Complete sets command unbelievable prices at auction.