As we have said, the winter food consists chiefly of the twigs of trees.  When the snow is deep the deer form what are called “yards,” about such trees as they particularly select for their browsing.  These yards are made simply by tramping down the snow, and large numbers of the deer are often thus found together.  As the supply of food is consumed, the yard is enlarged, so as to enclose other trees for browsing, and where deep snows abound throughout the winter, these enclosures often become quite extensive in area.  Panthers, wolves, and wolverines take especial advantage of these, and easily secure their victims.  By wolves especially entire herds of deer are thus destroyed, and whole yards depopulated in a single night.  Panthers secrete themselves in the trees above the boughs overhanging the “yards,” and, with stealthy movements, approach and pounce upon their unsuspecting prey.  The blood-thirsty wolverine secretes himself in the nooks and by-ways to spring upon its tawny victim unawares.  These, together with man, form the principal foes of the deer, and we can truthfully assert that the hunter is much more its enemy than the trapper.

As we do not wish to encourage the wanton trapping of this noble creature, it would perhaps be well for us to devote also few words in describing the various modes of hunting the animal, [Page 217] adopted by the “professional sportsmen” throughout the land.  The most common method is that called “still hunting,” most generally pursued in winter.  The hunter is shod with deer-skin or other soft sandals, and starts out with his rifle and ammunition.  Finding the fresh track of the deer, he cautiously and noiselessly follows up the trail, keeping a sharp lookout ahead.  A practised deer-hunter becomes very skillful and accurate, and the animal is nearly always tracked to discovery, when he is shot.  The deer’s sense of smell is extremely acute, and, when in shooting range, it is very necessary to approach them in the face of the wind, the direction of which may be easily determined by holding the finger in the mouth for a moment, afterward pointing it upward toward the sky.  The cool side of the finger will indicate the direction from which the wind blows, and toward that direction the deer should always be approached, or as far toward that direction as possible.  It will sometimes happen that the hunter will surprise the buck, doe, and fawn together.  In order to secure the three, shoot the doe first.  The buck and fawn will remain near the spot.  The buck should next be shot, and then the fawn, the charge being aimed at the breast.  Never approach a wounded deer without reloading the gun, as he is often more frightened than hurt, and is likely to start and run away, unless prevented by another shot.  During the snow season, deer are always watchful of their back track.  They are generally at rest during the day, starting out late in the afternoon on their usual ramblings, which