Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Snipe hunting

I've recommended that Gary and Jeremiah, my oldest, take my two middle sons, Daniel and Joseph, Snipe hunting this weekend. Daniel, who is a kind and gentle soul, is a little reluctant to go, but he's curious about the animal as he's never seen one. Joseph is very enthused and can't wait. This rite of passage is best if handled by family members.

For my non-southern/American viewers this is what a snipe is:

The Snipe Hunt

Strangely, here the name "Snipe" applies to a small rat-like creacture about the size of a ground hog, is grey, tailess and very slow. It's also completely nocturnal and tastes like chicken. They are extremely shy, which is why it's best to work by yourself with a flashlight, a stick and a bag. My oldest demonstrated the action involved in catching one which amounts to blinding it with the flashlight, hitting it over the head and depositing it in the bag. A three-step motion, he said. I had to remind him about the whistle that attracts them, though.

We told Sam, the eight year old, that you have to be twelve to go. He's very disappointed (cried a little). I told him we'd talk to his Dad, but that I'm pretty sure the law is clear about it.

mary

PS. My seventeen year old is a very convincing liar and this concerns me. I have no idea where he got it from.

5 comments:

Laura said...

It's things like "snipe hunting" that alert me to how different our cultures are, despite our shared language.

Unknown said...

You must be very proud of your sons, especially the good liar.

Mary O. Paddock said...

Hi DB, This a long standing traditional joke in rural areas and young men spring it on each other every year. It's best done sober (which is why I think we'll handle this one at home) and when they are old enough to appreciate a good joke. My husband tells me his Dad and brothers played it on him.

CD,
In the south (which is where I'm originally from) we are very proud of our son's abilities to spin a convincing yarn or tall tale. My oldest's imagination never ceases to amaze me. The only time it's an actual worry is when it's over something serious and fortunately his father (an old tale spinner himself) caugh that one early on.

Anonymous said...

We have Drop Bears in Australia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_bear

David M

Scotty said...

Drop-bears, hehe. I've lost count of how many American serviceman we were able to fool with that one, lol. That, and the hoop-snake, one that rolls back on itself and chases you down the track like a hula hoop before it uncoils its head and bites you...
As for hunting though, I did my share as a teenager, mostly roos and pigs. My first attempt to bring down a wild pig with a bow and arrow was well, an interesting experience. Good thing I was fast and could climb trees. :-)