Possibly some of the boys’ fathers have been still hunting, and if so
they fully understand that it means deer hunting without hounds.
The game still hunt differs from the real hunt in many ways, but
possibly the most important one is in the fact that the deer in this
case is only the form of a deer. It is better to play it out of doors,
but if you have a large enough room it may be played anywhere.
Whoever can draw best should be the individual to outline the deer, and
it must be drawn on the ground. The best ground is gravel, though, as
in the case of tennis, or other field games, the deer may be designed
on the grass.
The deer should be fully grown and have large antlers. After he is
distinctly drawn he must be surrounded by a circle, the line of which
measures four feet from the nearest point of the deer.
When the game is played out of doors, a smooth round stone about
the size of a walnut will be required; but when played inside use a
fifty-cent piece, or an old-fashioned cent. And for the indoor drawing
use chalk.
The deer circle being now ready, the girls and boys become hunters,
and state which part of the deer they want. Some will decide on the
antlers, because they will make a useful ornament, and they will have
them serve as a rack for a gun or umbrella. Others again want a hoof,
because it will make such a fine hunting-knife or paper-cutter handle,
and so each part of the deer is divided.
When everybody has selected their part, the tallest hunter takes his
stand, with his toes to the outer edge of the circle, and as far from
the part he selected as is possible. He then throws the stone. If it
rests on any part of the chosen place, he may count ten, but if the
stone stops outside of the part, he is marked down five. He then picks
up the stone, and hands it to the next player, who is the one next
to himself in height. Then this hunter takes his stand at the place
furthest from his selected part, and thus the game continues, until all
have played in turn. Then the first hunter takes another chance, and so
on again all follow. The one counting fifty first has won.
It is necessary to keep an accurate score, as the fives marked against
the hunters have to be deducted; indeed if great care is not used, a
hunter will be in debt, instead of earning his game. Therefore, the
best hunter is he who keeps _still_ and takes accurate aim. If he
fails at the first throwing, notice where the fault lies,—it may be
less force is required.
It is better to have an umpire; therefore select one before the game
begins, and remember to pleasantly abide by his decision.
The stone must be altogether on, to be counted on, and in the case of
the antlers the stone must touch some of the antler points.