Walrus Hunting.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 185, 4 August 1894, Page 9 (Supplement)

Walrus Hunting.

We believe thab two Scottish gentlemen, the late Mr Lamonb, of Knockdow, and Lord David Kennedy, were the first to make a shooting-trip to the Polar regions. 'Seasons with the Seahorses,' describing the chase of the walrus and the great white bear was then a novelfcy in literature. Mr Pike, who is an enthusiast, informs us that) the gamo hae been scared from its more accessible resorts by ruthlessly indiscriminate massacre. We cannob think that it is much to be regretted. Any ordinary sporting ardour mighb be chilled by the low tomperaturo and damped by the dense and depressing fogs. Bub he says that both bear and walrus are ebill to be found in considerable uumberson the north-eastern shores of Spitsbergen. The work is severe, bub the cost need nob be great, for bhe walrus ivory obtained in a successful expedition goes far towards paying the expenses. The sportsmen ara recommended to biro a walrus-sloop ab one of the Norwegian ports. With a crew of some nine hands, boats, gear, etc., complete, the total expense is pub at £460. The walrus is sbob or harpooned, according to circumstances. When the boat puts off from bhe ship, ib ia victualled for several days, tor fogs that obliterate the land marks and obscure thab stars are matters of constant occurrence. The walrus at best) must be a remarkably stupid animal, for the aim of the boat is to approach almost within arm's length, when the harpoon lance is darted, which ia attached-to a long line. When he rises to breathe,' the rifle ought to finish him. Should he show signs of alarm when the boat is still some distance off, the rifle comes into play. Bub he is as nearly invulnerable as any beasb can be, and when shot in the water he sinks immediately. Consequently, unless killed on the ice or harpooned in the sea, in nine cases out of ten ib is impossible to secure him.—From 'Big Game Shooting,' ia • Blackwood's Magazine.'