There are times when people want to attract a wild animal or bird to come closer. A photographer may want to get a close-up picture, a scientist may be doing research work, or perhaps a hunter wants to get a good shot at closer range. Many devices have been designed to help do this. The following are a few of these.
In the days before North America was settled, Indians hunting for food had a clever way of drawing pronghorn antelope closer, so they could shoot them with their bows and arrows. The Indians discovered that these animals, which normally would run from anything approaching them, are curious about anything unusual. If an Indian hid himself in tall grass and waved a white cloth above his head, the antelopes' curiosity would slowly draw them closer to investigate. Of course, they had no way of knowing they were soon going to become the Indian’s food. This method of attraction is still being used.
Another trick with deer, elk and moose is for the hunter or photographer to clash a pair of antlers together, over and over again. A nearby buck, thinking this noise is coming from two males fighting, comes cautiously to investigate. The person making all the racket gets his reward.
Turkey hunters have some tricks too. The most successful one is to imitate turkey calls. The person has to stay hidden while waiting until a gobbler comes to chase away what it thinks is an intruding bird.
Smaller birds also are often tricked in a similar way. Tapes of the songs and calls of many birds are available at some sporting goods stores. When one is played in the woods, it will often bring several of the desired species closer.
Water birds such as ducks, geese and loons will often respond to decoys placed on a pond or lakeshore, especially if the person placing the decoy is also good at imitating the calls of these birds.
Some people have learned how to imitate the cries of an injured rabbit, cat or dog, any of which may cause a coyote, bobcat, cougar or other animal to show up, thinking it will find an easy meal.
There are many attractions that our enemy, Satan, uses to cause us to act foolishly or mischievously. It is well to ask ourselves, What things attract me? Am I being fooled by them? A Bible verse warns us of this: “Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived” (Deuteronomy 11:1616Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; (Deuteronomy 11:16)).
The Lord Jesus invites you to put your trust in Him and to let the Word of God, the Bible, be your guide in all you do. Following this guide is a safe and sure path. “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Thy [instructions]” (Psalm 119:7373JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Psalm 119:73)). Ask the Lord to help you do this, and He will.
ML-07/27/2008