The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SNIPE HUNT

A SNIPE HUNT IS A HUNT FOR AN IMAGINARY ANIMAL. IT IS A GAME.
BEFORE THE HUNT BEGINS, BROWN BAGS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE HUNTERS
AND THEY ARE TOLD THAT SNIPES LIVE IN THE WOODS AND ARE ATTRACTED TO
NOISE.
THE HUNT BEGINS WITH THE HUNTERS GOING INTO THE WOODS AND HITTING
STICKS TOGETHER FOR NOISE. POT AND PAN LIDS CAN ALSO BE USED.
THE PLAYERS ARE TOLD TO HOLD THEIR BAGS OPEN SO THAT THE SNIPE
CAN JUMP IN AND THEY CAN CATCH IT. THE NOISE MUST BE MAINTAINED IN
ORDER TO ATTRACT THE SNIPE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT MANY TIMES, SNIPES ARE DESCRIBED BY CAMP
STAFF SO THAT CAMPERS KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR.
THE GAME ITSELF IS LOOKED UPON AS A JOKE PLAYED ON CAMPERS BY THE
CAMP STAFF. MANY INEXPERIENCED CAMPERS ARE OFTEN TRICKED INTO
THINKING THERE IS A REAL ANIMAL CALLED A SNIPE.
THE INFORMANT ALSO CAUTIONED THE COLLECTOR NOT TO PLAY THE GAME
ON VERY YOUNG CAMPERS WHO GET SCARED VERY EASILY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WIXOM

Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1964