Results of the first days work in range estimation by Co* "E” and
Hqrs* Co* show, as expected, the importance of instruction and
practice in this kind of work. The percentage of accuracy for the
companies was 71, only five men attaining the 90)® or over necessary
to be considered proficient. These were Staggs, $4/£, Stickney, 94/£,
Turner, 94/£, and Harney, 91/'®, Colburn, Hurd, Barry, Gore, Devlin,
Comstock, Jennings, Ziegner. Stewart-.M.34,,Wilkerson, and Jesiop all
attained more than 89% accuracy. Tne ranges for this days work
were short, and hence a livtle mistake in estimation resulted in a
large percentage of error ; but estimation is easy at the shorter
ranges, which offsets the' disadvantage^
The second days estimate, ae.:pi';e the fact that the ranges were
greater, showed a gain of ten pei c^nt in the percent of accuracy,
showing the result of even brief training. Ziegner made high score
with an average of 9I/£, acooroiv-g t>(.< a hastily prepared summary*
No one else made the required profiefcercy standard, but there were
fewer extremely low scores and the scores were more uniform, a
condition much to be desired :n troop training. Training in range
estimation will be continued, according to the Plans and Training
Officer, until as high as possible a percent of the men are qual
ified as proficientr
THIRD HUNTING TRIP got away to an early start,16 strong, Capts.
von Gremp and Hoss, and 14 enlisted men. Johnny kiarks Thainault
of Haines came along as guide and brought along his dugout. After
bucking a storm part of the day, we arrived at the Freshwater Bay
Camp about 5 P.M.
Capt. Goode and It. Maertens came off in Buchanans skiff and a
council of war was held to decide whether to stay there or pull
up and go elsewhere. After :onr.uiting the guides, it was decided to
stay there.
In the evening Sgt. Thatcher went out along the adjacent river
after bear, but was very glad not to find any*
Next morning everyone drew rations and hit the brush. Late in
the evening all .had reported in, with long winded tales of "fresh
signs" and "recent tracks", and similiar hunting tales, except
Brown and Brosseau#
Then followed a week of hunting . Cants- von Gremp and Hoss
went up back of the camp Tuesday with Johnny, but after climb
ing to the top the two Capts. turned back, while Johnny went
ahead. Jbhnny showed up with the gladsome news that he had
shot three deers, all bucks, one a six-pointer, and had had a
run-in with a big brown bear.
Sgt. Thatcher and Prc. Mathison were camped at the point where
Johnny came out, and helped pack them in.
The same morning Corpl. Loftin and Pvt. Stewart ambushed a
buck on the beach, after waiting for him all night. The' dugout
went after him and found a bear trying Co get him out of the
tree where he was hanging .
This was all the game, except one hair seal to the credit of
Capt. Hoss,who shot him fiom the dugout in shallow water.
Private Cleveland as KAMP KOOK deserves special mention. His
cooking brought loud cries of appreciation even from the stoical
Johnny.
Sunday the "Fornance" arrived about 4.30 and it was decided
to remain in camp over night. The camp was broken up next morn
ing at daybreak and an uneventful trip home ended a fine week.