We have snipe where I live, and yet people from the Southern States talk about a "Snipe Hunt" meaning something doesn't exist. When did the poor Snipe get regaled to the "mythical Animal" list?
2006-07-07 02:24:34 · 8 answers · asked by celonhaelsdarkwind 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe
Yes, the Snipe is a bird.
"They are extremely difficult targets, confounding even very skilled hunters with their erratic flight, their unexpected flushes, their excellent natural camouflage, and the treacherous and difficult terrain they typically inhabit."
So it's not really "mythical", just refering to an alomst impossible goal, so why bother.
2006-07-07 02:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by cirestan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The story I heard, is that Snipes are very elusive, and so "Snipe Hunts" are for something hard to find. An alternate explantion, is that southern country boys would take their city friends out on a "Snipe Hunt" and the city friends never saw any, so they thought they were being fooled...
2006-07-07 02:29:16 · answer #2 · answered by mury902 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A snipe hunt, also known as a fool's errand or wild goose chase, is one of a class of practical jokes that involves experienced people making fun of newcomers by giving them an impossible or imaginary task. For example, inexperienced campers are told about a bird or animal called the snipe as well as a usually ridiculous method of catching it, such as running around the woods carrying a bag or making strange noises. Since real snipes (which are often mistakenly thought to be non-existent) are difficult enough to catch for experienced hunters, the hunt never succeeds for newcomers.
Snipe hunts are similar to hazing except that the abuse is embarassment from trickery rather than physical humiliation.
The name comes from a family of shorebirds called snipe that are notoriously difficult to shoot.
2006-07-07 02:29:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 20-Something 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The snipe is not a mythical bird. Not sure if they still exist but they looked similar to the KIWI (the bird on the KIWI shoe polish). They now say snipe hunt because some people still believe in them. You take some to the woods, give them a burlap sack and tell them to sit still and you and your friends will chase one to you and you have to catch it. Meanwhile they leave and leave you " holding the bag".
2006-07-07 02:33:23 · answer #4 · answered by mt92501 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as the instigator of many "snipe hunts", i can tell you that us southerners don't think the bird doesn't exist. in fact, since it is actually real, it makes it easier to get virgin "hunters" involved in the game. we may embellish the truth a little about how and where the little birdies live, but that's about it. besides, it's really funny to see people running around the woods at night with bags, making funny sounds to attract the snipe!
2006-07-07 02:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by krazy4hd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The snipe has a reputation for being very difficult if not impossible to hunt successfully. A snipe hunt is a hazing ritual to embarrass your friends, by sending them on a wild goose chase.
I think the snipe should be proud to be elevated to uncatchable state of being.
2006-07-07 02:35:28 · answer #6 · answered by p8ballchick 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They didn't. "Snipe Hunting" was used as code for going out and parking with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It's not that snipe were relegated mythical status, it's that snipe are best hunted at night, and it was a way to get to go out at night, supposedly on a legitimate activity, but in fact, really going out to make out.
2006-07-07 02:30:23 · answer #7 · answered by Christin K 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont know...maybe cause they're hard to hit?
2006-07-07 02:31:17 · answer #8 · answered by GEN Gamer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋