A snipe hunt is a type of practical joke, in existence in North America as early as the 1840s, in which an unsuspecting newcomer is duped into trying to catch a non-existent animal called a "snipe". As an American rite of passage, it is often associated with summer camps and groups such as the Boy Scouts.
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The target of the prank is led to an outdoor spot and given instructions for catching the prey; these often include waiting in the dark and holding an empty bag or making noises to attract the "snipe". The others involved in the prank then leave the newcomer alone in the woods to discover the joke.
The actual family of shorebirds called snipe have been hunted as game birds, unrelated to the kind of practical joke known as a snipe hunt.
In North America
Although the snipe is a real bird, the snipe hunt is a practical joke, often associated with outdoor camping; an unsuspecting newcomer is led to an outdoor spot and given a bag or pillowcase for catching the snipe; the other group members leave, promising to chase the snipe toward the person with the bag. Instead, they return home or to camp, leaving the newcomer alone in the dark to discover that they have been duped and left "holding the bag". Folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand writes that
While the snipe hunt is known in virtually every part of the United States, the description of the prey varies: it may be described as a type of bird, a snake, or a small furry animal. In one version, the snipe is a type of deer with a distinctive call; the dupe is left kneeling and imitating the snipe call while holding the bag to catch it.
The snipe hunt was in existence as early as the 1840s in the United States. As a kind of fool's errand or wild-goose chase—meaning a fruitless errand or expedition—it was the most common hazing ritual for boys in American summer camps during the early 20th century, and is a rite of passage often associated with groups such as the Boy Scouts. Folklorist Simon J. Bronner writes that the snipe hunt has a part in children's folklore in which
the young person who aspires to join a group of older boys or girls is given a bag to catch a mysterious bird. The youngster draws laughs at being left literally 'holding the bag' and, as a result of being made aware of his or her gullibility, joins the group.
One variant of the snipe hunt involves experienced outdoorsmen making fun of newcomers; in this version, novice campers or hunters are told about a "small, dangerous creature" called the "snipe" and are told to capture it by running through the woods carrying a bag and making strange noises. Gerard O'Neil writes that
The 'optimal' snipe habitat is usually on a trail remote from the camp, and those who are in on the joke return to camp and have a laugh at the newcomer's expense. However, in another variant of snipe hunting, a large group spreads out to hunt the snipe with sacks. After thrashing about the woods in the dark for some time, the snipe is captured by one of the leaders of the hunt and with much care and fanfare is brought back to camp. When the bag is opened, the 'snipe' escapes so quickly that no one sees it.
Variations
A similar practical joke in France is known as "hunting the Dahut". While the description of the prey differs from the North American snipe hunt, the nature of the joke is the same.
Actual snipe hunting
Snipe are a family of shorebirds. While the term snipe hunt usually refers to a prank, snipe can in fact be hunted for sport. The difficulties involved in hunting snipe gave rise to the term “sniper”, meaning a sharpshooter or someone who shoots from a hidden location.