Ogata had been sitting on a thick tree branch for several hours in the same position with his rifle raised, waiting for some animal, like a deer, or an ill-wisher

but suddenly he was attracted by a rustle under him, as if someone was walking on dry branches and foliage (or snow, as you want)

he reflexively aimed the rifle sight directly at the source of the noise, and he held his breath, trying not to make a sound