What does the man mean when he says that they Called 'em off on a snipe hunt ...?

When the man says they "called 'em off on a snipe hunt," he is referring to a prank or a fool's errand. A snipe hunt is a traditional joke where someone is sent on a wild goose chase, looking for a nonexistent creature. Essentially, he implies that the people involved have been misled or sent on a pointless mission, highlighting the futility of their efforts. It underscores themes of deception and the absurdity of certain pursuits.