Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Ancient Hunting vs. Modern Hunting


Stomach to the ground; covered in buffalo hide- smelling and looking like his prey.  He waits patiently for the perfect shot.  Spear in hand-with a freshly sharpened arrowhead at the tip-strong enough to pierce through to the buffalo’s heart.  Wearing moccasins, this skillful Native American was undetected from his prey’s sensitive ears.  Catching such a prize didn’t mean bragging rights or a head above his fireplace—this meant food on the table for his family and tribe.  The Native Americans were savvy hunters, making innovative and progressive tools to help keep their bellies full.  
Not only did the Native Americans have to be skillful but any ancient ancestor of ours had to use their imagination to stay alive on a daily basis.  Reading books and pieces of information online about the different tools our ancient ancestors used to use to hunt for animals to keep them and their families alive is nothing less than fascinating! Could you imagine a world without fire, guns, knives, call boxes or even modern day conveniences such as grocery stores, where you can pick up any kind of meat you want?  To survive you had to get creative. We are spoiled today with all of the technology we have.  
The ancient art of hunting is quickly getting lost.  However, some folks in Missouri are trying to salvage an ancient tool used to hunt in ancient times, called an Atlatl.  The state of Missouri has complied to let people use the Atlatl for deer hunting during any firearms season in Missouri—with the exception of muzzleloading season.  It might seem strange to see someone out hunting with the Atlatl, but I think it’s great we are bringing back an ancient tool and honing our hunting skills.  Celebrating the ways of our ancient ancestors is a powerful message that we appreciate and respect them.  To read more about the Atlatl click on this link 


Rachel Lipsky
WETSA Prostaff