If you thought that guns are the only way to hunt, you’re wrong. Since ancient times, humans have always devised bizarre methods to hunt their prey. There are those designed for use on land, while others are utilized on water. Others are used to hunt meat, and others are intended for pest eradication.
Stealing meat from lions might look awkward. But Cameroon’s Mbororo herdsmen have been doing it for centuries. They utilize flaming sticks to chase lions and other big cats from kills. This technique is more common in large predators but less documented in man.
Since lions have become increasingly wary of humans, kleptoparasitism has become easier for most people. Reports from Tanzania, Cameroon, and Uganda point out that the practice is up of on the rise. And this is really bad news for the big cats, especially considering the fact that they spend tremendous energy hunting down prey. In fact, some fear that this technique might end up eradicating entire lion populations.
Golden Eagle Hunting
The Burkitshi people are popularly known for utilizing golden eagles to stalk prey. They often rise horseback with this huge raptor perched on their arms while they climb the high mountains in search of foxes.
At this point, the bond between the hunter and the bird grows deeper. The hunters literally capture eagles live. 4-year-old birds are the best since they’ve fully developed reliable hunting skills and are still flexible enough to be trained. It’s also important to note that only females are used. This is because their wingspan is bigger and they tend to be more ferocious than males.
Typically, the eagles are domesticated, fed, and given shelter. And more surprisingly, they can live up to thirty years, but the hunters often release them after 10 years.
Since the Bukitshi is quickly disappearing, the golden eagle hunting technique will soon become extinct. It’s believed that there are only about 60 people still practicing this ancient nomadic lifestyle.
Rat hunting involves a great deal of coordination. In the mid-19th-century, terriers and ferrets in tandem were used to curb London’s monstrous infestation. The study shows that those ferrets chased thousands of rats out of their holes, while the dogs dealt with the deathblow.
New York has turned to conventional methods to help control its abundance of rats. Well-trained Jack Russels, dachshunds, and fox terriers together with their owners creep around the shadows in search of vermin. However, animal rights activists consider this as cruelty. Rats are left fatally ill for many hours. Plus, these poisoned rats transfer toxins to anything that eats them.
Trout tickling is an olden way to get a free, delicious dinner. This hunting technique doesn’t necessitate the use of any equipment, just stealth. All you need is to approach a trout hole from downstream then lie stomach-down at the bank. Gently reach the water. And once you feel a trout, carefully tickle the belly as you slowly move tail-to-head to soothe the fish. After reaching the head, squeeze hard and pull the fish out of the water.
For many years, this fishing strategy has been popular among Europe’s poor population. This is because they couldn’t afford to purchase equipment or pay the fees to fish private land. It’s generally considered as an ancient form of poaching.
Octopus is smart and outstandingly delicious. They have a complex brain but are traditionally hunted using a simple technique.
Most people fish them using pots. The vessels are carefully lowered to the seafloor and are then anchored. And the octopus blindly crawls into the pot, thinking that it has found a new home. Once it is inside, the fisherman will drag the pot and the octopus will rarely try to escape. Sounds too simple, right?
Potting octopus has changed significantly over the past few decades. The vessels were conventionally created with terracotta. But they’re now being manufactured from plastic. Plus, the technique is almost universal across the entire world. Ancient Greeks utilized octopus pots, while modern fishermen from Spain to Japan use them as well.
Hawaii is a paradise in peril. Invasive species threaten to jeopardize the island’s fragile ecosystem, and there aren’t more vicious species than wild boars. But they’re extremely delicious.
The Hawaiian people hunt these surly animals with knives. The strategy involves stalking the hogs and chasing them down with dogs. They’re then stabbed to death. In such an overcrowded part of the world, knives are considered to be safer than bullets.
Wild boar isn’t just a problem in Hawaii, they’re also a major environmental disaster in several other states. In fact, some folks have resorted to utilizing explosives. And this isn’t hunting- it’s extermination. Remember, explosives can permanently destroy the meat.
Flounder tramping refers to a traditional fishing strategy that has long been used in southwestern Scotland. All you need is to walk on the mudflats till you step on a flounder. A fight against instinct will then start and you can finally harvest your delicious fish. Yes, it’s that simple.
Gum Lime Sticks
Hunters in Cyprus are seriously decimating the songbird population. They utilize simple and ancient hunting techniques, which often entails the use of lime sticks covered with ultra-sticky gum extracted from Syrian plums. Once this is done, the sticks are then positioned in the lower branches of juniper trees. And because of the tree’s irresistible beauty, foraging birds become ensnared.
The only problem with this hunting technique is that there’s a massive by-catch of endangered species, such as the spotted flycatcher. But the good news is that there are numerous organizations that are working to prevent the songbird slaughter. Bird hunting is an olden part of the Cypriot culture and there isn’t a shortage of poachers.
Though the world has witnessed tremendous technological revolutions, there are still a couple of ancient hunting methods that are still being practiced. From Kleptoparistism to 9Trout Tickling, 8Golden Eagle Hunting, 2Gum Lime Sticks, and 3Octopus Pots there’s pretty much for hunters to enjoy.