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History of Hunting
By Robert / December 3, 2021 May 26, 2022
The existence and survival of man is built on hunting, it is the
foundation on which civilizations and kingdoms were created.
Many of the earliest records and artifacts discovered depict the basic
natures of hunting and its importance amongst early man. The act of
hunting has evolved over thousands of years, from the moment man hunted
and harvested the very first animal to modern age technology, laws and
the uses of hunting as a means of conservation.
The history of hunting is a fascinating topic not only because it
highlights how man became a better hunter, but it is full of incredible
stories, provides us with insight into how our earliest ancestors
survived, adapted, created societies built on status and the laws
implemented to ensure there is enough hunting opportunity for all.
Earliest Signs of Hunting
History of Hunting
Many anthropologists agreed that humans began as scavengers and
gatherers long before becoming skilled hunters. Animals 400,000 years
ago and even as far back as 2 million years ago were very different to
what we have today, this is especially true for the predatory species.
Humans were low down on the food chain and had to rely on scavenging
meat from the kills of larger predators in order to survive.
Until recently the earliest documented evidence of humans actively
hunting for meat was at a site in Germany showing horses being brought
down by humans using long spears. The estimated age of this evidence is
400,000 years old, however a recent discovery of animal bones and
thousands of stone tools in the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania has led
archaeologists to believe that ancient hominins were more than mere
scavengers.
The indigenous San people of Southern Africa are known for their very
detailed paintings found within caves and on rock surfaces that clearly
show them hunting large animals such as Eland, Kudu, Giraffe and Zebra
with spears and bows. These painting are believed to be around 5,000
years old are vital in creating a timeline of human's hunting history
and their adaption to certain environments.
For there to be further evidence of humans hunting dating back 400,000
years and up to 2 million years ago, highlights the importance and
significance that hunting has had in the survival of human beings.
What evidence constitutes as hunting versus scavenging? From the
discovery in Tanzania, archaeologists declared it hunting as whole
skeletons from antelope sized animals were discovered, with cut marks
on the bones which highlighted the meat was intentionally removed with
a tool.
Primary predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas in Africa will
consume large amounts of the carcass including some bones before
abandoning the kill to scavengers. This was not the case with the
discovery in the Olduvai Gorge, where entire skeletons were clearly
visible. The lack of teeth marks on the bones of the animals was
another clue that they had not been killed by larger predators, rather
they were hunted, and the meat removed with tools.
What Hunting Did For Human Evolution?
The physical act of hunting does not have to include the use of weapons
or trapping material, records of primitive tribes from Southern and
Northern America as well as Africa describe how hunters would chase
their intended prey consistently over a long period of time, usually
two days, until the animal collapsed from exhaustion.
There is a suggestion from Brace and Montagu (1965) that man's
near-hairlessness and wealth of sweat glands may be associated with
this hunting technique. A superior cooling system would enable man to
persist in tracking even in the hottest part of the day, when other
carnivores are idle, and the quarry may face heat exhaustion.
Recent history shows that Plains Indians, especially the Crow Tribe of
1867 would drive bison over steep embankments or high cliffs, where the
buffalo would fall to their death or break limbs leaving them incapable
of running away. These drives although excessive to the needs of the
tribe would involve the entire community.
The bison would be driven on horseback by those men who were considered
excellent hunters, while women, children and the older members of the
tribe would hide behind trees and rocks lying in wait for the bison to
pass. Once passed they would wave blankets and shout to direct the
bison towards the edge of the cliff, where the bison would fall to
their death.
Working together would help strengthen the bonds between members of the
tribe and share in the knowledge of hunting bison.
The introduction of meat as a primary diet in human's ancestors,
increased protein levels, fats and held a higher level of calories than
most plants and roots. This allowed for the development of a larger
brain in human related species.
Coupled with the structural changes over thousands of years such as
smaller jaw bones with less obtrusive teeth, a standing up right
posture, the elongation of fingers and a thumb can be directly
attributed to hunting, as well as the adaptation of arms and shoulders
for the task of throwing and hurling weapons.
Yet, it was not only the introduction of meat that contributed to the
development of human's hunting abilities and intelligence, but another
defining factor was the size and species of animals hunted.
An interesting paper by Dr. Miki Ben-Dor and Prof. Ran Barkai from the
Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University
proposed an explanation for the physiological, behavioral and cultural
evolution of the human species. The paper explains that as humans
became more proficient in hunting larger animals, they inevitably
caused the extinction of many of those large animals. With that, early
human species had to adapt their hunting techniques and understanding
of animal behavior to now hunt the smaller, quicker and highly alert
prey species.
Over time as the adaption to hunting smaller animals developed, the
volume of human brains grew from 650cc to 1,500cc which is evident in
archeological discoveries and studies over many years.
Dr. Ben-Dor states "We correlate the increase in human brain volume
with the need to become smarter hunters".
It requires more energy and pressure on the brain to strategies for the
hunting of many small antelope or rodent species compared to hunting
one large animal such as an elephant or bison because it will sustain
the hunter for a longer period. This energy use and pressure on the
brain's functions forced it to develop at a quicker rate.
An example in situation could be the need for fast tracking and
decision-making as the small animal flees and the brain must analyze
information such as tracks, wind, and general animal behavior to
determine which direction the animal went and instruct the body to give
chase.
The paper further explains that ultimately the brain developed so
extensively that the concept of making tools for hunting was done so to
relieve the hunter of using up valuable energy.
Early Hunting Tools
History of Hunting
With greater discoveries from Archaeologists over the years, it was
clear that not only were humans physically changing and evolving but
their tools were also being adapted with each circumstance and
situation.
The earliest tools discovered that can be associated to hunting, were
those of daggers, hand axes and non-throwing long spears. Although it
can be argued these tools were more used for the processing of meat
from animals killed by large predators and to an extent digging for
roots and peeling bark, they are still capable of killing smaller
species.
The use of poison in early hunting tools was quite common amongst
tribes and early inhabitants of tropical and heavily vegetative areas
such as the forests of Central America and the Congo region of Africa.
Poisons extracted from frogs, snakes, fishes and mushrooms were some of
the more common sources.
Artifacts discovered from ancient Egypt depict the use of animals to
assist in the hunting of other animals. The Egyptians used greyhounds,
birds of prey and even tame cheetahs to help in the catching and
killing of their quarry.
A huge evolutionary breakthrough in weapon creation was the innovation
of the bow and arrow. This took the same concept of the spear but by
shrinking it, it made it possible to project it some distance. It meant
that one didn't have to work quite so hard to bridge the distance
between the animal and hunter, and that the hunter was exponentially
safer, as they could keep out of harm's way from sharp horns and
hooves.
The propulsion method of the arrow by notching it and drawing it back
with string, as opposed to throwing it, improved its flights accuracy
as well as it's velocity. It can be argued that the creation of the bow
and arrow may have been done initially for warfare, but there is no
denying it wasn't also used for hunting.
Then came gun powder. Gun powder was discovered accidentally by Chinese
alchemists who were searching for an elixir for mortality. They
discovered that a mixture of potassium nitrate (Saltpeter), charcoal
and Sulphur was highly explosive. It was originally discovered in or
before 142AD and used in the manufacture of fireworks, until it was
weaponized by the Song Dynasty in 904AD to fuel the trajectory of an
arrow used in war against the Mongolians.
The simple fire arrows soon evolved into more complex gunpowder fueled
projectiles, better known as rockets. The Song Dynasty's success in war
encouraged military innovators with rich incentives for new gunpowder
ideas to be presented before the court. This led to improvements and
increased mass production.
An entire new industry full of opportunities for artisans, carpenters,
tanners and the like sprang up. There is no direct evidence that the
Song Dynasty used gun powder for hunting, but it is also not unlikely
that they did not, as it would have made for a very efficient hunting
tool. Still the discovery of gun powder itself, is a major milestone in
the history of hunting.
The first reference to gunpowder in European history was in 1267, and
the two strongest theories of how it was brought to Europe is either
during the Mongolian invasions or by being traded along the Silk Road
through the Middle East. The first guns more closely resembled hand
cannons that fired long arrows out of them and wasn't until the 1320's
that guns became prevalent in European history.
Hunting as a means of status in society
History of Hunting
In early times the best hunters would bring home the most meat and
their families would be physically better off. Hunting also gave
warriors a chance to show off their battle skills and therefore
hierarchies were established long before pre-dated civilization.
There are documented theories of how hunting became recognized as an
elitist activity in that only the nobles had sufficient time to pursue
such a leisurely pastime, that it was a means for practicing warfare,
or that it was a means that developed from gentry protecting peasants
from dangerous animals.
Royals, especially from European nations and regions were the ones who
really established hunting as an activity reserved only for the highest
members of society. They also pioneered many of the rules and
regulations still enforced today. These are explained in depth further
on.
In ancient Egypt, after the first three dynasties extended their
cultivated areas, ultimately draining the marshes around the Nile
River, much of the larger game species moved on. With that chariot were
then used to find, chase down and hunt those species. Pharaohs and
noblemen were the only ones privileged enough to hunt large game and
because domestication of animals was occurring at a rapid rate, hunting
was regarded as the sport of kings and dignitaries.
Greeks and Romans shared an enthusiasm for hunting, but the Romans
distinguished between hunting by professionals and hunting by amateur
sportsmen. Professionals sold the game they killed, at a market or
hunted for their masters. Roman emperors enjoyed hunting for sport and
the emperor Hadrian was famous for his skills as a hunter of lion, boar
and other big game. Famous hunts were immortalized in poetry,
paintings, songs and feasts were often held to celebrate a hunt.
While all these aspects have a role in setting up hunting as an elitist
hobby, the biggest change in the status of hunting within a society
especially in the US most likely came about as a direct result of the
industrial revolution. Large farming practices and agricultural
production increased, which in turn decreased the need for hunting as a
main protein source and de-elevated hunting from a survival necessity
to a past time.
Early firearms were expensive to purchase because of their scarcity but
also because of the added costs associated. Farmers and low-income
families could not afford the powders and projectiles needed to operate
the firearms and so the hunting of animals with firearms was often only
done by wealthy citizens.
Even today many African cultures that still have strong ancestral ties,
require a young man to complete a successful hunt in order to reach
manhood. It is a rite of passage that needs to be completed so that
they accepted amongst their peers and to remain in good standing within
more traditional societies. One of the most famous examples of these is
the Masai Mara lion hunts.
Another example from Africa with regards to the importance of hunting
in a societies' history is the San people of Southern Africa. The San
had no chiefs or leaders, and nobody was given special importance. At a
wedding the young man would have to bring an animal that he had killed
as proof to his in-laws that he could provide for their daughter.
Hunting also created conflicts between societies and civilizations.
This is evident in the conflict between colonists and Indians over the
ability to hunt on and access the rich hunting areas in the Ohio
Valley, known today as West Virginia, Eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania was
referred to as Lord Dunmore's War.
A sustainable food source meant the expansion and opportunity for a
community, nation, tribe or race to thrive was far greater. These food
sources were fiercely guarded and, in many cases, poached by rivals.
Introduction of Hunting Regulations, Laws and Legislation
Arguably the first officially documented rule in hunting was introduced
by the initial Norman kings to England in the 11^th century. William I,
who ruled in 1066 to 1087, initiated the Law of the Forest which
outlawed any hunting on land declared as the King's Forest, reserving
hunting in these designated areas for the Monarch and aristocracy by
invitation only.
In Portsmouth, Rhode Island 1646 the first closed hunting season was
established in response to the decline in deer populations in the area.
There was a 5 pound fine for anyone discovered harvesting game during
the period of 1^st May - 1^st November. This set a precedent for other
colonies to establish similar closed season and penalties to protect
periods when animals were most vulnerable or during key breeding
seasons.
In the 1700 and 1800s states established laws that prohibited
individuals from hunting in states that they did not have residency in
or had not significantly contributed towards. For instance, in North
Carolina in 1745 if one wanted to hunt in the state without owning land
you would have had to have planted and tended to 5000 hills of corn in
the preceding year in order to qualify for a hunt. Many other states
had similar laws during this time that earmarked the local wildlife for
the profits of citizens only.
In 1872 certain counties of Maryland established a special license law
that prohibited the use of sink boxes or sneak boats while shooting at
wild waterfowl, except when in possession of a special license, that
was available for sale to residents only.
Similar special license laws started forming more commonly in order to
protect local wildlife from external exploitation. Eventually, states
started to realize the financial gain that they could obtain from
charging non-residents a hunting fee, as opposed to excluding them
completely.
The first of the like was a membership certificate in 1873 to the West
Jersey Game Protection Society, which was obtainable by paying a yearly
fee and was a prerequisite for non-residents to hunt in New Jersey. It
was only in 1895 when Michigan put in place resident hunting licenses
to restrict deer hunting that general hunting licenses became the norm.
Even then, residents obtained massive discounts on their hunting
licenses when compared to non-residents.
When the American settlers began to move onto the plains during the
expansion of America in the early 1800s, the bison, who were already an
important food source to the Native Americans who resided there, became
a valuable trading currency between Indians and new settlers. They were
prized by both communities for their meat and hides.
Indians traditionally hunted bison on foot with primitive weapons and
it was a very sustainable system with the thousands of bison available
at the time.
The arrival of European settlers brought with them horses and guns,
which made the bison easier to hunt. Mass hunts where members of the
public were encouraged to fire upon herds from a moving train was
encouraged to reduce the bison numbers, as there was a belief that by
destroying the Native American's primary food source, they would
accelerate the civilization of the Indians.
In 1864 Idaho state became the first state to pass legislation to
protect the bison, however, there were already no more bison left
there. In the 1870's people began to capture bison and establish
private herds as they recognized the economic value of them, and the
wild herd populations continued to decline.
In 1871 Wyoming introduced laws which forbad the waste of bison meat
but didn't outlaw the hunting of them. The same law was attempted in
1872 by Kansas legislation but was vetoed by the Governor, and in
Colorado where it was passed but doubtfully enforced.
In 1872 President Grant established the Yellowstone National Park,
where it was against the law to kill any animal or bird. The surviving
herd of 300 bison were protected in the park initially by the military
and then by the formation of a special wildlife unit, or park rangers.
Initially, the strongest penalty issued against poachers was their
immediate removal from the area, but as public pressure increased the
allowing penalties grew more severe. Upon Yellowstone's success other
wildlife parks where established and eventually the bison numbers
recovered back to about 200 000 animals.
Similar behavioral patterns from settlers and their adverse effects on
native game populations were documented in other European colonies,
such as South Africa, Kenya, and India. Game populations were decimated
as settlers exploited what seemed to be an inexhaustible supply.
Along with hunting, native animal populations declined due to the
introduction of new diseases brought with domesticated animals, and the
loss of their natural habitat as agriculture practices expanded.
In the 1800s various African colonies started implementing legislation
to protect the indiscreet slaughter of certain species. These came in
the form of closed hunting seasons, protection for immature animals,
and by the late 1800's the formation of national parks. Frustrated by
the failure of individual colonies' efforts in game preservation,
colonial powers met in London in 1900 for the formation of an
international hunting treaty.
During the convection they identified 8 species in Southern Africa "on
account of their rarity and threatened extermination" and afforded them
protection by prohibiting the killing of the adolescences and females
accompanying young.
They also limited the number of certain animals which could be hunted
per year and agreed to the establishment of large tracts of lands as
game parks.
The original idea from the 1900 convention was the creation of breeding
grounds with sustainable game cropping, but due to interruptions to
efforts made by World War One, the great depression, colonists'
resentment towards game regulations and disease pressures from tsetse
flies, the necessity for another conservation convention was called in
1930.
This appealed for the establishment of sanctuaries or wildlife
preserves that focused on complete segregation from human settlements
and congregated animals into zoo-like reserves to be viewed and
preserved for future generations.
The original idea was for more practical and forward thinking but faced
unfortunate application issues such as the timing of the war and
disease pressures which forced conservationists at the time to try and
find another solution, in the form of these stringently controlled,
artificially manufactured game reserves. The likes of which we still
see dominating the conservation structures of today's wildlife
management systems in many countries.
After the end of World War II applications for hunting licenses nearly
doubled, and states used Pittman-Robertson funds to restock animal
populations that were floundering. The Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in
Wildlife Restoration Act was established in 1937 and has been amended
several times since its conception.
It fundamentally procures a percentage of tax from sales of firearms,
archery equipment and ammunition to be used in the acquisition,
restoration, management and improvement of wildlife habitats and their
associated animal populations. In addition, funds are made available
for education and research that is related to wildlife conservation.
The hunting regulations and laws introduced over the years have to a
degree been beneficial to the hunter in the long run. Apart from the
most obvious being to prevent the over exploitation of natural
resources, the introduction of these laws seemed to break the mold and
perception that hunting was only reserved for the wealthy and highest
members of society. Because limitations were introduced it meant for
opportunity to those that would otherwise not of been allowed to hunt.
Technological Developments of Hunting
History of Hunting
Since the discovery of the first known hunting tools almost 2 million
years ago, up to modern day hunting weaponry, the advancements have
been exceptional and ever changing. The capabilities of today's hunters
far out-weighs what hunters were able to achieve 1,000 years, 100 years
and even 20 years ago.
Certainly, the biggest advancement in the history of hunting was the
invention of the firearm. In 1607 when the first settlers arrived in
Jamestown, Virginia they brought with them matchlock and wheellock
styled firearms that were designed in Europe. These basic firearms were
mostly used for defense and the hunting of wild game, but they were
also traded with local Indian tribes for other resources.
As the colonies expanded and more settlers arrived, so did their ideas
and engineering skills. German settlers to Pennsylvania brought with
them rifled firearms, which soon evolved into the classic American long
rifle and laid the foundation for many hunting rifles used today.
Today's technical advancements are a sign as to how the history of
hunting has allowed humans to adapt and improve.
It is not only the developments in rifles and archery that are
impressive but also optics, clothing, electronics and transportation.
Quality binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes allow the hunter
to see further and with more clarity. The first documented telescopic
rifle sight was invented between 1835 and 1840 and although they were
primarily used on military rifles, it wasn't long until they were
adopted by hunters.
Advanced clothing allows the hunters to blend in with surroundings,
making them almost invisible to their targeted species and can also
hide their scent. The introduction of boots and footwear means hunters
can travel further and will be less affected by the adverse conditions
experienced while hunting.
Hunters have learnt how to communicate with animals over time and use
them to their advantage for example, through electronic callers for
coyotes and bobcats, mouth pieces to imitate a bugling elk, callers to
bring turkey's closer and duck imitation devices enticing them within
shotgun range.
Transportation has been another massive key point in the history of
hunting. Not only has the invention of automobiles allowed hunters to
travel further after animals, but it has allowed hunters to reach areas
rich in wildlife that were previously impossible to get to.
The historical succession and improvement of hunting artillery has
introduced a new paradox as to what technological advances should be
embraced by modern hunters, and which of those are infringing on the
unwritten rules of fair chase. As much hunting has developed, there may
very well be a point at which it cannot develop further.
The question which has recently developed is, at what point have the
weapons evolved to such an extent that the hunter has an unfair
advantage?
Most of the time that decision is left up to an individual's own
conscience and what feels right to them. However, there are some
instances that governments decided that the technology has circumvented
hunting ethnics and laws have been introduced to ensure continued
sustainable hunting practices.
For example, some states have outlawed the use of "smart" machines,
including smart phones, certain gun calibers or computer operated gun
technology. Several states have instated regulations and restrictions
on drone usage during hunting, including locating and tracking wild
animals.
It can be reasoned that the benefits of improved equipment are swifter
kills that diminish the animals suffering and more meat is recovered
from the carcass. One could argue that just because the technology is
there doesn't mean that it must be used. There are still individuals
who advocate hunting with traditional bow and arrows and even ancestral
handheld spears in the 21^st century.
Shannon Hobson of Houston Chronicle said of modern hunting advancements
"If it doesn't deepen their connection with, and appreciation of, the
land and life on it, don't use it. If it does, it's a direct connection
to those first hunting tools created more than 2 million years ago."
Regardless of the moralities and ethics that hunting technology faces
today, it remains impressive just how far the history of hunting has
come from etching stones to make spears and arrows, to rifles, optics
and windage tools that allow a hunter to successfully kill an animal
almost 700-yards away.
Hunting as a Sport
Hunting shifted from being a necessity to a sport during those early
years when societies used hunting to establish one's status and
importance as previously explained.
From royalty wagering bets on who could hunt the largest wild boars and
stags, to the Indian tribes of North America that would challenge
fellow hunters to see whose horse was quickest at chasing down antelope
and bison across the prairies and even the ancient Egyptians reserving
the right to hunt as a means of entertainment for the Pharaoh.
Correlations between hunting and sport can be found.
Many of today's sporting events that are showcased in the Olympics are
derived from hunting. The javelin, hammer throw, archery, target
shooting and even the modern-day pentathlon all has their origins
firmly set in hunting.
Early Games often held events that directly involved hunting. Live
pigeon shooting was held in the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, where the
competitors had to shoot as many pigeons as possible in an allotted
time. The first shooter to miss two birds in a row was eliminated.
Protests from animal rights activists forced the International Olympic
Committee to replace live pigeons with the clays they use today.
Although a large majority of people today may perceive the action of
hunting as a sport, the real definition of it is a lifestyle, an act of
providing food for one's family, whether it be directly through hunting
the animal or through a business related to hunting. Because many
sports such as the ones mentioned above stem from hunting, it is
understandable as to why it may be viewed as a sport, but that is not
the case.
Certainly, sport has been used to improve on one's hunting skills,
through cardio exercise, muscle memory training or consistent practice
using firearms and bows but hunting is not classified as a sport.
The Hunting Industry
History of Hunting
The development of hunting through the centuries and decades with its
beginnings purely as a means of survival, invariably created a massive
industry on many different levels.
Gun and archery manufacturers, ammunition companies, camo clothing,
optics, hunting outfitters, lodges, ATV builders, airlines, decoys,
tree stand and blind makers, hunting clubs, television shows,
conventions, exhibitions and many more are all businesses that directly
and indirectly contribute towards the hunting industry.
With focus on just the North American hunting industry alone, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the 2011 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation reported that 13.7
million people aged 16 or older went hunting that year and spent over
$38.3 billion on equipment, licenses, trips and more. Businesses in the
US directly related to hunting employ well over 680,000 people. The
report further explains that hunting generated $11.8 billion in tax
revenues for federal, state and local tax coffers.
The hunting industry has helped develop income sources, created jobs
and contributed towards conservation efforts in less developed
countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.
An example of this is the trophy hunting safari industry in South
Africa where $341 million is generated annually and it contributes
directly to over 17,000 employment opportunities.
The establishment of a large self-sustaining industry that provides
opportunities to millions of people can be viewed as the pinnacle and
culmination of hunting's long history.
Hunting as a Means of Conservation
Ancient history shows that the physical preservation and management of
wildlife species and areas was almost non-existent. Hunting was merely
used to obtain food, not as a means of conservation and management.
This is evident by the mass killings of the bison and other large
species. It was only in recent history that man began to implement
productive wildlife management conservation models.
Wildlife management is a term that has evolved over the years. It was
probably first used to describe the protection of people and their
livelihoods from predators and pests by managing problem animals. Now
it has progressed to include and even favor the protection of animals
by managing their numbers and ecosystems to ensure their survival.
The wildlife populations in North America suffered substantial losses
after the expansion of the railroad in the 1860'and 70's, which made
shipping meat and hides more convenient.
A census in 1886 revealed that the bison herds had dwindled to only 540
animals, and people began growing increasingly aware of the
unsustainability of unregulated animal harvesting. Theodore Roosevelt,
along with other influential hunters who are also advocates for
conservation, formed the Boone and Crockett Club in New York in 1887,
whose primary mission was to preserve the big game of North America.
Many other hunting clubs were established during the 1880's and were
organizations that lobbied for stricter laws to control animal product
trade and reduce wastefulness in sport hunting.
The Boone and Crockett club championed the philosophy of Fair Chase
hunting, which as defined by the club is "the ethical, sportsmanlike,
and lawful pursuit and taking of free-ranging wild game animals in a
manner that doesn't give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage."
These principles have been adopted around the world and influenced
hunting cultures and game laws throughout the years.
One of conservations greatest success stories through the history of
hunting is the hunting industry itself within Southern Africa. As the
demand for hunting grew, so the economic value of game reserves grew
hand in hand. Land that was previously unsuitable for crop farming and
not aesthetic enough for eco-tourism suddenly became variable
investments as a hunting area.
The reintroduction of game to arid and semi-arid game reserves in rural
parts of South Africa helped grow the previously dwindling game
populations back to healthy numbers. Certain species such as the
Bontebok, white rhino and black wildebeest's numbers have improved so
radically that they are now considered recovered from the edge of
extinction. A large percentage of these animal populations are on
privately owned game reserves that are only viable thanks to
international hunters who reinvest into the local wildlife industry.
There are many other great examples of how hunting through the years
has been beneficial to conservation and wildlife management.
Conclusion
The history of hunting cannot be traced from one exact moment in time
precisely through the ages to modern day. Rather the history of hunting
is entwined in the evolution of man, the civilizations that were built,
wars fought, industries created, and wildlife habitats preserved.
There is no doubt that hunting was crucial to man's survival and
development, which is evident in early discoveries by archaeologists
and studies performed by scientists.
Although hunting is viewed negatively by many people in modern day
times, there are just as many people that hold onto the principles and
lifestyle of hunting which means its strong history will remain and
there is no denying that without hunting, things today would be very
different.
Sources:
* https://www.livescience.com/31974-earliest-human-hunters-found.html
* https://phys.org/news/2012-09-anthropologist-date-humans-meat-milli
on.html
* https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3222-mans-early-hunting-role
-in-doubt/
* https://erenow.net/ancient/ancient-greece-and-rome-an-encyclopedia-
for-students-4-volume-set/224.php
* https://prezi.com/uqyvyswazwii/ancient-greek-sports-and-hunting/
* https://www.quora.com/When-did-Europeans-start-using-guns
* https://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/technique/gun-timeline/
* https://www.themeateater.com/
* https://www.history.com/news/hunter-gatherer-tools-breakthroughs
* http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nattrans/ntecoindian/ess
ays/buffalob.htm#:~:text=The%20most%20efficient%20technique%20was,b
y%20a%20thrust%20from%20a
* https://www.humansandnature.org/hunting-for-our-humanity
* https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-hunting-made-us-huma
n/
* https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/aboutodwc/A%20Conservation%20Tim
eline[1].pdf
* https://phys.org/news/2021-03-human-brain-grew-result-extinction.ht
ml
* https://time.com/4252373/meat-eating-veganism-evolution/
* https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/200927?journalCod
e=ca
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