| Hunting is one of the oldest activities of mankind. Some even call it the oldest sport because it started as a means of survival since the beginning of civilization. Present day hunters probably don’t think past the gun when it comes to hunting season but it’s very interesting to learn how hunting began. Only then can one fully appreciate its development as a sport.
During the Pre-Civilization days, hunting was mostly just a way of life. If you wanted to eat you had to hunt. It is only during the next era, the Growth of Civilization, that the turning point came-when hunting became a way of entertainment. The Babylonians, the Egyptians and the Romans started this trend. From then on, the concept of hunting was not to kill outright but to catch and keep the animals alive. It was actually the Romans who started capturing animals for sale and to face off with gladiators, a popular form of entertainment those days. Hunters also became specialists to some extent.
During the Middle Ages, hunting progressed further. There came to be a rule- no hunting was permitted in the King’s forests. The wealthy showed an ardent love for game. If you read stories based on those days, you’ll know how popular fox hunting was among the nobleman. Even the ladies joined in with their full skirts, on horseback. Boar and deer were other common prey for organized hunting.
The tools for hunting had to change with the times. Rock and stick throwing was replaced (in some parts of the world) by arrows and bows, sharp spears and slings. These were more efficient tools no doubt. The gun was also used, by those who could afford it, although it was yet to become the main hunting tool.
When the Industrial Period began, people started establishing extensive animal farms. Livestock was raised and bred, thereby reducing the need for hunting to some extent. This is how hunting became primarily a hobby. Muskets and rifles were the weapons of choice. Gradually, guns became more diversified for hunting game. To catch a fox, you wouldn’t be using the same gun and bullets you would for deer. Hunting as a sport was here to stay. |
