August 22, 2012

How to Hunt with a Slingshot - Form and Accuracy

Hunting has been around since the days of our ancestors. Our ancestors hunt in order to survive the daily trials of life. Mostly, they hunt wild boars and fish although small animals such as rabbits and squirrels are also being hunted. Typically, they use spears and fling large stones to chase and kill the animals. Nowadays, hunting is mostly done as a form of sport. There is a restriction to the kinds of animals that are allowed to be hunted. For the most part, guns are used to hunt the animals. For some people who want a little bit of challenge, they use slingshots to hunt down animals. These people usually bring their hunting dogs because this type of projectile weapon is less likely to kill the animal in an instant. Hunting using this type of projectile weapon is very similar to a bow. The structure of this weapon itself is reminiscent to a very small bow. When using this weapon, there are two keys: form and accuracy. First up is form. Similar to how an archer’s form determines the distance that an arrow can fly, a hunter using this weapon also determines the distance that the projectile will travel. The factors involved in increasing this distance are also very similar with the bows. Both the slingshot and the bow’s elastic band should be pulled until it is at arm’s length. The elastic band should be pulled by the dominant hand. The index finger of the hand pulling the elastic band must be as close to the jaw as possible to increase the accuracy. For the second key, the release and the trajectory are involved in accuracy. The release refers to the release of the projectile from the weapon. Take note that the weapon is held by the less dominant hand and therefore must be held firmly because it guides the path of the projectile. Trajectory refers to the path of the projectile and must be taken into account especially for targets at a farther distance. Usually, hunters aim at a height slightly higher than their target because the projectile gradually loses its altitude as it flies in the air. This is true in most cases however it must be noted that the power released by the hunter plays a great deal in determining the distance where a projectile starts to lose its altitude. Check out the Barnett Cobra Slingshot: