G'day Caustichumor....I live just across the ditch from you. We aren't allowed handguns either which is a pity.
A while back when you didn't have to pay money to participate in the Primitive Archer forum (and I think they are reverting to free use again soon), I recall that there was quite a bit of controversy about a bloke who claimed he'd killed a deer with a slingshot. I think he used something like a .50 caliber lead ball for a projectile, and I think he was in a tree just above the animal when he clobbered it on the swede and dropped it. People were getting up the poor guy... accusing him of being inhumane with his choice of weapon. Personally I was happy for the dude... and grateful he told us the story. I was inclined to believe the story because I'd followed this man's antics for quite a while... and I was aware that he apparently had quite an accomplished buddy who made these slingshots for sale. Naturally I wouldn't recommend that anybody should tackle a big animal with a slingshot, but it is interesting to consider what you can do with one.
For primitive meat gathering my number one choice is a simple cord snare. I think that snares may be illegal in at least parts of Australia, but I think they are also seen as an acceptable thing in a wilderness emergency (I think I've seen info on the 'net on wilderness survival produced by the Aussie authorities that mentioned snaring). I have caught dozens of animals in snares...mainly Aussie Brushtailed 'possums. As I write this I have about 20 snares set that I will be checking first thing in the morning... most of them are set for possums, but I saw some pig sign so I set some bigger ones as well.
Although you live in the land of the woomera (atlatl) and spear, and although these things might be relatively easy to make... I would rather put the effort into making a simple bow and arrows. I wish I had the ability to use a woomera because they really appeal to me...but I know I would have a much greater chance of hitting something with an arrow. Maybe we should make some woomeras and darts and practice for the day we need them. I understand that some guys (specially the original Australians) are very competent with these weapons...so if they can do it maybe we can too.
But snares are the meat-getters. They hunt for you while you are doing other things. You have to set enough of them to make sure you get something because many times the snares are empty when you get to them in the morning. You might catch one animal in five snares. If you only have one snare you have to make sure you set it in the most likely place. In case some young folks or beginners read this, I want to stress that snares MUST be checked often. It is unforgivable to set a snare and leave an animal caught in it for a longer time than necessary. Sure we eat meat and something has to die to provide that meat, but we have an obligation to be as kind to animals as possible.
Here are some pics of animals that wandered into my snares:
Does anybody else snare animals for meat? I would be interested to read about what you do.
Best wishes... Stephen Coote, Nelson, New Zealand.
