Best Hunting Slingshot - The Weapon Ancestry

Before the invention of gunpowder the bow was the main battle weapon used during conflict. It was a turning point in ancient warfare because it allowed people to kill their enemies from a distance. It was a major success and started the innovation for long range warfare. Arguably, it was the turning point both for war and for sport. There is however an underlying question with this. What was the long range weapon of choice before the bow?

A Precursor to the Bow

The slingshot, some might argue, is considered the ancestor of the bow. Both of these weapons use the same materials - an elastic band which could propel the ammunition and a strong piece of wood which could withstand the elasticity of the band. The structure consists of a Y-shaped wood, typically from a branch, and an elastic band bound in between the Y-shape. They were used by people mainly for hunting. The people were looking for a long range weapon to get close enough to the animals with out startling them. This weapon could also be used to dislodge fruit from the trees above enabling the fruit to fall to the ground.

The Sport of Hunting

Some people question the use of this weapon in the sport of hunting because of the presence of modern rifles and guns. Enthusiasts argue that the use of this weapon presents an entirely different challenge from the use of guns. Furthermore, they argue that this weapon depends more on the skill of the user than the weapon itself.

Choosing the Best Hunting Slingshot

The best type of weapon to be used for hunting should be able to propel any ammunition for a considerable amount of distance to hit the farthest target possible. This is done so that the prey cannot detect the presence of the hunter. It should also possess enough durability to last for numerous hunting trips. The weapon is made of wood and they have the tendency to break if the elastic band is pulled further than its intended elasticity. They should also possess a wide distance between the Y-shaped handle. This enables the use of ammunition which can range from small rocks to arrows. Finally, it should possess an elastic band that can be stretched enough to increase strength while maintaining its elasticity which in return will sling the ammunition towards the intended target. It is to be noted however that the weapon has undergone modernization and has already deviated from the customary wood material. They now employ the use of plastic for the slingshot handle.