History of Hunting
The human species began as hunter-gatherers, and ever since men and women around the world have hunted for subsistence, for profit or for sport.
Hunting has had a profound effect upon landscapes and ecologies, and has both preserved and destroyed whole species of animals and birds.
About 10,000 years ago man first began to domesticate animals and plant crops. From settled farming communities producing an excess of food came the ability to specialise, to learn other craft skills, to live in towns, and to become civilised.
The change to settled agriculture and the development of civilisation led to increased populations which ever since have threatened animals by destroying their habitats.
Despite the change to a settled agricultural existence with its much reduced need to catch food to survive, man’s love of hunting continued.
Hunting offered excitement, tested strength, courage, skill and was an opportunity for the wealthy to show off, as can be seen by some of the fabulously decorated weapons.
To many today hunting is repulsive and indefensible, to others it is right and natural, and to some it is still essential for survival.
