Hunting with Dogs among the San in the Central Kalahari

Abstract

Among the Central Kalahari San, hunting with dogs was once only of secondary importance to that with traps or bows and arrows. In recent years, hunting with bows and arrows has declined, whereas that with dogs has become more common. Dogs play an important role when the San hunt large antelopes with spears, or medium-sized animals with sticks. Hunting success depends on the hunter's skill in identifying footprints and timing for throwing the spear, and the chasing and fighting abilities of the dog. The owners of the dogs participating in a hunt share the game. Three factors can be identified for the increase in dog hunting. Firstly, dogs have increased dramatically. Secondly, dog hunting does not require hunters to learn new skills, and convenient for the San who travel long distance on foot. Thirdly, hides of medium-sized animals and dried gemsbok meat have become important source of cash in a developing commercial economy.