The Oldest Hunters

I pointed to the manikins on the enormous boulders as we drove into Damaraland, Namibia. My Professional Hunter, Dirk De Bod said, “Those aren’t manikins! Those are Bushmen!” Quietly watching their territory, they sat motionless and watched us enter their homeland (coincidentally this was the area that ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’ was filmed). This is the stuff I live for!

I had no idea I’d see Bushmen in my life and now Dirk was taking me to meet them! We parked the land cruiser and walked up to where the tribe was living; they were making beaded necklaces and working on their snares quietly with babies suckling and running around naked.

I finally got a little closer to them, head lowered and meek smile on my face to ensure I was not threatening to them and that’s when I heard it… tongue clicking! They somehow communicate by only clicking their tongue!

As I sat with the men and watched how they made their bows and arrows and snares, I noticed their methodical and deliberate carving and creation of effective tools. After thousands of years inhabiting this earth, they have mastered the art of hunting in a bleak desert. They are, after all, the world’s oldest tribe.

Because their hunting skills are the best in the world, they were used as trackers in various wars in Southern Africa. Sadly, they were nearly shot to extinction–I can’t believe that I’m saying that about a human tribe as if they were treated like animals!

There’s something completely humiliating about being with such special people. They have everything they need in life and I pathetically want for more. What can we learn from various tribes and cultures from around the world and apply to our hunting techniques and our lifestyle?