Every family owns a hunting campsite, located deep in the jungle. The camps are located far from the community, both for safety and to be closer to the mountains, where more animals live. Groups of 3 to 6 men will hike into the jungle in search of game; sometimes, they are gone for weeks. Everything they might need for the trip is carried on their backs. Unfortunately, outsiders illegally hunting in the area is becoming more popular, and in combination with the widespread use of guns, animal populations are declining. Despite this, it remains one of the most exciting and culturally important activities for Shawi.
Hunting materials for one person for roughly 5 days. From top left: mosquito net, fermented yucca mash,
backpack, flashlight, gutting knife, eating bowl, machete,
rifle, shell (used as a spoon),
plantains, yucca, salt, shotgun shells, batteries, matches,
fishing hook and line, drinking bowl, fishing bag.
Hunters are offered refreshments as they pass homes on the path leading away from the village. At the final resting point, before entering the jurisdiction of "Madre del bosque", a smoke ceremony is performed. After this, trees quickly close around the hunters, and the trail reduces to a hand's width; bullets are loaded and silence falls between the men. Laughs previously shared among the group turn to the respectful silence of those walking for a long distance in nature.
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Eventually, the hunters arrive at a small clearing and yuca farm that comprises the campsite. It is a welcome haven against rain and critters that prefer an organic forest floor. No time is wasted; most of the group starts fishing for dinner, while a lone member walks off into the forest with his rifle. For the next two weeks this is the rhythm of life: shifts of fishing, cooking, and hunting. River fish are too small to warrant carrying home, but serve as dinner for the hunters. Larger game is what they're after: wild pigs, deer, and other medium sized mammals. One person at a time goes out searching with a rifle; this way, they move more quietly and reduce the risk of accidents.
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Despite learning from an early age, hunting is not easy. Prey escapes more often than not, and according to community members this has never been more true. Hunting for profit, an increasing practice of outsiders trespassing on community land, is forcing people of Nuevo Progreso to hunt smaller prey. Rodents and birds once deemed too scrawny to justify hunting are now common targets. These alternative animals have less meat for on them for growing families, and in addition, it's unknown what impact hunting these species will have on the ecosystem.
Hiding in a dead tree
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One day during a solo outing, Elvis braces himself after another scared mammal darts through the bush. This time, the skittish animal finds the safety of its underground tunnel system before a shot can be fired. Elvis spends the next two hours digging.
Three empty holes
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Eventually, in the middle of the second night, a shot cracks through the humid buzz of insects. Nelson, the eldest of the group, returns with meat worth bringing home. In the morning, he works with his nephew to skin, gut, and salt the large paca. This meat will be shared among his family and others who have recently shared with him. These social networks are crucial support systems for those living off the land. But as hunting becomes harder, this network can become weakened: a subtle but significant impact of the declining animal populations.
It has been generations since community members have switched from blow-darts to bullets, but hunting practices have continued to evolve in Nuevo Progreso. With wild animal populations in decline, it is harder than ever before to encounter wild pigs and deer. In addition to hunting less desired species, many other elements of community life are being altered in an attempt to maintain access to the wild meat that feeds and bonds the community. Understanding the importance of hunting to the community, socially and nutritionally, is vital to understanding their motives for adaptation.