Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1918 — HOW ESKIMOS HUNT THE SEAL [ARTICLE]

HOW ESKIMOS HUNT THE SEAL

Pursuers of' Rich-Furred Animals Sneak Up Close Enough to Shoot Arrow Into Their Head. Today the Eskimo method of hunting seals is a primitive calling improved to a fine art, writes a naturalist. When a seal is discovered the direction of the wind is at once noted. Then the hunter, keeping himself to the leewarfl of the seal, walks up to within about a quarter of a mile of it. Beyond this he begins to crouch and advances only when the seal’s head is down.

Now, as the seal is one of the most wide-awake. of animals and tnas the habit of throwing up its head quickly every few seconds to guard against danger, it follows that the Eskimo has to be extremely alert if he would, get his seal. When the seal’s head is down upon the ice its eyes are shut, and it is said that in these brief Intervals it takes its sleep. The hunter, by carefully watching movements, is able without much difficulty to get within about 200 yards of it, but at closer quarters he is obliged to employ other tactics. He lies down at full length on the ice. Then the real sport begins. When the seal’s head is down the hunter, who keeps a keTm eye on his prey, is able to approach still nearer by dragging himself forward on his elbows. This maneuvering continues for some time, until the distance between man and beast has been reduced to a few yards. When near enough to make a sure shot, the Eskimo takes his bow and arrow from his side and sends a swift shaft through' the head of its outwitted companion. \