From Stones to Scopes: 5 Key Developments in the Fascinating History of Hunting - Outdoors

Who was the first hunter in the world? We will never know his name, exactly when he first hunted, and which type of game he downed. However, we DO know that he did not have the fortune to use a shotgun, rifle, or a scopesuch as trijicon rifle scopes. Nevertheless, as we perfect our hunting today, having a better understanding of, and appreciation for, hunting of the past, can show us the big picture of hunting history. Here are some of the highlights in humans' quest for game:

1. The first hunters

Unfortunately, there are no written records about when cavemen first hunted. That is understandable, since cavemen were unable to write. However, it is safe to assume that the first hunters lacked bows, firearms, and scopes for firearms. They probably tried tossing stones and spears, until they invented more effective and accurate. While we lack details about the first hunters, we should certainly credit our ancestors as the first hunters.

2. The first written records of hunters

In the ancient world, the ancient Egyptians, Grecians, and Romans provided the first written records of hunting as sport. The Greek historian Xenophon lived roughly between 430-355 BC. An historian, essayist and soldier, Xenophon provides us with insight about the history of ancient Greece and Persia (modern-day Iran). He argued in his writings that hunting benefited humans, as it boosted their health and wellbeing.

3. The first animal conservation and hunting laws

Ironically, it was Kublai Khan, a ruthless Mongol emperor, who created the first animal conservation laws, during the 1200s. Khan prohibited his subordinates from hunting during the various breeding seasons of animals. Additionally, during the Middle Ages, lords greatly restricted hunting. Virtually the upper classes alone had permission to hunt. The feudal lords would use horses and hounds to hunt various game, such as instructed falcons and game birds.

4. The invention of gunpowder and firearms

Until the middle of the 1800s, gunpowder was the only method for shooting bullets. The Chinese first developed gunpowder before 1000 AD. Middle Easterners also used it, prior to the West first using gunpowder during the 1200s. Later, inventors developed the "matchlock rifle" around the early 1400s. The Matchlock was the first method for firing a Firearm by mechanical means. These two major inventions allowed hunters to down more animals and from farther distances.

5. The invention and evolution of Firearm scopes

Rifle scopes have existed for quite some time. However, the first modern Firearm scopes had various logistical problems, such as the lens fogging up due to drastic changes in temperatures, or warm and humid temperatures. However, scopes have evolved greatly, with today's scopes providing hunters with pinpoint accuracyin all sorts of hunting environments! Today, hunters may select from scopes with various features.

Hunting has evolved drastically from the first cavemen hunters, to today's top marksmen. While understanding this history will not improve your hunting per se, it can give you a better appreciation for the sport. Make history by hunting with the right firearms and scopes!

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