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Manatees and ABO kills

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Zuma:
During my travels in the wonderful, wet and wild state of Florida, I have always wondered
what it would have  been like to be a native hunter, hundreds, thousands of years ago.
Eskimos hunt and kill seals, walrus and whales. I thought the Sea Cow, Manatee fit the bill
 of the southern hunters. If they killed and utilized these sea going mammals, how did they do it?
Thrusting spear? Atatal? Bow? Net? or other?
Could points like these have been used?

lostarrow:
 If I recall correctly ,they used harpoon points for seals and the like. These are large animals and can not be underestimated ,however docile they seem. One technique was to tie an air  bladder to the cord fastened to the harpoon point. They are mammals but can hold their breath for a very long time.The air bladder not only allows you to follow them for when they resurface , but the drag produced wore them down. I'm sure if you google it you will find all kind of info. Maybe "Pappy " will share his knowledge of gator hunting. I'm sure the same techniques could apply.

Zuma:
Thanks lostarrow,
Good points. I think gators (better a croc) and the sea cow are somewhat similar in size and mystery.
Major difference is the reptile will come to you, to eat you. lol On land and an easier kill in my opinion.
No matter, both are formidable creatures to subdue.
Zuma

mullet:
My Uncle told me when he was younger, back in the early thirties, they speared them. They still poach the Dugong in Central America and Northern Brazil. Also looking at the picture of the Gentleman swimming, that's good for a hefty fine from a Fish and Wildlife Officer. Touching is a no,no.

Parnell:
I've often wondered how they weren't hunted out completely by natives.  Perhaps they new well enough to limit their harvests?  Dunno...

Figure it would be such an easy food source.

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