Hunting down dinner in Isan

As the weather gets hotter, young men in Isan turn to violence, probably in order to prove themselves, I suppose. They roam the countryside looking for likely victims. Some of the young men arm themselves with long, thin, sharply-pointed sticks. Others prefer to use a catapault and small stone. I believe that whichever their choice of weapon, they are after the same prey.

Just recently this young man was in the overgrown vacant lot next to our house. He and a friend were on a hunting expedition. The friend seemed to be there in the capacity of scout and lookout. He was quite modest about his contribution and turned down my offer to take his photograph. The young man's skill with the catapault can be in no doubt. He was carrying his 'catch' in the small basket he is holding in his right hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chameleons may look quite large in closeup, but then if you refer back to the basket you will get some idea of how accurate he needs to be, something which is belied by the seemingly casual way that he takes aim and fires.

He will be making a useful contribution to the family's diet when he takes these home. Hunting and gathering is still part of the way of life in rural Isan.

Comments

[Mike]

Lawrence my first thought is yuk, but having lived here a couple of years now I can't really say that since I often find the "hunters" here too. Usually they are after frogs when it rains hard and brings them out.(frogs and hunters)

In fact the young mans catch looks like Tokay Gecko's which is a shame from a conservation point of view.

I was quite surprised that no one here took the Cobra home for the pot when it was killed a few weeks back, but it was just thrown away and burned.

[Boonsong]

Looks delicious

[Martyn]

Lawrence if the KFC chain get a hold of this story then a new kind of bargain bucket could hit their outlets. Chameleon...with its changing colours how would you tell when it was cooked.

[Lawrence]

Mike, judging by the shape of their heads I think these probably are young tokay geckos. I know they are a loca delicacy.
I wouldn't want to be a frog-hunter, since many of the nastiest snakes seem to be hunting the frogs too.

[Lawrence]

Boonsong, thanks for visiting the site. I'll take your word for it that they are delicious.

I like the look of your site and will be keeping an eye on it. I see you have only recently started blogging there, so Good Luck with it.

[Lawrence]

Matyn, what makes you think Isan food has to be cooked?

[Martyn]

Are we talking....Chameleon salad.