Game drive system

A "buffalo jump", where bison are driven over a cliff

Itasca Bison Site,

Game drive system refers to a prehistoric method of hunting that involves directing animals into a predetermined area where they can be easily hunted or captured. This technique has been used by various cultures around the world and is considered one of the earliest forms of collective hunting strategies.

Overview

The game drive system relies on the strategic use of natural landscapes, such as cliffs, rivers, or narrow valleys, and artificial structures like fences, pits, and stone walls, to guide or funnel animals towards a specific location. This method allows hunters to efficiently manage and harvest game, especially during migrations or in areas where animals are known to travel.

History

Evidence of the game drive system can be traced back to the Upper Paleolithic period, with sites found across Europe, Asia, and North America. These early hunters understood animal behavior and utilized the terrain to their advantage, demonstrating sophisticated planning and cooperation among groups.

Techniques

The game drive system encompasses a variety of techniques, including:

• Fencing: Constructing barriers to guide animals towards a particular area.
• Pitfalls: Digging pits or holes that animals could fall into, making them easier to capture or kill.
• Drive lines: Arranging stones or other materials in lines to funnel animals into traps or towards hunters.
• Use of fire: Setting controlled fires to direct or scare animals into traps or towards waiting hunters.

Cultural Significance

The game drive system is not only a testament to the ingenuity of early hunters but also provides insight into the social and cultural practices of prehistoric communities. The collective effort required for a successful game drive suggests a high level of social organization and cooperation.

Archaeological Sites

Notable archaeological sites where evidence of the game drive system has been found include:

• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, Canada, where Native Americans used cliffs to drive and hunt bison.
• Vingen in Norway, where ancient fences were used to direct reindeer towards hunters.

Modern Implications

Understanding the game drive system offers valuable insights into human prehistory, including social structures, hunting practices, and environmental management. It also highlights the deep connection between humans and their environment, and how early communities adapted to and modified landscapes for survival.

See Also

• Hunting
• Prehistoric technology
• Animal migration
• Conservation biology