Jarmila Jackson, Features Writer

Boys from the Mount Pleasant area in rural St Catherine fix their slingshots. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

In August and September every year, when the weather fluctuates between heat and rain, the thrill of the game-bird hunt entices male and female, young and old, rich and poor. Yet, while for many, extensive planning and preparation involves the purchasing of bullets, licences, firearms and even the booking of overnight accommodations, there are those who take a much simpler approach to the sport.

Eighteen-year-old Legent Ellison and 16-year-old Leon Dunkley have been shooting birds, since age 10, with nothing more than a few stones and a catapult, built with a U-shaped stick, a network of rubber bands and bag straps. Of course, the difference is that the boys shoot the birds while they are perched on tree limbs, as opposed to when they are soaring through the air.

The boys are residents of Malvern, St Elizabeth, a popular spot for more apt gun slingers. They also offer their services as bag-filling 'bird boys'. A day in the 'bird bush' usually begins at 5:30 in the morning.

Bird calls

"The birds come out early to catch the dew on the barble tree," said Legent. "So, sometimes we will hide underneath the tree and make some bird calls and, if we're not successful at one spot, we'll walk further into the woodlands and even way down the road. Sometimes, we stay out late because if you stay there long enough you will see them land," he said.

During the week, both boys attend St Elizabeth Technical High School, with Legent assuming duties as head boy and member of the school's quiz team. On weekends, and long summer days, which may also involve trips to the 'goat bush', the boys arm themselves with salt, water, matches, foil and bread and prepare for a small roast or barbecue in the bush.

Carefully keeping in line with the National Environment and Planning Agency laws with regard to which species of birds can be shot and making sure to wear only dark shirts or none at all, on a 'good day', the most the boys might actually shoot is one 'big bird' and about five small ones.

"Sometimes, we just go without shirts," said Leon. "But, once we shoot something we have to run over come bathe because scratch-bush woulda kill we," he joked.

Yet, regardless of how many birds are shot, the boys spend hours in the bushes, sometimes stealthily climbing trees to get close to their prey, simply for the sport of it. "We do it for fun," said Legent. "Just trying to make the shot is fun in itself because, when you miss, the other boys will laugh at you and tease you about it. Sometimes, we have little competitions when we dare each other to hit a certain bird. We look forward to it every year," he said.

The 2008 game-bird shooting season ends on September 28.

Tips for shooting a bird with a catapult:

Watch nesting and eating habits. The birds are attracted to barble and pimento trees.

It takes skill and stealth to shoot a bald pate. To shoot smaller birds, with accuracy, it takes knowledge of the wind direction.

Try to get the best aim possible. "If they turn their back, aim low. If they turn to the front, aim high and, if they turn to the side, aim in the middle." - Legent

Be sure you're absolutely quiet because the slightest sound will frighten the birds.