Slingshots A slingshotalso called a shanghai a catapult

Slingshots

• A slingshot—also called a shanghai, a catapult and a beanshooter is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The forked Y-shaped frame has two rubber strips attached to the uprights, leading back to a pocket for holding the projectile • It is normally shot by holding the frame in the dominant hand, extended at arms length. The rubber band is then gripped between thumb and forefinger of the non-dominant hand, pulled, aimed and released to shoot the projectile toward the target

Warnings • A slingshot is not a toy. A slingshot can be used as a dangerous weapon, so don't ever point it at another person or animal. • Slingshots are only to be used in survival situations as a hunting means • Make sure there is no person, house or car nearby • Make sure your thumb is not in the way of the projectile as it leaves the sling. This can be very painful!

How to Aim a Slingshot 1. Hold your wrist at a 90 degree angle to the slingshot 2. Pull the rubber band back as far as possible without breaking it 3. Let the ammunition shoot while releasing your fingers instantaneously- do not hesitate

With a slingshot, you can hunt small game such as rodents, rabbits, snakes, frogs and birds

Activity! Slingshot Target Practice

Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. What are three different materials you can use to make the y fork of a slingshot in a survival situation? What are three different types of ammunition you can use for hunting in a survival situation? Which hand did you use for holding the stick and which one did you use for holding the ammunition? Make a bar graph in your journal indicating the class results for today’s hunting activity. Label names and axes. Who won? ? ?