Most people look at a sling shot and see a toy.  However, it is actually an ancient weapon, designed to work in the same manner as the bow and arrow.  It relies on momentum to throw a projectile from a distance, catapult-style.  It’s a common sight among young boys during summer, when it’s often used for hunting and target practice.  The sling shot is also a remarkable weapon, provided of course it is utilized in a correct and responsibe manner.  Here are tips on how to use it effectively and safely:

1.  To use the sling shot, grip the vertical part of the ‘Y’-shaped catapult firmly with one hand (usually the less dominant hand).  Arm the shot by placing a projectile on the leather pouch.  It has to be on the center of the pouch to prevent it from falling or losing momentum at mid-flight.  Keep the projectile in place by enclosing it with the fingers of the other hand.

2.  Next, raise the hand holding the catapult in front of you, slightly diagonal to your body.  Your line of vision if you were looking straight forward and your raised arm should form a 45-degree angle.  This will optimize your ability to aim, stretch the bands of the sling shot and release it comfortably.

3.  Holding the projectile within the pouch, stretch the bands toward your chin or cheek, depending on how you’re aiming.  Use the upper ‘V’ shape of the catapult as a sight to keep your target in view.  The target must be at the center of the ‘V’ shape.  The bands should form a straight, horizontal line parallel to the ground.

4.  Next, release the projectile by letting go of the pouch.  Your hand should move backward, allowing the bands to freely stretch back to their original shape so they can push the projectile.  Do not attempt to ‘guide’ the projectile by bringing your hand forward prior to the release.  This will weaken the stretch and reduce the momentum.

5.  Initially, you might not be able to hit the target accurately.  To use the sling shot effectively, you will need a few tries.  Get to know your sling shot — familiarize yourself with how it ‘behaves’ and compare the distance your projectiles travel as you stretch the bands to different lengths.  Most of the time, the longer you stretch the bands, the farther the projectile travels.  In time, you will be able to gauge the appropriate force required to hit a target from a certain distance.

6.  Be a responsible owner of a hunting sling shot.  The force of a projectile can break glass, puncture cardboard, paper or thin wood panels and could hurt a person or an animal.  It can even be dangerous, causing unnecessary physical harm.  When using for target practice, make sure you are shooting at an inanimate object propped up against a wall or an area where no human or animal passing by will be hurt and cause you legal problems in the future.  If you must use it for hunting, make sure you are aware of its power, efficacy and any legal restrictions you might have to conform with.

Many young, active boys have considered the sling shot as a favorite childhood toy.  It’s compact, light, easy to carry and, if you knew exactly how to wield it, quite accurate and effective.  Today, sling shots are still in use although they’ve gone beyond their main function as a toy, becoming quite efficient for vermin control.

What is a sling shot?
A sling shot consists of a Y-shaped handle usually made of wood, aluminum or plastic with a rubber band attached to its two prongs. The rubber band forms a continuous line, the middle part of which is attached with a patch that will hold the pellet.

Most sling shots manufactured today are designed to be compact and can easily fit into a back pocket. They also boast of sufficient propelling power, with some models capable of covering a range of a hundred to 150 yards.

How to use the sling shot
To use, load a pellet, a steel shot or a pebble onto the patch.  Holding the handle steady with one hand and the patch around the pellet securely, stretch the band by pulling the patch towards you.  Aim at your target, making sure it is sighted in the middle of the two prongs.  Once you’re ready, simply release the patch so it will in turn release the pellet.

How effective are sling shots for vermin control?
A sling shot is a tried and tested weapon for vermin control.  In most cases, the sling shot is usually not a lethal weapon, although with sufficient force, it can do real damage. It can be very effective for surprising or scaring an animal and driving it away.

However, using a sling shot does require some level of skill.  Remember that its main function is target shooting.  If you’re not familiar with this tool, you will have to practice wielding it first.  It doesn’t have a steep learning curve, however.  It’s quite easy to use and you should be able to hit your target after just a few tries.

Be careful when using sling shots on little animals, particularly birds and young animals.  That is, if you don’t intend to kill them.  Rubber pellets, steel shots and pebbles can hurt small animals severely.  If you want to use a sling shot effectively, be aware of what it can do from a specific distance.

For vermin control, sling shots can be a good alternative to other tools.  Learn to use the sling shot carefully, especially if you will be using it around solid or hard objects and surfaces.  Wear safety glasses or any type of eye protection.  Pellets could bounce off a hard surface and hit you.

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