61 



each game kill was attributed to a single hunter. The arithmetic mean prey weight per hunter was 

 defined as the total weight of the prey divided by the number of individual prey items, for each hunter. 



The entire list of specimens obtained during the study is listed in Appendix F. This list 

 includes game and nongame species regardless of how obtained. 



Tvpes of Hunts 



Hunters at X-Hazil Sur used various mediods to obtain game. Based on information provided 

 by hunters during die interviews, hunts were assigned to one of four categories: tracking/stalking, 

 stand/platform, trapping, and other. 



According to the tracking/stalking method, hunters search for tracks, feathers, or feeding sign 

 as they quietly and slowly walk through the forest or garden. Periodically the hunter sits on a log or 

 rock that provides a clear view of the area and listens for animal sounds. Hunters use this technique 

 during the day and night. During night hunts, hunters use headlamps. 



According to Uie second method, hunters construct a stand or platform in an elevated location 

 and begin using the site a few weeks later, after die animals become accustomed to the structure. 

 Stands and platforms usually are 3-5 m above ground level and include natural forks in trees, free- 

 standing tripods made from tree trunks, or branches fastened to convenient trees. Stands and platforms 

 are located in both the forest and gardens. Structures located in forests usually are adjacent to game 

 trails or positioned near water holes or fruiting trees (e.g., sapodilla trees [Manilkara zapota]). 

 Structures located in gardens usually are positioned to take advantage of game trails, garden edges and 

 topography, and die distribution of CTops in die garden. Stands and platforms almost always are used 

 during the night. 



Two basic types of traps were used to capture mammals: wire snares and deadfall traps. 

 Pocket gophers were trapped using a wire snare placed in the tunnel. Upon activating the snare, the 

 pocket gopher is pulled up against the tunnel ceiling by the wire around its chest and eventually 

 suffocates. The tunnel ceiling is reinforced widi small branches to widistand die pressure exerted by 



