86 

 There was a significant difference in the mean prey weight for each weapon type (x^ 

 approximation = 167.49, d.f. = 5, P < 0.0001; Table 3-4). The 12 gauge shotgun, though used only 

 twice, had the greatest mean prey weight (J = 21.4 kg, SE = 18.65, n = 2), while the 20 gauge 



shotgun had the second greatest mean prey weight (J = 10.4 kg, SE = 1.06, n = 110). This 

 suggested that shotguns were used to take the heaviest prey, while 22 caliber rifles and traps were used 

 to take the lightest prey. 



Characteristics of the Hunt 



The typical hunt was a short foray that lasted only a few hours, took place within the ejido, 

 and involved only a minimal amount of preparation. Hunters generally used bicycles to move about 

 and carry game. Except for hunters working overnight at chicle camps or those working at gardens or 

 ranches located far from the village, game was brought back to the village. 



Hunting outings . Hunters reported taking game on 419 hunting outings (Table 3-5). The 

 tracking/stalking method was used by successful hunters about 79% of the time, by outing, and 

 comprised 64% of the time, by duration of hunt. The total duration of successful hunts was 2,858.1 h 

 (J = 7.1 h, SE = 0.33, n = 409). The mean group size was 1.7 hunters and was similar for the 

 three hunting methods: tracking/stalking, stand/platform, and trapping. The mean number of game 

 animals taken was 1.39 individuals per outing and 0.29 individuals per h. About 82% of the game was 

 taken during tracking/stalking hunts. 



Hunting yield was compared for two methods; tracking/stalking and stand/platform. There 

 was no significant difference between the mean number of prey taken per outing (x" approximation = 

 0.4632, d.f. = 1, P < 0.4961) and the mean number of prey taken per hunter hour (x^ approximation 

 = 0.6791, d.f. = 1, P < 0.4099). This suggested that each of the two methods, where hunters were 

 specifically involved in hunting and were not distracted by other activities, were equally effective in 

 obtaining game. 



