APACHE WAYS: LIVING AMONG WOLVES

Apache Ways: Living Among Wolves

By Snake Blocker, Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas

Many wild animals attack their prey from behind.  The Apache warrior knew this, so one strategy was to place the head of an animal over their head facing the Apache’s backside.  The Apache could see in front of them, and if an animal was hunting them from behind, the animal would be confused seeing another animal facing them.  An adaptation for modern Apaches is to wear sunglasses behind their head or to wear a bandanna with a small mirror attached to the backside of the bandana. Heads of bears, wolves and deer were common head decoys among Apaches. 

Another way for the Apache to be less detectable to wild animals was to cover their entire body in clay mud.  The light clay could harden and close off the scent from human pores.  This allowed the Apache to avoid being tracked by wild animals and would allow the Apache to close distant on their game and get in range for arrows, lance, war clubs, knives and tomahawks. 

            The Apache warrior would use plants, branches and flowers to add an additional natural scent and stealth to their strategy.   The skin of animals covering the Apache was used to shield off scent as well. 

Near lakes, rivers, or streams, an Apache would wait patiently in the water near water plants and rocks to seek out animals coming to drink along the water front.  High ground was used when in range of waterfront.  High ground included trees and boulders. The Apache would conceal themselves in the terrain and await the approaching animal[s]. 

When concealment wasn’t the strategy, the Apache warriors would form a large group of men, women and children then circle an area known for groups of animals to settle. The group would close the circle a few steps at a time, closing in on the animals.  No matter which direction the animal[s] would try to escape the nearest warriors would close in on their attack.  In cliff areas, the Apaches would half circle larger game towards a cliff, then attempt to corner and kill the animal[s], or run the animal[s] off the cliff with several Apaches at the base of the cliff. 

Trapping was always used and sometimes in conjunction with the other strategies mentioned above. The Apache knew that to catch an animal, one must understand their ways and be able to become as they are.  The Apache warrior was and still is a great hunter, using ways of the old and the new.  The Apache is taught to pray to God before a hunt for favor; then to thank the animal spirit for giving itself to support their family; lastly, a pray of thanks goes back to God for the reward of the hunt.  This is the Apache way.