Jin and Athena continued to teach Caleb. Jin taught Caleb tips and tricks of hunting and what are dos and don'ts in the wild. Athena, on the other hand, taught Caleb the practical course of wilderness survival. Her knowledge didn't come from any books but from her experience.
What had he learned?
First, Be Familiar with Your Equipment: Ensure that your weapons, ammunition, and gear are in good condition and functioning properly. Regular maintenance is essential.
Firstly, familiarity with your equipment is vital because it contributes significantly to the overall safety of the hunting expedition. Knowing how to handle your weapons and gear ensures that you can avoid accidents and handle them responsibly in the field, reducing the risk of injury to yourself and others. For instance, being familiar with your firearm's safety features and its proper use can prevent accidental discharges.
Secondly, the condition of your equipment plays a critical role in the effectiveness of your hunting venture. A malfunctioning weapon or damaged gear can not only compromise your safety but also hinder your ability to take a lethal shot at your prey. It can lead to poor accuracy, causing unnecessary mistakes, or result in a lost opportunity altogether.
Lastly, regular maintenance is stressed because it extends the lifespan of your equipment, saving you money in the long run and ensuring that it performs optimally when you need it most. It's essential to clean, oil, and inspect your weapons and gear after each use and periodically perform thorough maintenance to catch any issues before they become critical.
That's also the reason why the members of the hunting party carry strips of white cloth with them and polish stones every time.
Then, there's the second important stuff that Jin had imprinted on his damned brain after the constant hunt. Yes, later after his first successful hunt, he hunts another six, each one successful. However, they weren't as easy as his first one. His second hunt was called Rivoty Deer. It was an eight-foot deer that could bounce continuously at a height of two meters. Even with the bait and element of surprise, the deer managed to evade his ambush due to its speed.
It uses its antlers and hoofs to attack. It had even managed to land a kick on the arm which dislocated it. Fortunately, Jin was masterful when it came to correcting injuries like sprains, strains, and dislocations. Still, he was satisfied with his hunt. He managed to apply all the things he learned and have the confidence to walk around the Forest of Death alone and survive as long as he remained careful.
What's more worth mentioning, Fushigiro began to teach him the Deku Step he chose every night after training with Jin and Athena. Though, the progress wasn't as optimistic as his hunts. Then, after ten days, the hunting training was over and they were about to return to their temporary base. He learned a lot of lessons that he could probably brag about. Such as...
Use Scent-Control Methods. Animals have a keen sense of smell. Minimize your scent by using scent-neutralizing sprays, wearing clothing designed to block your scent, and positioning yourself upwind of the animals you're hunting.
Camouflage Clothing. Wear clothing with camouflage patterns that match the natural environment. This helps you blend in and remain unseen by animals. Brown and green clothes actually help a lot.
Field Dressing. Learn how to properly field dress an animal to prepare it for transport and processing while preserving the meat and reducing the weight you need to carry.
Tracking Skills. He developed the ability to follow tracks and signs left by animals. This skill helps you locate and approach your quarry quietly and efficiently.
Set Up Ambush Points. Choose strategic locations to wait for your target to approach, rather than constantly stalking. This conserves your energy and increases your chances of getting a good shot. This is one of his favorites.
And lastly, the most dreaded one for him. Patience. Successful hunting often requires long periods of waiting and watching. Be patient and prepared for extended periods of inactivity.
Of course, in terms of skills. He was still far away from Jin and others who had a very rich experience.
'What a fulfilling day.' Caleb glanced at the moon above the forest as he followed Jin and Athena. Although exhausting, his last hunt was adrenaline-inducing.