How to Hunt With a Boomerang

Hold the returning boomerang by one leg wrapping the index, middle, ring and pinkie fingers around the inner curve, while the thumb rests around the outer curve to close the grasp. If using a non-returning boomerang, hold the same way by the longer leg. Some boomerangs have a small carving on one of the legs to indicate whether it was calibrated for a right or left hand. If so, select the appropriate boomerang and grab it around this notch.

Seek out the prey in their natural habitat, such as a pond for waterfowl or a meadow for small animals. For birds, search for an area where there is a large flock, as this can increase the chances of a kill. Wait for the birds to take flight, before throwing the boomerang.

Throw a returning boomerang parallel to the prey, in the same direction as the bird's flight. This is done by raising the arm up so that the boomerang is perpendicular to the ground and is tilted outward slightly at about a 15-degree angle. Swing the arm back as if throwing an overhand pitch and release once the boomerang is at eye level. The boomerang should fly in a semi-circular pattern until it hits the target.

Pitch a non-returning boomerang by aiming and throwing the wooden device toward the prey, which can include birds and small animals. If thrown correctly, the normal flight pattern for the instrument is directly where it is aimed, without deviation. Throw it using the same overhand pitching technique as the returning boomerang, except hold the boomerang straight up, not at a 15-degree angle.

Catch the returning boomerang, if it misses the target, by grasping it between the hands in a clapping motion. This technique can help reduce the risk of injury. Non-returning boomerangs will have to be retrieved as they do not return to the hunter.