The Gazelle Hunt

The gazelle hunt takes place on the plain. A real caravan comes together for the hunt. The rich farmer (sometimes incorrectly called a sheikh ) uses helpers to lead some dogs. Other dogs are carried on horses in front of the saddle to conserve their energy. When the hunters locate a herd of gazelle, they make sure to get there as quickly as possible. If they are close enough, they put the dogs on the ground and the hunt is on. Each Tazi hunts its own gazelle. The Tazi has to catch the prey, bring it to the ground, and wait until the hunter comes to kill the prey. These hunts are done without weapons, except for a knife to finish the kill. It is a very old tradition to hunt only with the Tazi.

Sometimes the dogs legs are prepared with Henna to protect them.