By 7 am we are off, Chenchagan, Krishnan, Mennasamy, with Chenchamma leading the way, and the children bringing up the rear-their slings aimed expertly at squirrels. Each man holds his iron tipped digging stick, and two men swing nets above their shoulders. Without these implements no man stirs out. Today, all are tense. The village farms encroach daily onto virgin forest.
Hare is scarce and wild boar have retreated deep into the jungle.
Soon the dogs pick up a scent. Excitement grows as holes leading to an underground warren of field mice are found. A net is laid near a potential opening. Krishnan fills an earthen pot bearing a hole and within minutes the rats escape, right into the net. Very soon, three rats are caught, their legs are broken and they are tied in Devi's sari.