6. Trapping and Hunting for Survival

Wild game—such as moose, caribou, and various small mammals—served as the mainstay of early Alaskan diets. Traps and snares were set for hares, beavers, and foxes, while skilled hunters pursued larger prey. Beyond providing meat, these animals supplied furs for clothing and bones for tools, making every part valuable. This reliance on wild resources set Alaskan survival apart from agricultural societies. Learn more about traditional hunting methods at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.



