Living
on the edges of the community these people spend large parts their
lives
in the surrounding countryside. Often
away for days at a time, they set lines of traps for various small game
species,
hunt wildfowl and occasionally take larger game.
Muskrats (around the lake) Possum (forested areas) and Whistle Pigs (Hills) make up most of
the trapped game,
along with the ubiquitous Rabbit.
All
four are edible, and the meat can be sold in the village while the
skins can be
treated and used to
make either soft leather
or fur items.
Ducks, Grouse and
Sometimes hunters may take small deer and mountain goats as well. Again the meat can be sold
on, and the hides
make decent leather, although it is the horn and antler that perhaps
have most
monetary value.
While hunting with a sling is freely permitted, those hunters who wish
to use a
bow are advised to get permission from the Laird’s clerk before hand. Permission is generally
granted, so long as
the hunter is seen as ‘careful’ to take appropriate creatures.
Very occasionally groups of hunters will be asked to ’chase away’ packs
of predators
who have moved into the area or that are worrying livestock. Hunter/Trappers are expect
to serve as the ‘eyes’
and ‘ears’ of the village. If
something
unusual is happening beyond the borders of the village, it is often the
hunters
who realise it first.
Many hunters join the local militia, and during times of unrest would
be expected
to act as scouts for the Laird’s forces.