Hunter / Trapper

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 Turkey are the most common birds taken, both for their meat and their feathers.  Properly treated the smaller feathers from these birds can be used for stuffing pillows and mattresses (although they are expensive) while the larger feathers can sometimes be sold for their decorative effect.

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.