Fishing is an important subsistence activity among Huslia residents, both in terms of the time and effort expended and in the volume of wild food produced. ...in 1983 fish were taken in significant quantities throughout the summer and fall, and were distributed among harvest group members and related households. Fish were taken primarily along the Koyukuk River, between Cutoff Slough and the mouth of 'the Dulbi River. Salmon fishing activities generally were based out of family fish camps, while much of the fishing activity for other species was based out of Huslia.
...Huslia residents displayed a pattern similar to that of residents in other Koyukuk River communities (cf. Marcotte and Haynes 1985)-. Fishnets were set for sheefish and whitefish as soon as the ice went out in early May. The first king and chum salmon were caught in set nets in late June, signaling the beginning of a busy salmon-fishing season. Summer and fall chum salmon were harvested throughout July and August, and into September. Burbot were caught prior to freeze-up, while grayling, sucker, and pike were caught throughout the summer. Blackfish were caught in area lakes after freeze-up.
Fish resources have played an especially important role through the years because of their stability and reliability as a food source, particularly so when compared with terrestrial animals. Several residents noted that, in recent years, since greater restrictions were placed on Lower Yukon Commercial fishermen, salmon runs on the Koyukuk River have improved considerably.
HUNTING
Hunting is of major importance to Huslia residents. A variety of animals are harvested throughout the year for food as well as for use in crafts. All households in Huslia either harvest or use wildlife resources. Considerable quantities of game meat were obtained, with an average per capita production of 397.4 pounds of edible meat in 1983. The household average was 1,341 pounds.
... Black bear, porcupine, and hare were taken throughout the year, while the harvest of other species was restricted by state or federal regulation to particular months. For this reason, the pattern observed in 1983 does not necessarily represent the customary and traditional seasons of harvest. Legal season openings are subject to change from year to year. Within those limits,... residents harvest particular species during certain times of the year based upon such factors as need, availability, condition of the resource, access, and hunting regulations. The most serious discrepancy between the traditional harvest periods and current legal hunting seasons is noted with waterfowl hunting, where spring and summer hunting is a well-established custom but was not recognized by regulation in 1983.
TRAPPING
Trapping is an important part of the annual harvest cycle for most households in Huslia. Sixty-four percent of Huslia's 56 households were actively involved in trapping during 1983. Trapping provides a source of cash to help sustain households through the winter months, a supply of furs for sewing clothing, and a source of food from beaver. Additionally, the cultural value associated with the use of the land and trapping areas is immeasurable.
...Trapping began in early November as soon as freezing of the lakes and rivers permitted safe travel to trapping areas. Early season emphasis was on marten, lynx, and fox, while beaver was trapped most heavily through February and March. Otter were caught with beaver while wolf and wolverine were taken whenever available through the winter. Trapping continued through the season as long as furs were in good condition....
The greatest numbers of households successfully trapped marten and fox, while the fewest trapped wolf and wolverine. The variation in habitat between different trapping areas the relative size of species populations, and differences in trapping effort among trappers may account for much of this variation.... Most pelts harvested were sold to traveling fur buyers from. Outside the area, although some were retained locally for use In sewing. Beaver was harvested as much for their value as a meat source for household use as for the value of their fur. Local trappers indicated beaver prices had been low in recent years. Snow machines were the most common transportation method for Huslia trappers in 1983 and were used by all trappers. Two respondents said they also walked a portion of their trapline, and one also used a dog team. None used aircraft for trapping. A total of 73 snow machines were listed for the 56 Huslia households.
Time spent checking traps on a line varied from trapper to trapper, but generally a day or more was required to make a complete round. Seven trappers had small trapping areas near town or by their wood yards that could be checked in less than half a day. Ten trappers required a full day to check their lines, while 14 trappers typically spent two days away from home to run their lines. Three additional trappers required more than two days. Trappers stayed overnight in trapping cabins or tent camps along the way. Most trappers indicated checking their traps every three or four days. Weather and travel conditions typically affected travel frequency and duration. The median round trip-distance traveled to check a trapline was 60 miles, although this distance ranged from 10 to 200 miles.