Here in Kalskag in different seasons we hunt and trap for certain animals. We use them for meat and winter gear. It is a tradition to teach and explain to your son the way of hunting and trapping. This is so he can take care of his family by supporting them with meat and passing his knowledge down to his son. In our culture and environment it is important to show the way of hunting and trapping. That’s the father’s job to pass his knowledge down to his son; what he has learned from his father or granddad.
A father teaches his young son the way of hunting and trapping by bringing him out every time he goes to check his traps or looking for food. The first time a son goes out he observes and helps out his dad and does what he tells him to do to get the job done correctly. The second time he brings him out he does the same thing as the first, but lets him set the trap and ask where and when and what to do to be a successful hunter.
The third time the dad lets the son take him out to the locations where the animals are. This way a son can do what he’s been taught by his father and show that he can hunt and set his traps in a respectful way. Now his father can deal with other stuff he has to get done; while his son can take off to go hunting or go check his traps around the Kuskokwim area. This is one of the ways to show and teach your son how to hunt and set traps. This way he can be success in his hunting and trapping skills and to also support his family.
Author: Kenny Morgan Jr.