In rsponse to Esmay's note regarding Hoflechner's posting -- It is
important to remember when searching the ethnographic literature
thatthose who wrote them had their own cultural prejudices.  Thus the
term "hunting" often describes an activity that results in the killing of
large game (Bear, Elk, Antelope, etc).  I agree the literature does
reflect thatsuch activity tends to be limited almost exclusively to men.

However, a search for diet often reveals the inclusion of many kinds of
"small meat" which can make up the bulk of the dietary protein intake.
Large game hunting is an activity that is fraught with danger and
uncertainly - no matter the skill of the hunter.  It is not to be
depended on for  a dietary staple, supplying instead an occasional tasty
and much-appreciated bonus.

The lesser protein sources: birds and small mammals that can be caught
with traps and snares, insects, shellfish, fish taken bythe use of
paralyzants such as turkey mullen or through the use of weirs and a myrid
other creatures that are not so much "hunted" as "taken:, usually are
taken by women, children, old people, or by community effort.  These are
the dependable animal protein resources.  They can be preserved and
stockpiled against a lean time and, except in Northern latitudes, are
generally available in one form or another, year-around.

Lorraine Heidecker
Department of Anthropology
California State University Sacramento