Hunting was an essential part of life in the mountains; most people did not raise enough livestock to keep them fed with meat year round. Unlike hunters today, who mostly go after deer, folks in the nineteenth and twentieth century ate a more diversified selection of game, ranging from squirrels and coons, to turkeys and bears. While hunting is still allowed for all these animals, most have restricted seasons. Prior to the creation of these regulations, people would hunt as they needed food, in a more sustainable manner. Listen to these tales from Taylor Crockett, Minyard Conner, and Jake Waldroop about hunting and the importance of living off the land in the early twentieth century.

Jake Waldroop calling on a turkey caller.

Read the transcripts here!