Hunting and Fishing 147 



adopt a similar method when the caribou are migrating across the ice in spring 

 and fall. They lie in wait with their sleds; the moment the deer appear the 

 dogs dash after them and sometimes carry the hunter close enough for him to 

 launch a shaft successfully. This method was seldom attempted as long as 

 they had only bows and arrows, but is naturally coming more into vogue now 

 that many of the natives are supplied with rifles. As a rule, though, the Copper 

 Eskimos prefer to stalk their game, and will wait several hours if necessary 

 till the animals draw near of their own accord. The patience of the natives is 

 extraordinary. In May, 1915, Ikpakhuak would spend 12 or 14 hours at a 

 stretch watching from the top of a ridge for the caribou crossing the strait; 

 now and again he would snatch a little sleep with his head resting on a boulder, 

 then wake and resume his watch. In June of the same year Avranna, Miluk- 

 kattak and I went hunting, but had gone only about five miles when a heavy 

 snowstorm came on, with a cold driving north wind. It was useless to look 

 for caribou through the blinding clouds of snow, so we decided to wait where 

 we were until the atmosphere cleared again. Avranna and I sat with our backs 



(Photo by R. M. Anderson) 

 Fig. 47. An Umingmaktok Eskimo hunter at Cape Barrow 



to the wind, and Milukkattak huddled in partial shelter between our feet. 

 Thus we sat for half an hour. I found it bitterly cold, but Avranna was quite 

 accustomed to it and merely dropped his head on his chest and fell fast asleep. 

 Many signals are used in hunting, as might be expected from such a people. 

 "Caribou or musk-oxen in sight" is indicated by alternately throwing up the 

 arms and stooping down. If the game is near the outstretched hand is lowered 

 towards the ground several times, palm downwards, as a sign to keep quiet. 



23335— lOJ 



