What did the coureur de bois eat?

The diet of a *coureur de bois* was diverse and depended heavily on their location and the time of year. Here's a breakdown of what they might have eaten:

Foraged Foods:

* Wild Berries and Fruits: They'd gather berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries, as well as plums, grapes, and apples when in season.

* Nuts and Seeds: They'd collect acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and other local nuts for sustenance.

* Mushrooms and Wild Plants: Experienced *coureurs de bois* knew edible mushrooms and plants, adding them to their diet for variety and nutrients.

* Maple Syrup: A vital source of sugar, especially in the spring, when they would tap maple trees for sap.

Hunting and Fishing:

* Game: They were skilled hunters, relying on a combination of traps, snares, and bows and arrows to catch game. Deer, bear, beaver, rabbit, and smaller animals were all part of their diet.

* Fish: They would fish using various techniques, including nets, hooks, and spears, catching salmon, trout, pike, and other species.

* Fowl: They also hunted wild birds, including ducks, geese, and grouse.

Traded Goods:

* Dried Meat and Fish: They would trade furs and other goods for dried meats, fish, and other staples from Indigenous communities or European settlements.

* Corn and Beans: They would sometimes trade for corn, beans, and other cultivated foods.

Prepared Foods:

* Pemmican: A mixture of dried meat, fat, and berries, often preserved with smoke. This was a highly nutritious and portable food source for long journeys.

* Jerky: Dried and preserved meat was an important part of their diet, especially during times of scarcity.

It's important to note that:

* The availability of food varied depending on the season and location.

* *Coureurs de bois* were often reliant on their knowledge of the natural world to survive.

* Their diet could be quite challenging and sometimes consisted of very little variety.

The *coureur de bois* lifestyle was characterized by hardship, and their diet reflects this. They were resourceful individuals who had to adapt to the harsh conditions of the wilderness.