Going hunting has long been an Autumn tradition for folks in the mountains. In times past, hunting was a necessity, bringing home a deer, squirrels, or wild fowl to put food on the table or clearing out predator animals such as mountain lion, wolf, and bear which preyed on livestock and were also dangerous to humans. “Vermin,” critters like groundhogs and rabbits that ate crops in the field or food stored for the winter, were also hunted.
Today, hunters must obtain a license, and there are limitations on the season or time of year, the kind, gender, and number of animals which may be hunted, and the type of weapon which may be utilized. Many still rely on game to supplement their store-bought groceries, but more continue to tramp the woods and mountain trails for the reason hunters always have – for the thrill of the hunt.
Pictured here with their dogs and weapons are hunters from the Wilson family of the McKinney Cove. They are, left to right, Green Wilson (born 1874), his son Frank (born 1896), his father Marion (born 1854), and his brother Clarence (born 1891). The photo was likely taken about 1905 or 1906.