d campsite sampling. Furthermore, previous optimal foraging diet breadth studies have treated environments such as the floe-edge as one relatively homogenous habitat to be compared with different habitats (Smith 1991). One purpose of this study was to show how foraging theory can contribute to our understanding of hunting behaviour within one habitat by displaying the heterogeneity that exists within that habitat. For example, the use of embayments suggests that the floe-edge is anything but homogenous in terms of its campsite and narwhal hunting value.
Last, this research suggests that Inuit ecological knowledge remains an essential aspect of the spring floe-edge narwhal hunt. This knowledge includes information specific to narwhals and their behaviour under a range of physical and human-affected conditions. It is critical given the rapid manner in which the floe-edge can be adversely changed by wind and currents, and also by the rapid manner in which technologies change. This knowledge is also obviously important in terms of utilizing the various technologies now available to hunters to the greatest effect.
With regard to spring floe-edge whaling, the dynamic effect that this particular environmental situation imposes on foragers, even when they are equipped with new technologies (e.g., rifles, snowmobiles), is worthy of note. In contrast to the winter and spring seal foraging situations that have been described, these technologies appeared to offer little advantage relative to the effect they have had upon both mauliqpuq and uuttuq sealing. This is the case despite the fact that the rifle appears to be beneficial in extending a narwhal hunter’s striking range; this, however, is offset by the fact that narwhals killed or wounded even a few tens of metres from the floe-edge may be irretrievable. In fact, the data suggest that when whaling at the floe-edge, Inuit are still reliant on traditional knowledge of the habitat, on endurance in the face of difficult physical conditions, and on individual patience. As much as the snowmobiles and rifle have “modernized” floe-edge whaling for Pond Inlet hunters, the foraging mode still practiced is essentially unchanged from that of the pre-snowmobile and pre-rifle “era.” The impact of the snowmobile on narwhal hunting has been to extend the area that Pond Inlet Inuit use to hunt narwhals. This is a significant change as hunters can now venture into areas that were not previously utilized on a continuous basis. However, the foraging mode having reached these areas has not significantly changed.
It should be noted that this may be an overestimation since the hunter could have perceived the participant observer as a member of the hunt group.
This research would have been impossible without the generous cooperation of the Inuit of Pond Inlet—especially the hunters who allowed a Qallunaaq to accompany them, the elders who acceded to be interviewed, and the Pond Inlet Hunters and Trappers Organization. Dozens of persons deserve personal thanks. To all Mittimatalingmiut, many thanks. We would like to thank the following families for their invaluable assistance: Agnetsiak, Anaviapik, Enookoolook, Inootik, Inuaraq, Kautainuk, Kiliktee, Komangapik, Koonoo, Kyak, Maktar, Merkosak, Milton, Qamaniq, Alooloo, Nuturak, Paniloo, Peterloosie, Pewatoaluk, Sangoya, and Tigilluraq. Finally, the following individuals provided important logistical support: Lynn Cousins, David Parks and family, and Valentina de Krom. We apologize for any people that we may have missed and we sincerely thank the community, Hamlet, Hunters and Trappers Organization, and Elders Group of Pond Inlet for their tremendous support.
Thanks also to O. Coomes, J. M. Savelle and D. L. Kramer for their guidance, and to J. Caouette for her thoughtful comments and invaluable editing assistance and to Prof. J. Ramsay for statistical assistance. This work was supported by the Max Bell, David Stewart Memorial and J.W. McConnell Fellowships of McGill University, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) Northern Scient