Fish was a major source of food for the Hatteras Indians. Some of the most common types they caught included:
Striped bass
Spotted sea trout
Flounder
Red drum
Mullet
Sheepshead
Weakfish
Catfish
The Hatteras Indians used a variety of methods to catch fish, including:
Spearing: This was a common method for catching fish in shallow water. The Indians used long, pointed spears to impale the fish.
Netting: The Indians also used nets to catch fish. They would set the nets in the water and then wait for fish to swim into them.
Hook and line: The Indians also used hooks and lines to catch fish. They would bait the hooks with small pieces of fish or shellfish.
Traps: The Indians sometimes used traps to catch fish. They would build a trap out of sticks and vines and then place bait inside. The fish would swim into the trap to get the bait, and then they would be unable to escape.
Shellfish
Shellfish were another important food source for the Hatteras Indians. Some of the most common types they collected included:
Oysters
Clams
Mussels
Scallops
Whelks
Conches
The Hatteras Indians collected shellfish by hand. They would wade into the water or dive down to the bottom to gather them.
Deer
Deer was a major source of meat for the Hatteras Indians. They hunted deer using bows and arrows. The Indians would often use dogs to help them track the deer.
Other Animals
The Hatteras Indians also hunted other animals, including:
Raccoons
Opossums
Rabbits
Squirrels
Wild turkeys
Quail
Ducks
Geese
The Indians used the meat from these animals for food and the skins for clothing and shelter.
Farming
The Hatteras Indians also grew crops. Some of the most common crops they grew included:
Corn
Beans
Squash
Pumpkins
Sunflowers
Tobacco
The Indians used these crops for food, medicine, and other purposes.
The Hatteras Indians had a varied and nutritious diet. They were able to take advantage of the natural resources of their environment to provide themselves with a healthy and sustainable diet.