Hunters and trappers didn't just rely on their weapons and equipment. They were also convinced that greater forces and powers influenced their hunting luck.
Ole Thomassen writes in Lappenes forhold about hunting and hunting happiness:
You shouldn't bring just anyone along as a hunting companion.
When you're strapping on the scissors to catch a fish, it's best to be alone.
The hunting rifle should not be seen by all and sundry, lest it be spoilt. Then you won't hit anything else with it.
When you have killed an animal, you should take blood from the killed animal and lubricate the inside of the rifle with it. The rifle will then be more accurate and you won't miss with it. This can also help to make a ruined rifle good again.
Anders Larsen writes about the Sea Sami and hunting in Om sjøsamene:
When they shot a bird or animal, they licked the bird's or animal's blood. They believed that this would make them more accurate shooters, that their hands would be steadier and their eyes sharper. When they shot grouse, they licked the blood while it was still warm.
Pictured: Čeavrastohkka / otter stick, the otter trap is from Bassevuovdi/ Helligskogen, Oamasvuotna/ Storfjord. It was purchased for the University Ethnographic Museum in 1912 by Deacon Bertrand M. Nilsen. Ownership has been transferred to the Centre for Northern Peoples in the Bååstede project.
