Fall: Migratory Fowl, Deer, and Harvesting Nuts, Weeds, and Maize

Maize field with water bottle, Illinois State Museum.

The pace of economic activity quickened dramatically as summer gave way to fall and the ripening of wild and cultivated plants. Migratory fowl arrived on the American Bottom wetlands (part of the famous Mississippi valley fly-way) by the thousands. Deer put on fat in preparation for winter began exhibiting behaviors (i.e., rutting and searching for breeding partners) that increased the hunter's success. Harvesting fish from lakes and sloughs would have continued and in some cases would have become easier as waters receded. Canada geese.

Large quantities of goosefoot, marsh elder, knotweed, sunflower, squash, and of course maize began to ripen quickly in the valley. Nuts ripening in stands of oak and hickory in the ravines leading to the uplands also had to be gathered. During years of poor maize harvests, due to flooding for example, the more flood-tolerant floodplain weeds like goosefoot, and nut-bearing trees found off the valley floor such as acorns and hickory nuts would have been particularly important to the Mississippian diet.

White-tailed deer.

Harvesting of wild and cultivated plants, hunting, fishing, and trapping all had to be coordinated to maximize yeilds. Details of how these food-getting activities were scheduled is difficult to say, but it seems likely that every household member had numerous tasks to preform throughout the fall. Foods had to be hunted, gathered and harvested, then processed, and finally stored for use through the coming winter and spring. Social customs and ceremonies probably required some amount of surplus be given to local community members of high status as tribute, or as payment for their services in officiating ceremonies, community feasting, or for delivering tribute to the regional elite at the local mound center.

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