I never could figure out the starvation times of the early settlers.
Hunting is hard (especially with matchlocks), but clams are easily dug, and the waters were teeming with fish back then.
At times the settlers were getting shot and killed by the local Indians whenever they left the fort.
Plus they had not yet invented AFDC or the Department of Health and Human Services.
I wouldn’t have a clue about clam digging because I have no experience with the ocean shores. I’m not sure how effective my freshwater fishing skills would be in the ocean.
In a midwestern environment I would be fine. I have considerable knowledge of native plants and animals. Freshwater clams just lay on the bottom. Crayfish can be found under rocks and in crevices. Freshwater fish are easy enough to catch with a hook and a line. I know which plants and mushrooms I can eat.
“I never could figure out the starvation times of the early settlers.”
Same reason someone from the city could starve to death in an area full of wild game, fish, and vegetation.
Simple lack of knowledge.
If you don’t know how to hunt you wont get game.
If you don’t know how to fish you wont catch fish.
If you don’t know how to build a boat and make a net you wont net fish.
It was winter, even in the best time of spring finding enough vegetation to survive is almost impossible even for someone that knows what to look for. If you don’t know what to look for forget it, you can even poison yourself.
Don’t forget, Indians were also competing for the same food, areas could easily be hunted out.
Powhatan siege of their enclosure. They couldn’t go outside, for lack of people to guard the gatherers. so they starved inside.
who would eat clams without linguini?