Did people of the Middle Ages hunt for food?

Answer 1

Only royalty and the aristocracy were permitted to hunt; they had many servants to help such as archers, crossbowmen, dog handlers, falconers and grooms to take care of the horses.

Almost anything that moved was hunted: birds of many kinds, wild boar, deer and rabbits were the main quarry and all would be served at the nobleman's table later.

Rabbits were restricted to areas known as warrens, with a "warrener" or "warner" appointed to look after them and ensure they were not poached - stealing rabbits was a criminal offence.

Large areas of countryside were designated as "chases" or "forest", which could not be entered without permission and no one may cut down trees or build without a special royal licence - Cranborne Chase in Wiltshire and Dorset was a royal hunting chase owned and used by King John and much of it survives today as an area of outstanding natural beauty. These areas were entirely reserved for hunting.

Answer 2

Hunting deer and such animals was reserved for the nobility. They did not need to hunt, as they had the means to buy food.

Hunting such animals as rabbits was done by peasants in many places, and they did this both for food and to protect crops.

Most food of the Middle Ages was grown on manorial estates.

Answer 3

They hunted for food mainly. But from the animal came the clothing (skins and fur) , the horns or bones (for weapons and jewellery) etc. Hope this helps!!:)