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When hunters located the seal herds, they set
about their work with harsh efficiency.
 oung seal pups with
still fragile skulls were struck dead with gaffs, while older
seals were shot. Newly killed animals were then stripped of their
fur and blubber. Sculping, as this was called, required
considerable skill and was accomplished with speed.
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Ice hunters in action, mid-20th century
(Courtesy: National Archivies of Canada
PA 129900)
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The sculps - skin with blubber attached - were piled
to await collection. A distinctive flag marked the spot. If the
site of the hunt was distant from the vessel, the sculps had to
be hauled to an ice pan that the ship could reach.
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Towing sculps to be panned
(Courtesy: Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador A8-136)
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Once aboard, the pelts were stowed below deck in pounds where
the crew's bunks were located. As the holds were filled, the
men were displaced, eventually being forced to sleep on top
of the slimy, stinking cargo.
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