Anthony, hunting was and still is a primary source of food. If I may, it is one of the very first things early man learned. I am pretty sure it happended earlier than the 17th century.
Guys, that thread with the "giant boar" was a set-up. The boar was sold to the hunt area a few days before that kid went hunting. It was farm raised and near death.
There seems to be a little misunderstanding on hunting and killing. If you are going to hunt...hunt. If you are going to kill some deer that happened to be in your front yard as you walk out in your Cunningham jacket and slippers...that there is killing.
I find it sort of fun to listen to someone's 'hunt' story. The BS can get over the top of your boot if the person giving the account hasn't had other successes.
BTW, Bow season has started here in MI and well, I got to gear up.