Abstract

While Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT) has been applied successfully in the study of contemporary hunter-gatherers in the Boreal Forest, its application archaeologically has proved somewhat more problematic. This paper reviews the basics of optimal foraging theory and then discusses the creation of habitat suitability for moose and caribou in the boreal forest of east-central Manitoba. The problems in using these suitability to define OFT patches becomes readily evident. When patches are difficult to identify, it makes the archaeological application of OFT very difficult. The paper concludes with suggestions as to why OFT has operationalization difficulties in archaeology, especially in the study area.