HUNTING AND GATHERING. When Europeans arrived in Australia, hunting and gathering were part of Aboriginal people's diet. Hunting and gathering activities; however, were not only linked with subsistence but also with economy and the law. In 1460, hunting and gathering were ways by which men could display concern for the belief system. As well as rituals, the hunting practice allowed men to have an opportunity to make claims regarding their position and authority level in the group. In addition, to hunt was to follow the law and respect its sovereignty.