The Inuit returned to the coast in late October and early November. Great numbers of harp seals would be offshore at this time. Baleen whales would also come to the coast to feed before land–fast ice formed.
Inuit whalers hunted the Greenland right whale. Crews would sing songs to attract whales. The Inuit would chase whales in large boats called umiaks. One big whale could support a large winter camp. Whale blubber was eaten and used to fuel soapstone lamps. Whale skin was also eaten. Baleen was used to make bird snares, drinking cups and fishing line. Greenland right whale numbers declined in the late 18th century.
The Inuit hunted ringed seals, walrus and seabirds during winter. They would look for air holes in the ice where seals would come to the surface to breathe. A piece of bone or ivory would be tied to a string and placed in the hole. When this marker moved, the hunter would drive a spear into the seal.
The Inuit used bones and caribou antlers to make tools. Flesh was scraped from caribou hides. These were made into warm clothing. Caribou sinew was used to stitch boots and clothing. Sealskin was also used to make clothing.
The Inuit traveled in watertight covered canoes called kayaks. These were made with sealskin. Umiaks were larger boats. Dog teams were used to pull wooden sleds called komatiks.