In the Middle Ages, people hunted wild animals throughout Western Europe. While game was sometimes a source of food, it was rarely the main source of nutrition. All social classes were involved in hunting, but in the early Middle Ages the need for hunting transformed into a stylized entertainment for the aristocracy. Even more than just a hobby: hunting was an important arena for social interaction, an important part of preparing for war, as well as a privilege and an indicator of nobility.
Weapons for hunting were usually the same as in war: a bow with arrows or a crossbow, a pike or a spear, and a sword.
The hunter also needed a horn to exchange signals with other hunters. In addition, the hunter depended on the assistance of some pets. In particular, three animals were obligatory for a medieval hunter: a horse, a hound dog and a falcon (or hawk).