Of the basic elements of the Mogollon subsistence pattern there can be little doubt. Hunting, gathering, and agriculture each played its part. However, the question of relative importance of each in the total pattern has never been satisfactorily answered. There is ample evidence that each was practised; but only for one small area do we have the quantitative data necessary to assess their status.

A rich fauna recovered at Harris and Mogollon villages led Haury to postulate heavy reliance on hunting as well as on agriculture (Haury 1936b:92-93). A similar situation prevailed at Forestdale Ruin during Mogollon 3, where the number of deer bones recovered makes it seem likely that as much reliance was placed on hunting as on agriculture (Haury 1941).