The migratory and nomadic herds of barrenground caribou are generally regular in their movements and have provided the Caribou Eater Chipewyan with the basis for an "original affluent society." Sometimes, however, the movements of the caribou are erratic or unusual and alternative strategies are required on the part of those who depend on them for food. This paper suggests the significance of secondary resources for Caribou Eater Chipewyan. It also stresses the importance of certain characteristics of their band organization, especially of the hunting groups and of their spatial distribution. These facilitate a communications network which can report on the direction of movement, dispersal and concentration of the caribou. Although in a severe environment, the Chipewyan do not have myths and legends which emphasize starvation