American Fur Trappers who ventured into the Great Wilderness that was Western North America, were an amalgam of hard-working individualists who were willing to take huge chances.  Due to the rough lifestyle and other hazards, their life expectancy was somewhat less than it would have been by playing it safe.  Here we have a robust trapper apparently alone and on his own hook, venturing into territory claimed, lived upon, and defended by Native Peoples who most often did not take kindly to strangers coming into their land and stealing their resources - beaver pelts or game or whatever.  Here is where careful judgment, cool nerve, well crafted diplomacy, or a trusty rifle and a fast horse might be the tools to save his own hide.

He will work toward the former and be ready for the latter!