The Kets are one of the most numerous and individual northern peoples of Russia and they live in the Turukhansk region of Krasnoyarsk territory and neighbouring regions. During long-term research into the economy of this region the author was able to observe changes in the use of land by the Kets since 1973. The study gives an objective assessment of the economic situation of the region and the possibility of preserving the Kets' traditional way of life. Particular emphasis is laid on the way of life of three groups of Kets; the Yeloguy Kets, the Kureyka Kets, and the Podkamennaya Tunguska Kets. The author proposes government support for the local fur-trapping industry as a way of preserving the Kets' traditional way of life.