Montanans: Looking for something fun and educational to do this weekend? On Saturday and Sunday, August 10 -11, the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is holding its Annual Mammoth Hunt! Thing is, there aren't any actual mammoths to hunt, so instead families will experience what it was like for America's first indigenous peoples to do so. Yes, that's right ... most scientists believe that mammoths didn't go extinct in North America until 5,000 years ago. The Clovis people, originators of the Clovis point, were active here for 12,000 years ago.
How did those ancient peoples turn their famous arrowheads into mammoth meat? At the Mammoth Hunt, you'll learn all about the atlatl from Montana State Parks staff and Jim Ray, who has more than 20 years' experience. This 10,000-year-old hunting tool predates the bow and arrow, and attendees will get the chance to use one.
Naturally, visitors also will have the chance to shoot primitive bows and arrows and to throw tomahawks. Billy Maxwell will be demonstrating First Peoples traditional skills. Maxwell is a former farm kid turned cultural anthropologist. George Bryce, from Helena, will be demonstrating flint knapping during the event. For those who get hungry, Vintage Nana’s Indian Taco Food Truck will be on hand selling their traditional fare.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is 3.5 miles north of Ulm, just off Interstate 15 at Exit 270. For directions or more information about First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump/.
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