Mammoth hunt and atlatl competition at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

GREAT FALLS – Visitors are invited to visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park near Ulm during the parks 11^th annual Mammoth Hunt and Atlatl Competition on Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29 from 10a.m. to 4p.m.

The atlatl, a 10,000 year-old hunting weapon pre-dates the bow and arrow.  During this free event, parks staff will provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about and practice with this unique weapon.

In cooperation with the Little Shell Powwow and the International Traditional Games Society, atlatl expert Jim Ray will be hosting the atlatl competition every hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.  Individuals who do not wish to compete can still come to learn and practice their throwing technique, and also have a chance to shoot primitive bow and arrows and to throw tomahawks under the guidance of parks staff and volunteers.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is 3.5 miles north of Ulm, just off Interstate 15 at exit 270.

Visitors wishing to compete are asked to pre-register by calling the park.  For more information, or to pre-register, call 406-866-2217, or contact Park Ranger Alice Southworth at alice.southworth@mt.gov