Last weekend was a unique event at First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park near Ulm (11 miles west of Great Falls on I-15, then 3.5 miles to the park). The atlatl competition (say it fast and pronounce all the letters) was a sight to see.
Some folks refer to the sport as spear throwing. It was an ancient method of hunting that dates back to over 8,000 years ago.
Now, I have thrown an atlatl. I didn’t last weekend because I didn’t want to show off. OK, scratch that comment! I can proudly say that I’ve thrown an atlatl three times and I can also report that I have never once hit the target. It’s a bit more difficult than it looks.
You have a chance to try atlatl throwing September 17 – 18 when this competition continues at First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park.
I’ll be practicing and I hope to see you there!