GREAT FALLS – Experience what it’s like to throw atlatls and tomahawks and to use primitive bows and arrows at the Annual Mammoth Hunt at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Montana State Parks staff and Jim Ray, who has more than 20 years’ experience, will provide the opportunity to learn about and practice with the atlatl, a 10,000-year-old weapon that predates the bow and arrow.  

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/. 

For more information about the Annual Mammoth Hunt, contact Andy Keller, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Ranger, at 406-866-2217 or andy.keller@mt.gov.