Hunting

Traditional Hunting

Native American Indians have practiced hunting for hundreds of years. Native Americans created their weapons, such as a bows and arrows, spears, knives, and tomahawks from what resources they had available, and from generations of knowledge of what worked best. Their weapons were created from trees to rocks, stone, and even bones from animals. They used stomach lining for stringing a bow, rib bones for knives and sharp tools, and even used strategy and various hunting methods to kill what they hunted.

Large game and Small game

Native Americans have always needed, relied, respected, and depended on animals to survive. Native Americans hunted Whitetail deer, buffalo, bear, wolf, moose, rabbit, squirrel, boar, and the list goes on, depending on the climate they lived in. Each animal served an important purpose to the Native way of life. Skin and hides, were used has clothing. They processed animals for food. Bones were used for tools, weapons, and even decoration. They used every piece and part of their game for a purpose. It was a way of respecting the animal if they did so. Eagle feathers and hides were used in practicing cultural beliefs.

Check out Kimmie Walden, Bucko Teeple, and Brandon Carrick doing their thing at the historic elk hunt last winter! In December of 2007, they were the first to exercise our newly recognized reserved rights to hunt elk.

Guns and Bows

Native Americans were introduced to guns during the 16th and 17th centuries when Europeans first started to settle here in America. Guns were, and still are used for multiple purposes. There are several types of guns which include the Rifle, Shotgun, Handgun, and Muzzle loader.

Evidence found by archaeological discoveries in western Europe shows that bows have been used for over 50,000 years. The bow and arrow is the most common idea of killing or hunting from a close range distance. Native Americans made bows out of wood. Usually wood from a maple or oak tree. They are made durable and flexible. They are also made in different shapes and sizes. Though the material used to make bows has changed dramatically, you still get the same result from shooting an arrow.

Treaty Rights

Native Americans have been fighting for their treaty rights for a very long time now. The rights they were promised have not been shown to them in peace. Today Native Americans are finally getting somewhere with their rights. They are coming to agreements and are gaining back there rights as Native Americans and practicing them.

Modern Hunting

Hunting today is more of a sport than for a way of life. People hunt all over the world for all types of animals. Guns are the main type of weapon for any type of hunting, but for adventurous hunting people still use a bow and arrow for the "rush" and excitement. Native Americans still have treaty rights and use them when possible. Hunting has changed drastically over the years and is now more effective than ever. Some people may say that hunting today is unfair for the animal, they are wrong. Even though we have more efficient equipment, the animals have adapted and are sneakier and more cautious than ever, making it a more exciting time out in the woods. Hunting has evolved along with everything else and will continue to evolve with years to come.