Atlatl tests would-be warriors

The annual Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump Atlatl Competition brought Havreites and visitors to the historic site to try their hand at spear throwing.

The atlatl is an ancient contraption that allows long, spear-like arrows to be thrown swiftly, historically at a possible dinner. The two-day competition Saturday and Sunday allowed people to see how difficult it might be to do so.

David and Ralph Heydlauff, brothers from Alberta who have had a hand in the formation of the buffalo jump museum, began the competition about eight years ago.

David said this year was about as good as it was last year.

"Everyone is going pretty good," he said.

David was taking a group of Arizonans visiting their son and Havreites through the course at the jump, which was set up with targets of various sizes and difficulties.

The competitors were given a wooden stand that lays along their forearms upon which an arrow was placed. As the competitors slung their arms forward, the long arrow flew with a high velocity toward their target, if they used the proper technique.

The end of the course brought arguably the most difficult challenge a moving wooden buffalo on a line that required both proper technique and timing from the competitors.

Anna Brumley, the manager of the buffalo jump, said the historic site has been doing well in its season this year, and the atlatl competition is consistently good.

"The atlatl competition is going about the same as it did last year," Brumley said.

The competition was split into four categories: youth, teen, women and men. The youth were giving memorabilia and a T-shirt from the buffalo jump and the other categories won cash prizes.

First place received $100, second $50 and third $25. Admission was free of charge.

"This is a family event," Brumley said. "Children get to learn something and shoot the atlatl. We encourage families to come down, spend the day and enjoy the site with their children."

Saturday saw 52 competitors and Sunday saw 70, for a total of 122. Total attendance, of competitors and onlookers, was 155.

"This year had the highest attendance ever," Brumley wrote. "It was amazing to watch young and old try their hand at throwing an ancient weapon. We appreciate all the support from everyone and hope all had as much fun as those of us who organized this event."

The winners of the competition will be in Friday's issue of the Havre Daily News.