Atlatl is set for this weekend

A long-standing tradition is again set at one of the oldest attractions in the area — throwing large darts with an atlatl at the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump west of Havre Saturday and Sunday.

This is the 12th year that the competition has been held at the archaeological site on the bluff just north of the Holiday Village Mall, a tradition manager Anna Brumley said the site’s staff started to raise awareness of Wahkpa Chu’gn.

“Just to make (local residents) aware that they have a special little treasure down there,” Brumley said.

The archaeological site was brought to the attention of the newly formed Milk River Archaeological Society by Brumley’s husband, archaeologist John Brumley, in 1961 when he was a local youngster.

For thousands of years, Native Americans drove bison over the bluff by the Milk River then slaughtered and butchered the animals. Some of the earliest users of the site used the atlatl centuries ago.

The weapon, called atlatl by the Aztecs, is a handle used to propel a spear or javelin, increasing its range and velocity. Prehistoric man is believed to have first used the device as long as 30,000 years ago, predating the bow and arrow.

The competition will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tours will be offered at a special rate, $5 for adults and $4 for students, Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. The regular tour season for the site is done for the year.

Brumley said the lower entrance, which can be reached on the road that runs past the water treatment plant and by Hillside Trailer Court, will be open during the event. The site’s Polaris also will be available to ferry people up and down the hill, she said.

Some long-time competition workers again will be coming south of the border for the event.

Dave and Ralph Heydlauff, who ranch north of the Port of Wild Horse in Alberta, are members of the International Atlatl Association and will be at the site helping show people how to throw atlatls. They will be bringing some of the throwers and darts for people to use, as well.

The competition will have several targets, including the return of the “running buffalo” moving target.

Brumley said the competition will be for boys and girls in four age groups, including adults.

The competition will be for ages up to 6 — Brumley said some very young athletes often compete; then youths, teens and adults.

Prizes including some cash awards will be given in the different groups.

Along with the tours Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., the interpretive center also will be open, with its displays and gift shops.

The gift shop offerings include a new documentary about the site, “Wahkpa Chu’gn: Frozen in Time.” The 78-minute documentary, which costs $15 for a DVD and $20 for a Blu-ray, also is available on Amazon.com.