My brother, Mark Mitten, just got back from the Lakota Reservation in Brule' South Dakota with his friend Shane LaRoche. Shane is a member of two contemporary Native American bands called Brule' and AIRO. Shane filmed Mark on his hunt for American bison.
SD just had a big snow fall which piled the white stuff 3 feet in the valleys, but the wind blew most of it off of the tops of the ridges. After finding the herd they watched as two mature bulls wandered away from the main body, so the stalk began. The first attempt failed as Mark and Shane got bogged down in the snow drifts allowing the great buffalo to flee. It took them awhile to locate the animals again, but eventually they got another chance. Leaving Shane back on a parallel ridge, Marked crawled 150 yards away to set up near a sage bush as the buffalo approached. With Shane looking on and filming, and the tribal game warden positioned several hundred yards away pray and singing the buffalo song, Mark rose up as the noble beast turned to look back toward his partner. He drew and launched his 795 gr birch arrow tipped with a stone head from his 75# Great Northern Bush Bow. The arrow was fletched with turkey feathers, and had a self-nock, while the stone head was secured with whitetail deer sinew. Shane could hear the arrow's impact through the cold clear prairie air. The buffalo went down in less than a minute and the celebration began. The huge breeding bull sported a beautiful hide and sharp curved horns. Mark was told that this was the first bull taken with a stone head on these lands in over 100 years.
The arrow glanced off the rib and got 18 inches of penetration through both lungs. The head looks in good shape and may be ready to use again. Mark claimed his little wagon got a lot better traction on the way home loaded down with prime meat, cape, and skull! Mike
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/markbuf2.jpg)
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/markbuf1.jpg)
Wow! Not much else can be said.
That is quite an accomplishment and is something I would LOVE to do, although I would not have the skills to do it with the straight limbed longbow, wood shaft, or stone point!.
With that said Carcass does look a little "slumpy" in the photo and what in the world is he looking at off in the distance???
Are there any pictures of him hauling the beast back in the Subaru wagon? With the head and hide strapped to the luggage rack???
That's the PROPER way to take a BISON!!
Enough said. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
that is awesome.
He said the other bull was a little older and had broomed off points, so actually bulls like this do more breeding.
Hey Mike, great story, I can't wait to see the footage.
What an opportunity, and beautiful Bison. Great shot and super accomplishment!
Amazing to think about all that coming together. Congratulations to Mark on overcoming all the odds!
Steve, You know Carcass, his stifting eyes always seem to look else where, while leaving little unnoticed. Ha!
That's sweet!
Did Mark knap the head? What kind of stone?
WOW is an understatement!
Thats the way to do it great job. Widow
That is absolutely AMAZING! A hundred years is a long time. A heart felt congratulations on a fine and TRULY ethical hunt. I can't wait to see the footage.
That is just way too cool! Tell Mark Congrats and thanks for sharing with us Mike.
Are you guys saving that footage for a new Primal Dreams DVD... or can you share a little with us now :pray:
Kevin.
:notworthy: :clapper:
Thats the only way to do it.Sweet,
If you've never did it that way.You'll just never know that feeling.
Knapped head ALSOME
DEAD IS DEAD NO MATTER HOW FAST YOUR ARROW GETS THERE
Selfbow and knapped head.If you've never did it.You can ever know that feeling.Sweet.
Had to take a second look.
That is awseome! That sure is quite an accomplishment!!!! Mark was told that this was the first bull taken with a stone head on these lands in over 100 years.
That sentemce gave me the goosebumps!!!! I can only dream of doing a hunt like that someday. Congragulations :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Awesome!!! Simply awesome.
Spectacular!
:notworthy:
WOW THAT IS AWESOME!!!! congrats man that must have been one hell of a shot.
Cool story, I guess it was a bit too cold to wear his buckskins.
Congratulations to your brother!
I have not seen the footage yet, but I'm sure we will look it over for next production. I remember Mark got the black stone head from the knapper guy that sets up at the Trad Expo in Kalamazoo. I'm not sure of his name, but maybe someone can help me. Mark said the shot was 32 yards stepped off in the snow, and the buff just took a few steps after that.
Owlgrowler- Once he saw how wild these guys were, and the lack of cover, he decided to go with white camo. We had a big roast from the buffalo last night...and boy was it good, and very tender. He got the thing skinned right away and started cooling it, so that realy helped.
Very cool! Mark made your ancestor's proud that day!
A great accomplishment for a great guy. Tell Mark Ron from Quebec bear camp congratulations for sure. That should fill the freezer, I know that boy can eat! In his defense, there is alot of man there ;)
Congrats!
Way to go Mark! I guess he'll have to write his own book too eh?
:thumbsup:
PLLLEEEEAASSSEEEEE add a link so we can watch the footage.. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Congrats Mark for a really Traditional set up,in the real Hard Way.Thanks for sharing Mike.Felix
great story.
Tell him I'll trade him a hog hunt for some of that buffalo meat!! But only if he brings Whitey for the material!
I wouldn't doubt it if it were more like 125 years or more. I saw a trade point tipped Sioux arrow in a Bismarck museum from 1871.
COOL!
Congratulations! Way more to it than just a kill!
Very cool. That is one of the things on my bucket list.
Jack
Congrads to Mark, Stonehead makes it really special !!!!
Great story, congratulations!!
I'd love to see the video. It would be great to see the arrow and stone point you used.
:bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
Insanely awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :notworthy:
Stunning, simly stunning!
:notworthy: I agree with all of the above. Just plain cool!
Very nicely done. Nice bull. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
From what I understand Mark left the footage with Shane so he could show to the Native people. They were all very excited! I don't think Mark had the big lens, so hearing that Shane staged up and Mark was over 100 yards away, does not sound like the best set-up for the video work. But as we have proclainmed, we are hunters first. I hope he got some images of the herd though. There is just something I like about buffalo!
I will try to get a picture of the arrowhead. The shifting hide and rib movement broke the shaft. Mark said the other bull came up and stood guard over his dead bull, and even licked the wound.
What more can be said .........AWESOME.
:notworthy: :notworthy:
I think you like buffalo because you want to see if you can throw ONE over your back to pack it out...
Awesome. What an experiance that must have been.
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
I think you like buffalo because you want to see if you can throw ONE over your back to pack it out...
...now I would pay good money to see a pic of that!! It wouldn't surprise me to see him do it :D
That is truely an awesome accomplishment!
Now that's cool!!!
And not a single bevel?
The Native Americans did that very thing a few centuries ago. Nice job by brother.
Carcass needs to recheck himself for frostbite! This is a great story.
Wow, as a newbie to trad. hunting, I don't think I could even have dreamed this hunt up! Esp. the thought of the tribal warden praying and singing.
I'd love to know what dvd this hunt will be on. I don't think I've ever bought a hunting dvd, but I'd buy this one.
Congrats!
Tim
inn8hunter, you should buy two DVD's. Primal Dreams, and Bowhunting Reflections: The Joy of Archery. Two of the best every produced.
That is an amazing feet. I try to obtain a bison tag every year here in utah, and have considered using a self bow with a stone head. Thanx for sharing the story it is a true insperation for use all. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Tell your brother congrats and thanks for sharing.
:thumbsup: :campfire: :archer:
Thanks for the info George.
Tim
Wow...that's Awesome! What a hunt and what a hunter!
Outstanding!!!!!
Is that comment really needed George?
Awesome photo's Mike, I would have liked to be at the Indians camp fire that night.
Wow! That's an awesome feat.
Deep down awesome!!!
That is about one of the most moving accounts I have heard in a long time. What a hunt. As close to the forefathers as I can imagine. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment. What an experience for him.
My name is Don Gilson and I am one of the flintknappers at the Traditional Expo in Kalamazoo, MI. I believe I made the stone point that Mark used. If it is my work, the material is black flint from Kentucky.
WOW! :thumbsup:
Don - Thank you for coming forward. Yes the head was black and I think Mark told me the knapper engraved his initials or atleast left some mark to identify the head. I will try to get a picture of it, but again I still have some hunting to do myself and may not see Mark for a few days. Ha! I think if you met Mark you would remember. He is usually clowning around at the shows.... infact, he bought the bow used at Comptons in 2006 because 75# is a harder bow to sell these days. Ha!
Amazing accomplishment! Congratulations and well done!
Good gravy, that is the understatement of the new decade:
QuoteI think if you met Mark you would remember
Mark has all kinds of cool signitures on that bow if I am thinking of the right one. Mike, you should see if he has any pictures of that too when you see him.
That is off the hook,That had to be one expensive hunt and worth every penny. :thumbsup:
I can guarantee you Mark didn't pay much for the hunt. I know for a fact he sleeps in a hollow log when he hunts one area in southern Illinois. He probably befriended one of his blood brothers who was on the tribal council. Also I bet it has been closer to 150+ years since most of them went from stone points to trade points as soon as they could. Mark doesn't really say much most of the time but he is a passionate hunter with great skills just like the other Mitten brothers. I'm proud of him. Actually I called him the day after he killed the bison. We spoke for several minutes before I asked him if he was in his office. He then told me he was in South Dakota. I said "South Dakota? Aren't you in snow drifts? What are you doing out there?" That openned the door for an ear full! Way to go Carcass!
Desert Dude.....I wasn't degrading any accomplishment here, I think it is very admirable. I was just saying that is how early Native Americans killed Buffalo. The single bevel comment was of course tongue in cheek. I didn't know I was being so closely observed...Dude 8^).
great stuff!!
can we get specs on the arrow head?
how thick is bison hide?
That is awesome!
There's a spritual moment..Mike you painted a great picture of that hunt.Thank you. Mark nice. Congrats!!!
Fantastic, congratulations!
Congrats Mark,
I'm not sure if I will ever hunt bison, it would be a spiritual event for me because of the affinity I feel for those who once depended on the bison. Het-cha-tu-yalo! (Or however you spell it!!)
Way to go!! todd
This had to be a thrill!!! I'm charged just reading it! Thanks
Thanks for the story. Truely awesome! Bison are awazing and give a bowhunter a special connection to the past when you take one with a bow.
Very special story. That is one fine bull.
That is TOO cool! Way to go!
that is awesome great job!
This is the kind of stuff I need for our submission for the local game branch and wildlife management board her in the yukon
Can I get a copy of the video please
Jer bear
Now that is COOL!
Currently the video is not in our possession since the Native people are viewing it. I can't say if the shot will make our next production without seeing it, but most certainly the live animals and the nature of the hunt will be presented.
Mark got the black flint head from Don Gilson who made it from Kentucky stone. It is very symmetrical in shape and balance. Mark said his arrows spun like a top with no wobble and it flew great. Don is a great knapper!!! Buffalo hide varies in thickness, but hitting the animal's broadside is a must!
This picture shows the head and arrow after the shot. As you can see the head could be remounted and used again, but I think Mark will leave it intact as a reminder of the hunt.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/stonehead.jpg)
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff289/MittenM/hero/headandfletching.jpg)
As you know, there are only a few places left to hunt truly wild, non-captive buffalo, and they are out of reach for most of us. The various reservation hunts may not qualify due to perimeter fencing, but if one self-imposes additional restrictions such as the vastness of the prairie, equipment, time of year, selective age, sex of the animal, and hunting technique, the romance and spirit of the hunt can bring satisfaction to the hunter and respect for the prey. Mike
That is a great knapped head right there!
AND the critter to prove its effectiveness - a very nice and memorable harvest!
Shoot straight, Shinken
Is this neat or what?? BW
The cool factor is off the charts. :notworthy:
Hey Mike, it was good seeing you last night at the club.
Thanks for sharing the story and please congratulate Mark for me on a great and successful hunt!
John
Sure thing John. I stayed around a little afterwards and talk to Steve and Linda about moose, deer, turkey and wolverines! Ha! See you next week. Mike
Knapped heads don't get much nicer looking than that. Obviously effective!
That is WAY off the cool charts for sure!
Awesome stuff here. Thanks for sharing!
"Here we have a weapon of beauty and romance. He who shoots with a bow, puts his life's energy into it. The force behind the flying shaft must be placed there by the archer. At the moment of greatest strain he must draw every sinew to the utmost; his hand must be steady; his nerves under absolute control; his eye keen and clear. In the hunt he puts his well-trained skill against the instinctive cunning of his quarry. By the most adroit cleverness, he must approach within striking distance, and when he speeds his low whispering shaft and strikes his game, he has won by strength of arm and nerve. It's a noble sport."
Saxon Pope: " Hunting With The Bow And Arrow "
Congratulations!
Very cool. Carcass comes through again. Great pictures. Congrats.
Awesome pics and sounds like a amazing hunt!
On a side note, my buddy works for the band Brule', he is their sound man!
Great looking Point !!!
Awesome....just Awesome.. :clapper: :clapper:
Way cool! Thanks for sharing.
BowHuntingFool- The LaRoche family are all very nice, and we plan to use some original music from Brule' on our next video production that we hope to have out later on this year.
The black flint makes a nice head. Don kept the center line thick and heavy with very even bevels on the four edges. Mike
Thats what I hear Mike! My buddy Brian, is the bands sound man. They invited him up to hunt anytime he wants! He's not a big hunter but said I should go with him, I can do the hunting and he can do the drinking! LOL! Might have to look a little deeper into it after reading this thread! Congrats brother!
TTT
First Thank you IZZY for the TTT searching for and reviving this post. That is exactly what I was looking for. Congrats on your Hunt and journey. Thank you for sharing the Grand Traditional hunt of the American Buffalo/Bison. I am sure the meat helped fuel mind and soul as well as the body.
Taking a bison spot and stalk like this is very difficult. My hat is off you! Then add the equipment choice, mam, can't be topped... Fine job, and story to match. You make us all proud
,
Oh my!
Somehow I missed this when it first came up on here. Glad I got to see this and read all of the posts the second time around.
I, too, would love to see the video and more pics of this hunt.
Congrats to Mr. Mitten. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
ishoot4thrills, You can see it in the video "Essiential Encounters". You can purchase it from Brothers of the Bow. One of the best video's I've ever seen! :wavey: :campfire:
Since Mark took this bison, he has taken a few whitetails including a huge Illinois buck with the stone heads.
WAY TO GO Mark!
That is the primitive way!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
TTT :campfire: great hunt/story
Congratulations on a once in a lifetime accomplishment! :clapper:
:thumbsup: On this accomplishment from the past!
Very cool and yes an upmost accomplishment for sure even though it was a couple years ago glad I read about it!
Have read this thread several times over the past.
Just as impressive and moving as the first.
Congrats and thank you for sharing
Great story. First taken in a 100 years, with a stone head. Great accomplishment, congrats.
Awesome! I have a good friend who killed one with a Dick Robertson falcon recurve. He used a Thunderhead broadhead and shot him out of a treestand. They are beautiful animals and very good tablefare! Again, congrads and welldone. :thumbsup:
Very timely. I just got back from giving the keynote adress at the United Bowhunters of Kentucky banquet, and this hunt and film footage taken by my brother Mark was of great interest by many of the members. Thanks, Mike