You know how the ancient hunter would put a sprig of grass in the mouth of their kill? Or, sprinkle tobacco? It seems to me if something is left at the place of the kill, it should be something of value to the hunter. I don't value tobacco but I have been trying to think of a suitable substitute. Do any of you do a tribute to the kill in this way and what do you do?
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I usually leave my knife, but not intentionally....  

LOL! That's quite a tribute! If you're a good hunter that could get quite expensive!

At the price of tobacco these days (at least in these parts) It is still something of value! Moreover, the natives did that not only because of the value of the plant but because of it's hollynness (sp?). That being said, I intend to break my victory cigar in two and share it with my first deer!

It was the tradition of my people The Penobscot of coastal Maine,to return the heads (or leave them after the kill) to the woods and hang them on a tree limb.It was believed that if the animal's Spirit never left the woods it would come back to life insuring food for the coming years.

This would be consider unexceptable by todays P/C standards,and besides I value my collection of antlers. I usually place a mound of hair at the base of a tree,in hopes that the blood and hair will become whole again.

You could make a talisman,and wear or carry it with you. When you are successful,you could leave the talisman in place of the animal you take away.

Thaaat's more what I had in mind. I value my equipment, but let's be reasonable!    
Thank Chris and Chuck (and b.bassi for the laugh). I will reconsider the tobacco and I also like the tuft of hair/talisman thought.

Thanks again, Bona

i leave tabacco, it holds alot of meaning believe it or not. i frequently stop on the road and offer tabacco to road kill.

I think you guys should let me know where your kill spot was and leave your bows, I,d be sure to try to increase the mojo with them

Some places hunters will place a twig or leaf in the animals mouth out of respect. I think anything you do - where you stop for a minute and do something out of respect for the animals life is honorable.

Ken - that was a visual !!

Well you done put an arrow through him or her so just leave your arrow there. Then another hunter will come by and get the broad-head off it. Why you think there's so many stone head lying around? LOL Mike

not far from here the indians built huge "deer temples". Over 1000 skulls of white tailed deer in a few different locations. The only whole one I could see was a real trophy ten point. Pretty neat I think.

Only handful of shamans probably lived there but many  hunters came to be blessed and leave tributes.

Anyway me being white and all the european prehistory for hunting is to cut a small branch. Touch the blood from the wound with it and put the stem in its mouth to signify the last meal. They do this all over europe and is beyond recorded history. They also put the other half of the bloody stem in their hat sometimes too. To show other hunters when the deer isn't around I suppose.

As chris mentioned tobacco was a sacrament not just something they traded. So if you wanted to get fancy with it maybe put down some cavendish or something instead of marlboro red. lol .

maybe thats why people find neat stuff while hunting.  

I was thinking about asking my friend for one of her marlboros.  :p

Well... guess I am not all that excesivly spiritual. Most of the stuff we believe about American Indian mystisism and beliefs were actually invented by white people for books and movies. Much of it was simply a corruption of new beliefs brought by missionarys as well.

I think the most respectful thing you can do after killing an animal is take good care of the meat and share it with folks. I don't really think the deer cares wether or not you use $15 a pound pipe tobacco or a menthol lite.

I can respect anyone's beliefs. Whatever makes you feel right is what is right for you. I just don't feel the need to thank the deer, as I doubt he would thank me for shooting him (assuming he could talk and all).

Take care of the meat, enjoy what it provides, share it with those who need it. That is how I show respect to the men and women who taught me to hunt and to the game I kill.

OkKeith

I believe the best tribute to the amazing fellow living creatures we occassionally are privileged to bring home -- as both art and food -- is what we DON'T do and leave at the kill site: trash, rude and stupid macho Ted-like whoops ringing upward to a listening and critical universe, rude and stupid macho photos of us "heroes" sitting cowboy-style on our "defeated enemies." Etc. Restraint is the greatest tribute. My thots, my nature, my spirituality. dave

Dave
  I second that emotion...

Kinda with Dave.. its all about respect, no bloody pics, nothing that would take from the animals honor. I usually just spend a few quiet minutes givin thanks...

Gee OkKeith, You really must be well schooled in Native American tradition.....   :rolleyes:

I hate to contribute to anything "spiritual" because my somewhat archaic traditional beliefs are usually poo-pooed on but here goes:  
How about offering a prayer of thanks to God for allowing a successful day afield, strength, health and good fortune.  Mix it up however you like.  Anything else is just symbolism and may feel noble but adds nothing to any spirit but our own ... JMHO.  I feel the same way about human loss.  Too many people make gestures at someones passing when in fact the respect would have had far greater impact if shared in life.

I agree with you Jedimaster  on Thanking God for everthing and for letting the animal be food for my table....He is the Creator of all....Keefers <")))><