The Sacred Way of The Hunt, Hunter and Hunted

Our Mission... To remember and remind us of the honor, respect, and enjoyment surrounding the privilege of hunting

A modern adaptation of Native traditions to honor the hunt, the hunter and the buffalo

• MORE THAN JUST A HUNT…IT IS THE HUNT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!
• 3 DOCUMENTARIES IN 3 YEARS. LOCAL, NATIONAL AND BBC INTERNATIONAL

- Fully guided and full field service
- Processor & award winning taxidermy available
- Free Range/grass fed buffalo – the healthy alternative
- Protocol & Smudging Ceremony that honors the Sacredness of the Hunt, the Hunter and the Hunted.

The story of how and why Tana, the owner, began the 'Sacred Hunts'

"The way of the Sacred Hunt took years to fall into my heart and find peace there.

To accept the role of harvesting the buffalo, fulfilling their journey and purpose, was a war zone in my heart….to take a life and call it good, a gift, or Sacred!  I also knew we had to find an honoring way to cull more animals for grass conservation and maintain herd health.

The Sacred Hunt project was inspired by an old teaching, “The Hunt is a ceremony of giving and receiving, honoring the gifts given to each other.  It is important to honor the giving of a life by accepting and using all of its gifts with gratitude and respect. It is all Sacred.”

Our harvest and hunt process reflects this wisdom…an honoring way to complete the buffalo’s journey.  The ‘Hunt’ takes place at home, on their beloved mountain surrounded by their family .The day before, we go to the herd and let them know the harvest time has begun and we will return in the morning.  We ask those who are ready, to set themselves apart.

At dawn the following morning everyone is cleansed with sage.  All the equipment, guns, bullets, knives and vehicles are also cleansed and blessed with sage.  As the hunters depart for the mountain a fire is lit and maintained until word is sent that the hunt is complete and all is well.

In the field, the animals clearly set themselves apart. The “Hunter” is given one shot with another marksman standing ready.  The mark is a spot behind the ear.  They quietly relax to the ground. The family, often the mother and siblings, surround first to say farewell.    They come forward and stand by while we offer tobacco and prayers of gratitude.  This is magnificent and heart touching to witness. The buffalo have told me that as the bullet opens the door for the spirit to soar, all of heaven and the Ancestors begin to sing in celebration.  There is gratitude and honoring for accepting the gift of their body they leave behind.

The animal is carried off the mountain and taken directly to the processor.  The hides and skulls are delivered for finishing and tanning.  All of the by-products are being used including the bones.

Commercially, the hides, bones and skulls are thrown away! Most of our skulls and robes are given to spiritual leaders and offered for ceremonial purposes such as the Sundance and Sacred Altars. All proceeds go toward our ability to sustain and follow our ancestor’s wisdom of using all of the gifts they offer us, including the wisdom to do so."
Tana Blackmore

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

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ROBES AND SKULLS –  SPIRITUAL LEADERS CAN NOW RECEIVE

Our robes and skulls travel across America and Canada supporting Sacred Altars, ceremonies and traditions.  A robe now sits on the altar of the Mayan Spiritual Leaders in Guatemala and another will soon be carried to Australia to support The International Sundance. 

Your support has made possible the finishing of the robes and skulls that are donated   It is an enormous honor to receive these gifts of ‘Buffalo Medicine’ and tears are often seen in old and young eyes alike as a presentation is made to spiritual leaders and tribal members.  Most of the indigenous do not have the resources to acquire such precious and costly ceremonial relics.  In the Native way one does not buy and sell such sacred objects, one must wait for a ‘Give Away’ to receive such gifts from the Buffalo and Creator.

We inform you of who is receiving your gift, where and when.  We open the way for you to communicate with them personally.  We welcome your inquiries and participation. Please share our story, what we are doing, that others may know and share in this opportunity

ALL DONATIONS ARE
TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Occasionally we have skulls and robes available for purchase:
Robes: $1200 » Click here to see availability
Skulls: $200 » Click here to see availability
Every dollar goes directly to this fund.

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Testimonials

Tana,
I did want to tell you that this was the 4th buffalo hunt that I have done. It was by far the best of them. I really appricate the fact that you require everyone to go through the ceremony before the hunt. I had never be involved in anything like it before but it really makes the hunt much more personal in every way. I have asked to come back next year and hunt again. I hope you will let me return and be a part of what you are trying to build.

Hi, my name is nathan, I went on a buffalo hunt and had a wonderful life experience . I saw what tana had said was very true the chosen buffalo seperates from the herd , and gives you permission to exchange gifts , it was a very spiritual time that I had never experienced before. I would like to thank Tana , for sharing this experience with me and my family . we have learned alot about the old native culture .
Thank You,
Nathan Weston

"Wow I cannot believe 3 weeks have gone by since both of you had allowed me to continue on my journey, by harvesting my buffalo. I refer to her as mine, since as Tana had said the buffalo spirit would give herself to me. This was truly an experience in which all hunters must at some time in their lives complete to truly understand the meaning of the hunt. From my first contact and conversation with Don, I was really put at ease about the whole process. He was thorough with instructions, and really made me feel as if he was prepared and ready for every want or situation during the hunt. Just wish I could have been as confident in my own skills as he was. I really have to admit I WAS REALLY NERVOUS! During the whole process of allowing the buffalo to chose herself; Don, Kirk, and Joe seemed to be able to read my needs and questions. Made the time a learning experience without me feeling like I was being taught. And for that, a large thank you to these Gentlemen. As for my host Tana, few words will express my gratitude for your hospitality, graciousness to a total stranger. The cleansing ceremony you performed was really a wonder to experience and be a part of. Felt afterwards that harvesting a buffalo had been the right decision for me to participate in. Cannot express my continued awe and inner peace with the events of that day. Photos are al pale reminder, the memories are invaluable. Look forward to the possibility of another hunt; and spent time on the ranch, which is really a magical place. Again, let me say Thank You for wonderful time and experience. For the true hunter looking for a one of a kind experience, really recommend the Sacred Ground Hunt."
Stretch Bohnet

"On December 4th, 2009, I had the honor to be part of a buffalo hunt . It was the most unbelievable experience I have ever had. I thought I was just going to shoot a buffalo. That is not even close to what I experienced. From the minute I arrived at the ranch, I was greeted by Joe, the ranch foreman, and taken to meet Tana. Tana performed a ceremony honoring the buffalo before the actual hunt. It was truly an experience I cannot put into words. It was unbelievable. To be able to go to SACRED GROUND and meet Tana and Joe IS truly "HONORING" the buffalo. It was the experience for me of a lifetime. ANYONE that has the opportunity to be able to participate in a buffalo hunt would have memories they would never forget!"
Randy Redfern

"Tana, I would like to share with you (and the buffalo) that the experience of which I was fortunate to participate was exceptional. While I did not harvest a animal, as I accompanied a good friend; I quickly realized that the aura is unsettling in a positive way. Words do not accurately describe the sensation that I felt and I have communicated this to several of my friends. I intend to participate next year and I thank you, Joe (ranch foreman) and the buffalo for sharing this opportunity with me. "
Denny Mailey, Billings Montana

"Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a buffalo hunt on your ranch. I was an observer and not an actual hunter/participant in shooting of the Buffalo. I was deeply moved and impressed with the rituals concerning the Buffalo and the actual hunt.I can only say that this experience was not at all about shooting the Buffalo. It was indeed all about the Buffalo as a beautiful, sacred animal which is beloved by Native tradition and culture. As the cleansing ceremony began of every person, every gun, every knife, every camera, every bullet, I was overcome with a strong sense of appreciation for being part of this ceremony. As the candle was lit to signify the burning lite of the Buffalo's life, my head bowed in reverence as I was told that a call was made back to the ranch to extinguish the candle when the Buffalo had died. The circle of life for the Buffalo had been completed."
Bob Klein

- We thoroughly enjoyed the buffalo hunt/harvest that myself, my daughter, and my wife participated in this last winter. The pre-hunt cleansing ceremony made the event both educational and personal.
- I am an avid big game hunter. I thought a buffalo hunt would be a lesser experience than taking an elk. I was wrong. That morning was as truely a spiritual and humbling experience as I have had on any wild game hunt. I guarantee that my two boys who love to hunt won't blow this one off for skiing next time. They missed out!
- Two weeks after the hunt, my friends and myself butchered the magnificant animal. We had such a good time, enjoying the bounty and comeradarie that we decided to share an animal every year.
-The meat is awesome and healthy. You can't buy this at the store.
- Heartfelt appreciation for letting us share in a sacred tradition with you!
- Thank you for sharing your much loved buffalo with us. Ours and two other families will much enjoy the meals provided over this next year.
Kirk Goldberg

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• Sacred Hunt
• Book a Sacred Hunt
• Book a Sacred Harvest
• Robes and Skulls for Spiritual Leaders
• Testimonials