First Ceremonial Elk Hunt

Written by Stony Larson, December 19, 2012

Bill Cadotte, Jim Miller and I were approached and offered tobacco by Jim Schlender Jr. on behalf of Mic Isham to represent Lac Courte Oreilles in the first ceremonial elk hunt. We were all to meet at the Clam Lake gas station and convenience store on the morning of September 14, 2012. Bill and I arrived and were instructed by wardens to go to the Day Lake Boat Landing. Jim Miller arrived late and missed the wardens and so didn't know where to go and never caught up with us.

Present at the boat landing were representatives of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Commission, including Mic Isham, Councilman Rusty Barber, hunters from Bad River, Red Cliff, Lac du Flambeau and Mole Lake, as well as GLIFWC Wardens and others.

There was a Pipe ceremony conducted. Afterward, we were issued licenses for the elk hunt and assigned wardens who would follow us. The warden accompanying the hunters who shot the elk were to radio the others and all would meet at that location.

We all left, going out in different directions, accompanied by our assigned warden. Bill and I proceeded west on Highway 77 turning south on Forest Road. We traveled for about 30 minutes when the young bull elk presented itself to us on the left side of the road. Being the driver, I stopped and Bill handed me his 7mm-08 rifle. I opened the door and glanced back at the warden. She motioned for me to get off the road, as is the rule. I moved toward the elk, which was no more than 20 yards away. As I moved toward the elk, the elk moved away but still very close. These elk, never before hunted, had little fear. I slowly got off the road and the young elk started moving forward. I moved with him, gave a whistle an he stopped. He was angled slightly away from me, so I aimed back a little on him and pulled the trigger. The elk trotted about 50 feet and dropped. Although not at all difficult, it was very exciting and I am very happy that it was a clean kill.

The warden radio-ed the others and we were given the OK to begin gutting out the elk. Everyone began arriving and a young man from Lac du Flambeau asked me if he could take over the gutting for me. I was more than happy to let him, and I know he was proud and honored to do so. It was decided the elk would be transported by the wardens to Bad River and a feast would take place. On the evening of the feast, many of the hunters from the different reservations were present. All had an opportunity to speak and many good things were said. The remaining meat after the feast was divided up and distributed between the participating tribes.

It was a great honor for all of us to be a part of this event. Something truly meant to be. I equate it to a first kill ceremony, whereby thanks are given for the offering of a life, the elk's life, for the people, the Anishinabeg.