Madison Buffalo Jump (click for large)

The foreground is the edge of a plateau outside of Bozeman, Montana.

Native Americans would round up buffalo on the plateau and then

stampede them to the edge which fell sharply into a ravine below. As the

buffalo plunged over the edge, this was there last view of Big Sky country

before their spirits presumably ascended into the Big Sky. Upon landing

at the bottom of the ravine, they were either dead or severely disabled.

The Indians proceeded to harvest their meat, skins, horns etc. This

solved the problem expending the effort required to hunt enough buffalo

individually to satisfy their clothing and shelter needs. In fact, on a good

day (at least for the Indians though not for the buffalo) they could end up

with far more than they bargained for.

Fascinating write up to go along with this fine image Jim. I've heard that term over the years, very occasionally, but always wondered what it meant. So thanks for sharing the knowledge. Big sky country.

BR,

Holger