Butchering a Bison with Clovis Points and Tools

[@zakr911]

Please do more historically-inspired videos like these! Medieval hunting might be interesting for y'all since you wanted to try this!

[@RonCadillac]

Hunting with prehistoric or tribal tools would be so cool. Like the Atlatl (spear-thrower).

[@salacommander2674]

@@RonCadillac It'd be interesting but I worry about the ethics of it, considering you might not get a clean kill on the animal.

[@daveonezero6258]

@@RonCadillac I'm pretty sure one of these guys has done hat. Robb Wolf Did it.

[@tommysoliz3064]

I like this idea! Maybe with dogs and bows hunting hares

[@k1j2f30]

The ethics of hunting with primitive weapons (stone points) is no different than hunting with modern steel broadheads, if they are made well and used properly.@@salacommander2674

[@performancepursuit]

I honestly believe these fine gentlemen are doing as much as anyone alive today to increase understanding and appreciation for hunting and conservation. Thanks Clay, Cal, and Spencer for all you do.

[@auto_5]

I feel the same way about meateater. This was one more big step in a positive direction!

[@georgewood9482]

What about Steve?

[@dfrank6506]

My man Steve started all this right? Aight

[@performancepursuit]

@@georgewood9482 Is that the guy who struggles with trivia?

[@georgewood9482]

@@performancepursuit not when his homunculus is on it's A game

[@primitivepathways]

I've been flintknapping for over 30 years. I've killed and I've butchered numerous animals with stone tools and they are amazingly efficient at cutting and butchering when used properly. By the way, that was Georgetown flint from Texas they were using for the flakes and knives and handaxe. It's obvious the crew were not familiar with using stone tools, because they used the tools in reverse. The flakes should have been used first to make the initial cuts through the hide because their edges are FAR sharper than the bifacial knives. Once the initial cuts are made, then the hafted knives are used to skin the animal. The hafted stone knife is far superior to any modern knife because the serrated edge separates the connective tissue between the hide and carcass with amazing efficiency, but it doesn't slice the hide unless you REALLY bear down on it. That results in a pristine hide that can be tanned into premium buckskin for clothes, moccasins, etc. They were also abusing the stone knives when they pried the bones ... that's how they broke a few of the stone knives. When you're far from any source of tool stone, that's the last thing you want. I've got an obsidian knife I've had for over 20 years and it's still an amazingly efficient skinning tool. Stone arrow and spearpoints are also incredibly lethal for hunting...I've killed numerous north American big game animals with them as well as several African Plains game animals. They all dropped within seconds after being hit. Don't doubt what stone tools can do...

[@Kobytraphouse]

We’re here today due to stone tools

[@EvanGrubbs]

I was thinking the exact same thing about using the wrong tools for the job! So glad you said all this. This video is still amazing to watch though.

[@rhapsody98]

"Well.... That's not how *I'd* do it..." LOL

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

As a doctor of archaeology and specifically an experimental archaeologist, I appreciate this so much! Very cool collab!

[@k1j2f30]

If you ever want to do any experimental field archaeology, hit me up. I've have been a flintknapper and a primative hunter for 40 years. I live in Montana and have a background in archaeology.

[@fallinginthed33p]

It's cool how through the course of the video, they're rediscovering techniques, problems and fixes that would have been common knowledge 20,000 years ago. That knowledge would have been passed down through the generations but it's all been forgotten once metal tools became widespread. Twenty thousand years ago, a bunch of more experienced hunters would have gently made fun of a newbie who broke a stone knife. Some things never change.

[@k1j2f30]

The hunters of twenty thousand years ago, probably didn't do anything very gently! @@fallinginthed33p

[@odar9729]

@@k1j2f30yes what was your focus?

[@alexanderbeck5063]

In the long list of interesting videos y'all have put out, THIS one takes the cake! It's so cool to see how potentially our ancestors worked on an animal. Keep 'em coming!!!

[@racebiketuner]

Yup.

[@wasidanatsali6374]

I was watching my taxidermist’s wife de-flesh a deer cape with a little triangular tool she fashioned from a single edged razor blade. I said that tool looks a lot like the little quartz points I find on my place. My taxidermist, who is also a fanatic relic collector, looked up from the mount he was working on and said yes, that’s exactly how those little points were used. He then proceeded to show me a lot of his relic collection and explain how various tools were used which was quite impressive. Before I knew it I had been there for hours.

[@engir63]

I agree there are many aspects to this video that make it so great and so interesting. One thing that got my attention is how the hunters skinning the Bison at first were seeing how the stone tools worked as compared to the knives they are use to and then went to "What if" we had this or it would be better if we had something like this so they stopped being an experienced tester and started actually having a creative input and the more they "What if" the more they talked with each other, it went from a demo to a creative collaboration process.

[@bizhiwnamadabi3901]

Your ancestors are from Europe. Not from North America

[@darcmushroom]

@@bizhiwnamadabi3901 Our ancestors also used them, before exiting the stone age.

[@saltwaterlou]

I love Steve's affinity and appreciation to understand the origins of first people's and how they hunted, foraged, developed and used tools. This is by far, the best video yet!!!

[@darugdawg2453]

Well ancient people tend to run after the animal for hours til it got tired

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@darugdawg2453 Great future episode idea--Hunt Like the Tarahumara!

[@spacemanspliff7844]

The term “first peoples” is asinine

[@branchandfoundry560]

@@spacemanspliff7844 What would be the appropriate name? Seems nothing is correct these days...or it's only correct until somebody gets their shorts wadded about it. Then it's criminal.

[@englishforsrilanka2535]

@@branchandfoundry560 Very well said. Softness is ubiquitous in this day and age.

[@JoshuaJohnson-pq7hf]

honestly....Steve, Cal, and Clay all in one episode at the same place at the same time! C'mon! love this! What a great learning experience. thanks!

[@danielb.ransberger8872]

Don't forget Spencer!

[@JoshuaJohnson-pq7hf]

@@danielb.ransberger8872 yes and Spencer!

[@coletodd8265]

Steve is a great Novelist/ Orator. I love this content, it’s the only “hunting”show that isn’t 24/7 ad or product placement. You can actually learn , and is trilling. You have a rare talent. Please don’t screw it up.

[@TagandAvis]

This is hands down the best way to supplement the podcast. Love seeing what is talked about put to the test. Great work!!❤

[@mattfleming86]

This is absolutely amazing. Thanks for taking the time to reconnect us with our roots. If possible do a community post with some links when the paper is published.

[@travisschnider]

Watching a scientific study in action is just amazing. More of this kind of thing would be most appreciated.

[@lunkydog]

If you enjoyed this episode, you should go the the Hunt Primitive Clovis episodes which also began with atlatl harvesting of the bison in the first place.

[@alexhorman1308]

Agreed, he has some great videos and has also worked with archeologists

[@DFREMbowman]

Any one of us would give a fortune to take part in something like this with you folks. Your best content to date. So much respect and adoration for the way you represent the hunting and outdoors community. Lead from the front and you will always have an army of followers to support you. Well done, MeatEater crew!

[@boxhawk5070]

What a fascinating collaboration. It's not hard to picture something similar happening back in the Clovis culture days. You probably had people dedicated to creating the tools, and others who would only do the butchering.

[@jesseauer7649]

Ever since the podcast came out I have been waiting for this video. The opportunity to participate in this kind of research is amazing and I am VERY jealous of the Meateater crew that was able to participate.

[@apexmetalrestoration2805]

Incredible content. This episode and Clay’s episode of hunting the black bear with a stone arrow have been some of my favorites.

[@skypieper]

Agreed.

[@j.dalemorgan2975]

This has got to be the coolest MeatEater video ever. Outstanding! Can’t wait to hear more outcomes and findings from the archeologists. Awesome!!

[@joelsmith3873]

if you guys do this again, it would be really cool to invite some native american elders from bison hunting tribes to be there. There's some tribal colleges in Montana that teach traditional tool making, and the instructors know all about this stuff and the older methods. They might be able to fill in some of the unknowns. Not a complaint. just a suggestion. I really enjoyed this video

[@iFreemind10]

I've really been invested in watching about Clovis and ancient peoples lately. This fit in so perfect and with an excellent group of true professionals at their craft. Thank you Meat Eater crew and scientists/historians for some damn fine entertainment!

[@lanceskoog949]

Super cool episode. Great group of guys to have do this. Did you guys consider reaching out to local First Nations Elders in the area? I wonder if they would have had some valuable insite. I had the opportunity to set up a tipi for a ceremony in our area, and if we had not had an elder present, we would have made some horrible mistakes. It was a great learning experience to learn about their culture and traditions.

[@lauree8165]

this was my thought...so many white folks. smdh

[@kdkulhanek]

Steves wisdom, Clays strength, and Cal's stamina - dream team

[@justinmailloux549]

Don’t forget Spencer’s attention to detail!

[@neilking2754]

As a life long hunter, processing my kills myself and with a BA Degree in Southwest Archeology, this was super interesting. I love Meater videos, but his one is a standout for me!

[@Anthony-gy2ko]

That’s unbelievable! I could have single handedly done that same break down w one havalon, 4 or 5 blades in half the time solo. 💯 shows how good we got it these days.

[@mattbrowder669]

Loved every aspect of this. The meticulous data recording, the guys carving up a buffalo, and Spencer deboning. It makes you wonder how close that was to how people did that thousand years ago

[@markbenn1907]

I love that dude making the tools. He LOVES it!

[@Sethleavescomments]

This is one of the most fascinating videos yall’ve put out. I’ve been excited about this one since it was first talked about on the podcast.

[@DaHuntsman1]

I'd like to note that the locations where they broke the points of their tools are places where it is absolutely commonplace to find broken tools, such as in the ribs, and the method of how it happened (leverage and tension) makes alot of sense when you think about it. Archaeological studies like this absolutely do have a role in the field and i would love to see more studies like this in the future =)

[@LordViettner]

been looking forward to this since i saw the short, did not disappoint! the guy just making an axe on the fly was super cool, can't lie

[@justinbressler7773]

I am fascinated by stone tools. If meat eater just did this I would be just as dedicated. Thank you all for taking time to participate and document the outdoors for us.

[@tigersbaseball1989]

Man this was so cool! Truly appreciate all the different content the crew puts out. Always learn something new in every video and every podcast. Much respect to the crew!

[@Syoma6164]

The intellectual knowledge that both parties bring to the table is what makes this video just so amazing. What a collaboration and what a video! Thank you!

[@FredColler-g9j]

Another episode of Meateater which is the best on KZbin. I grew up without a father...thank you Imperial Japanese Navy...but I was fortunate and lucky that I found father/mentors when I discovered writers like Jack O'Connor, John Jobson and Robert Ruark in my junior high library. Steve Rinella rates as high, maybe a little higher, as a writer/role model as the aformentioned writers. I imagine there are young people who may have no father/hunter/trapper role models but being introduced to his pursuits and more importantly, his ethical standards follow him along as they would as I did with my faux bio-dads. I always wanted to write to Jack O'Connor to think him for what he did for me but I never could find the correct words. However, Thank you Mr. Rinella for your books and videos. You are the best.

[@wildforesthome6563]

The Meateater dream team, what a great episode. The litte extra at the end is brilliant

[@Nonkosher]

Ah man, this is just the type of experimental Archaeology I loved of which I loved being a part when I studied the field. Clovis points were such a fascinating subject and I'm jealous I wasn't there, ahaha. awesome video. thank you!

[@elijah4606]

Every one of these videos is so important for building a hunting culture. Last week I shot my first squirrel and I'm hoping to get a deer with my crossbow in the next few weeks. I've got friends that grew up hunting, but I can honestly say I don't know that I would've gotten the itch and taken the leap without MeatEater. So far, I'm loving it and wanting more and more.

[@C-24-Brandan]

Need to collaborate with Hunt Primitive... He hunted a bison with an atlatl he made and stone points he made! Has done hogs, deer, rabbit and squirrel, even fish as well. Would be an awesome podcast, hunt/fishing episode and cool to see him teach you how to make everything and use it! #HuntPrimitive #Collaboration #MeatEaterHuntPrimitive

[@SnailHatan]

Definitely one of the best internet episodes these guys have done. Would love to see some more ancient hunting/harvesting vids in the future. Clay’s Folsom tip episode was great too

[@woodsfamily1986]

couldn’t have been a better group (dream team) of guys to do this process, awesome vid! big big fan of everything u guys do!

[@seantblackwood]

This is the kind of information and production that makes Meateater different and better. More archeological content and guests please!

[@Shortmag71]

This was interesting and fun to watch. Thanks for recreating this ancient art of our ancestors and first man and how they had to survive. I’ve always been curious and amazed by ancient stone artifacts. Great job.

[@joelsmith3873]

this is really interesting. Imagine how good the native bison hunters were at butchering bison with these tools since they did it all the time. I bet it would be impressive to watch. Good video

[@tylerlepage8619]

Been waiting on this one since the podcast! Great job, great content.

[@aukula1062]

We can't loose this technology. This is why history is so important. 15, 000 year old ways of doing something still works. Amazing. Thank you.

[@SnackPack913]

This was a really good video idea. I would explore other Native American techniques regarding hunting or day to day living with stone tools. Having a group of scientists / experts there to explain the tools and how they made them was also very interesting along with your insights as to how easy they are to use

[@Aplusinskal]

Thank you for sending me here @DesertDrifter

[@dorothylewis1207]

YES, thank you, Desert Drifter very good advice. 💙🩵💚

[@delmertoribio9520]

Nice vid meat eater crew as a Native American I’m glad to see a vid like this I’m a Pueblo native from New Mexico we still use stone tools but we use more of the obsidian stone it’s more glass like but it’s still strong and extremely sharp we nap them the same way with antler but use the handle made with deer and elk antler depending how big the blade point is and again I loved the vid boys thank you meat eater crew keep up the good work

[@jasonm7404]

This was already done by Ryan Gills @ Hunt Primitive he took the bison with an Atlatl of course the bison was in a high fence game preserve.

[@Treeplanter73]

A hunting/fishing show and soooo much more! Thank you for broadening our minds as well "Meateater".

[@LuckyCJ]

This might be the most interesting video yall have given us. Thanks again for all the content. Its is so entertaining and in this case educational

[@brianreddeman951]

I love that last statement about coming here to learn and not to prove a point.

[@landroamer1000]

The channel Hunt Primitive did this too. And killed it with atlatls. It’s a good series if you’re into that kind of thing

[@ballesterosgorge8537]

Always Amazed by the desire to learn and teach . The meateater crew craves this more than recognition or fame. The Plus is they have a Great time doing it. And we get to watch and laugh with them.

[@zeo5527]

This is actually insanely cool

[@mikesmith6838]

Finally! Heard about this on the podcast and was eagerly awaiting this video!

[@walt6620]

If you haven’t read his book “American buffalo” yet. I would suggest you take the time to do so.

[@k94536]

yep real good read

[@4bambooda1]

I've been a MeatEater fan for years and have learned so much from you guys, but this was the most interesting and informative video so far. This will inspire many generations of hunters and archiologists. Thank you!

[@178omni]

Well worded. I agree 100%

[@Last_Chance.]

I did this with a 800 pound elk last year. I thought was really cool to use stone tools the way they used to. It took a little longer than normal but me and a friend of mine had a good time doing it. The only downside was that we cut ourselves a couple times (small cuts) because we aren't used to holding and using sharp rocks.

[@DojoTheJo]

Great timing for this video. I just finished reading American Buffalo by Steve Rinella yesterday. Was a great read on par with his other books. There was a whole chapter that spoke heavily of historic Clovis blades.

[@coltonross5414]

Someone has been watching Ryan Gill haha.

[@sonnylee69]

That was a very cool experiment. We often believe our Ancients were simple, technology-challenged beings, but as we discover more we learn just how sophisticated and creative they truly were. Thank you for sharing. More like this please.

[@zackboesch7870]

But why is Dr. Eren so handsome?

[@mattfarley131]

A true specimen

[@MercyBellQ]

It’s so surreal seeing him in videos online when you’ve met him IRL

[@anactivemarketcrash742]

How does this stuff not get more attention? It’s a damn shame. I love mesteater.

[@tristan8537]

Now you just need Clay to harvest one with that setup he used for the bear

[@underthetrees4780]

I think that was a folsom point and not a clovis point, but that could definitely be the next collaboration

[@VigAdventures]

best bit of meateater content ive seen thus far. and i dont say that lightly. I love the show, the podcast and the whole bit, but this really took the cake for me! perfect blend of history, fun-loving ball busting and down right cool information. KEEP IT GOIN!!

[@BCVS777]

I can imagine some Sioux squaws standing around watching that butchering and laughing their heads off and poking fun! They were the master butchers of the plains…among others!

[@518outdoors6]

I’ve been waiting for this since I heard the podcast. Absolutely fascinating! In my opinion some of meat eaters best podcasts have been with the archeologists such as Meltzer. Love Steve’s passion on the subject. Thanks for posting this.

[@keinnamegefunden1]

First Hunt it with spears

[@user-zy1pd9pu6s]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omjNfqucpNV-oK8

[@twinlakes8436]

This is the only valid criticism.

[@cierrabuntz4880]

I dont think thats legal, there are legal means of taking an animal

[@twinlakes8436]

​@cierra buntz pretty sure you can "hunt" cattle however you please.

[@ozayayoung4002]

He says 2 minutes in "they arent acting like people from 12,000 years ago" but want to observe the tools and the process

[@skyykabbyy7814]

This was honestly one of the best "documentarys" I've ever seen! from the team and cooperation and like minded great ideas! to the handson on site problem solving like making the axe to get around the ribs! very single bit of this was as interesting as the rest and I would love to see more of this kind of stuff! From a stone tool hunt, to processing, and down to the way our ancestors would do it all! the teamwork and process makes it so enjoyable and relatable!

[@garrickmartin7707]

That was super interesting. Thank you. Getting the guys who've done lots of butchering in the field was a good move. Iwas impressed.

[@aMoodyCanadian]

I other words, i grew up with this channel with Steve being the host. So he'll always be the OG for me

[@l0b0t59]

WOW! What a fantastic video. Every once in a while the algorithm throws something amazing my way and this is the best in years. Thanks for this.

[@yourbeats7924]

By far the best Meateater episode!! Just from one man's perspective... Congratulations to you all at Meateater!!! The diversity of every episode has shown myself and my son, a different way of harvesting and appreciating a way of life that not many take the time to understand!!! Thank you!!

[@nilemerton9558]

Ryan Gill has some sweet hunt and butcher videos out there only using stone tools, bows, and atlatls. From pigs to bison he's done it all and written a couple books. Surprised he didn't get a mention.

[@JackBQuick79]

One of the most interesting videos yet. I'm a history nerd from Michigan. White tail are traditional here and obviously Clovis tip are loaded with prehistoric history. I definitely value content like this

[@beenstork]

My favorite MeatEater content to date. I could have watched hours worth of this. I’d like to see them do more research collaborations. Keep up the good work gals and guys

[@jorgradtke8219]

Love this video. Keep it going please. Do elk, deer, rabbit, squirrel, fish. I would watch every single episode. So interesting. We’ll done guys.

[@WaderHunts]

I love this kind of content! Can't help but be better with our modern tools seeing what all is possible with the primitive ones. No excuses! Thank you all!

[@ou812hongkong8]

Love the video,,its great to see how they actually harvested game with stone or rocks it's nice to see it action ,,in stead of old westerns using knives

[@joelvburke]

I’ve watched the meateater crew do lots of cool stuff, but this is the coolest IMO way more interesting than usual with a legit science angle.

[@morals57]

Fascinating episode! One thing we learned for sure, is the more humans work together on something, more successful we are.

[@donaldmcgregor8152]

This video is the most interesting video I’ve seen in a long long time guys! Thank you for doing this and thinking to film it all!

[@anitalehr4151]

Desert drifter sent me here...glad to see this...very interesting! What did 'the people' do with the bones? Nowadays ...we make bone broth...did they? How? Or maybe just ate the marrow?? Can anyone tell me? Thanks!

[@aMoodyCanadian]

Damn im glad to have Steve back after so many releases of other presenters' videos

[@zeldarobinson3382]

great video and teaching us all you dont need the most modern tools to get the job done . our ancestors knew what they were doing .thank you all , and I agree those churts are very sharp

[@jmeslo]

What a great way to bring the science and crew together to elevate the podcast experience to a whole other level! We are all in for the 4 pillars of MeatEater…. But I love the science and study of our hunting advancement as well! This episode really brings it all together!

[@hemaccabe4292]

I've been missing Steve and this was just an awesome episode.

[@sprintermaximus]

This was beyond interesting to watch. I have tons of respect for all the Meat Eater crew, and as much for those involved in the project. The making of these is fascinating as well. Great video. Keep em coming.

[@devinstef]

One of my favorite videos I’ve seen on KZbin lately. Genuinely enjoyed the whole video. Good work!

[@eliaspuebla9015]

I never gave this particular video a chance that was a mistake awesome video

[@Zephyr555]

Thank you Folks for another great, educational production. So professional and interesting. Former Wilderness Guide in Rockies here and last moose of similar size took 1-1/2 days for myself to completely de-bone with best knives, hatchet and bone saw money could buy back when I was a fit 46yrs. Hands and arms so sore after I could hardly drive vehicle home. Like yourselves I had access to nearby walk-in cooler at that time. Not always the case. Good Work and thanks again.

[@alcidegrenier]

Can’t go wrong with meateater! Love the way you three work together!

[@bolambert6457]

This is really a eye opener...and seeing guys doing it, that you feel like you've known for years makes it so realistic ...it's the same as it was back then seems to me... people find cashes of blades ...I wonder how many cashes are just spent blades at a kill site...thanks guys,for the prospective that I never considered until seeing yours...

[@masonrussell9951]

Meateater Team, this is awesome. Other ways of historical butchering/processing/hunting in cultural settings would make an immense impact on the understanding and appreciation we have of these great humans, that did not have access to our modern ways of survival. shout out from us Oklahomies lol

[@tragikk03]

cool seeing how Steve wields the creative freedom and budget he now has access to. You guys are having a huge impact on the public view of hunting - I've always wanted to hunt, but had no one to take me; you and Remi got me out beating feet solo with a 70lb Matthews Traverse in the GW national forest

[@tonynieto6660]

Steven, this video is Hands Down, the best thing you have brought to your followers! Thank you for allowing me to follow along with this Amazing experience 🙏🙏

[@dustinburish7969]

What an excellent episode! History with modern mindset! To see, hear and feel both sides! Please more of these! 👍

[@BT.MediaCT]

All the laughs and smiles were so great to see. Love seeing these folks have a truly great time doing something they are so passionate about. Probably one of my favorite videos ever produced by MeatEater. Im honestly jealous. Keep up the great work!

[@juanmendoza6414]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin, not just hunting videos, overall.

[@ridgelineify]

This is so cool! Props to the archaeologist team for putting this experiment together.

[@adevincenzo]

MORE OF THIS type of content please! So cool working with the scientists in field experiments. And loved hearing all of the commentary on such small details. I like Meateater for learning as a newer hunter. Thanks for this collaboration and documenting it so well.