Ep 3. Sacred Animals of the Hunt

In American Hunter season 1 episode 3, titled "Sacred Animals of the Hunt," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of hunting in various Native American communities. Host and experienced hunter, Tom McMillan, is joined by several indigenous guides and hunters who share their knowledge and traditions surrounding hunting.

The episode starts with Tom traveling to the Navajo Nation in Arizona to meet his first guide, a respected tribal elder and hunter named Jay Begay. Jay shares with Tom and viewers how hunting for the Navajo people is not just about providing food but also about connecting with their ancestors and spiritual beliefs. They hunt for specific game animals, such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep, which are considered sacred and must be hunted in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

Next, the episode takes viewers to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, where they meet up with guide and tribal member, Bo Taylor. Bo explains how hunting is deeply intertwined with Cherokee culture and traditions, and many of the game animals are considered sacred and respected as important members of the community. Tom and Bo hunt for wild turkey, an important animal in Cherokee culture, and learn about the community's history and relationship with the land.

The journey continues to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, where Tom meets up with Lakota Sioux guide and hunter, Nate Little Shield. Nate shares how hunting plays a critical role in Lakota traditions and how they use every part of the animal for food, clothing, and spiritual purposes. Tom and Nate hunt for mule deer and discuss the importance of maintaining hunting traditions in modern times.

The episode ends with Tom reflecting on the profound connections between hunting, traditions, and spirituality among the Native American communities he visited. He acknowledges the importance of learning from these communities and taking a respectful approach to hunting in order to preserve the sacredness of the animals and the land.

Overall, "Sacred Animals of the Hunt" is an educational and respectful look at the deep-rooted connections between hunting, spirituality, and cultural traditions among Native American communities. It showcases the importance of preserving these traditions and respecting the sacredness of the animals and the land, while also providing an insight into the importance of hunting as a way of life for many people around the world.