Apauk, Caller of Buffalo

by James Willard Schultz

Blackfoot boy Apauk longs to be the Buffalo Caller, the member of the tribe responsible for luring buffalo to a death trap concealed beyond the edge of a cliff. Apauk endures many tests, some of them heartbreaking, before he learns the ‘medicine’ or secret to being a master of the herd. This is his story.

Genres: History, Native American

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1916

About the author

James Willard Schultz, or Apikuni, (born August 26, 1859, died June 11, 1947) was a noted author, explorer, Glacier National Park guide, fur trader and historian of the Blackfoot Indians.

James Willard Schultz (J.W. Schultz) started writing at the age of 21, publishing articles and stories in Forest and Stream for 15 years. He did not write his first book until 1907 at age 48. The memoir: ''My Life as an Indian tells the story of his first year living with the Pikuni tribe of Blackfeet Indians East of Glacier. In 1911, he associated himself with publishers Houghton Mifflin who published Schultz's subsequent books for the next 30 years. In all, Schultz wrote and published 37 fiction and non-fiction books dealing with the Blackfoot, Kootenai, and Flathead Indians. His works received critical literary acclaim from the general media as well as academia for his story telling and contributions to ethnology. Sometime after 1902, while living in Southern California, Schultz worked for a while as the literary editor of the Los Angeles Times.

Reviews

[Carol Sandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at buffalo hunting

Even though American bison are my favorite animals, I know they were the life source of the Indians. This book was about the biggest hunt of all when They drove whole herds of the beasts over cliffs. An interesting read from a young Indian's step from child to warrior on his first successful Buffalo jump

[Bruce Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Relaxing Read

The writing style fits with the period of time the story takes place. I can imagine myself beside the characters during their daily struggles and triumphs. The sight of huge herds of buffalo come easily to mind while engrossed in this wonderful tale of of a young boy coming of age to take an honored place among his people.

[Daniel L Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book.

This book was well written from a first person perspective. I fully enjoyed the read. Schultz, with his personal knowledge of the Blackfoot tribes, gives insights not many others can give.

[jim elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe, true

Easy reading, story passed down thru the years
More of a story of Indian lore than cultural specificity. But I have no true knowledge of such things, in Indian lore or practices.I have no real rite to judge this story.

[Vince Pillig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!

Schultz having lived for 40 years with Indians either has the best memory or the best notes or combination thereof . But I do enjoy his books . I may have to read the rest of his books .

[Ottakee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first person account of some of the last great years of the Native Tribes in the West.

[mike lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Not a bad adventure. Mostly about religious beliefs and what I would call superstitious imagination. But a good story about Indian culture .

[Sarah B Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I love how James Schultz writes and explains. It is fascinating and and glimpse of the way of life that existed for hundreds of years.

[Don Chmielewski]

Flower shop

It's a shame that people always spoil a good thing, people always are after more of what they have today

[Monroe Deese · Rating 5 out of 5]

another awesome book

I really enjoy all the books by J. W. Schultz. Some of the best for that period. I definitely recommend it.

[Ray York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed reading this book. Good insight into Native American life. James Willard Schultz is a great writer.