These journeys are taken yearly by groups of people which often include a shaman. The search can last for days or even weeks. Sometimes they take Peyote while on their search. They are often led to the Peyote by instructions given to them while in the Peyote state. It is believed that the deer spirit also leads the people to the Peyote.
Some people carry bows and arrows to symbolize the hunting of the deer.
Sometimes a deer may be killed so that its spirit can lead the people to the Peyote. The journey can be difficult. There is some fasting involved and people don't get much sleep at night because it is everyone's responsibility to keep the fire going. The fire is a god named Tatewary. He is part of the trinity which also includes Peyote and the deer.