Some have asked for a slow motion look at my hunting throws for the atlatl. There's certainly a measure of "intent" when throwing for hunting application versus target throwing. Obviously, the faster that the spear arrives, the better. The deeper the spear penetrates... well, you get the idea. | HuntPrimitive / Gill's Primitive Archery

Spearing fish with the atlatl is one of the oldest and most effective methods for small scale, primitive fishing methods. A bone point is used, hafted with sinew and coated in a water resistant layer of pine pitch. | HuntPrimitive / Gill's Primitive Archery

Many people understand the concept of the atlatl. Some are even pretty good at throwing one, especially the modern carbon or dowel-rod versions, or professionally built sets even like the HuntPrimitive RiverCane sets that we sell. However, it is extremely humbling to source your own natural hardwood shafts, straighten them, splice them, size them, drill them with a rock, fletch them, and develop not just one spear, but a set that all fly CLEAN, and of similar weight. Then, make sure they aren't

Ever tried throwing an atlatl? 🎯 Try this ancient spear-throwing tool used by Indigenous hunters long before bows and arrows - this Sunday at 1pm at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Register online at MetroparksToledo.com. | Metroparks Toledo