What is an atlatl dart?
What is an atlatl dart?
The name, atlatl, comes to us from the Aztec word for this tool. The atlatl is a short, often flat or round, wooden stick used to throw a lightweight spear or dart tipped with a stone point. The hand-held end of the atlatl may contain leather or cording finger loops to help secure the grip.
How far can you throw a dart with an atlatl?
An atlatl dart can be thrown with the same penetrating power as an arrow shot from a 50-pound-draw longbow. Hunting and target range is typically 10 to 30 yards, but the world-record throw is over 848 feet.
What are atlatl darts made of?
The wood types that will work best for the dart are Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor), Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), Beaked Hazel (Corylus cornuta), Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum), Willow (Salix spp.), and Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata). My favorite nonnatives for the dart are bamboo (Bambusoideae).
Is an atlatl better than a bow?
In general, the spear thrower is more effective in somewhat open settings and against large animals that are slow to respond to attack. Archery is most effective on medium to small animals, especially in forested settings.
Can I hunt with an atlatl?
Currently only two states, Missouri and Alabama, allow people to use atlatls for deer hunting. A handful of other states also permit the use of the atlatl for taking small game or nuisance animals. But most states are sitting on any proposals to legalize the spear-thrower due to doubts over its effectiveness.
Did Native Americans use atlatl?
An atlatl is a stick that was used by Native Americans that propel a spear, and it was used to hunt for game such as buffalos. With proper training, it can travel more than 200 yards.
How effective is an atlatl?
Atlatls are much more accurate than spears at any range. As for the bow/arrow — Atlatl darts are like giant arrows. They’re 3-10 times the weight of an arrow, but they aren’t nearly as accurate as an arrow except at short ranges like 10-20 meters. A lot of atlatlists are almost as accurate as archers at close range.
What kind of atlatl darts are more accurate?
Cane darts are good for accuracy at longer distances, fair for distance throwing and medium for penetration and not very durable, retain straightness but are difficult to straighten initially; killing power 5 consistency is 1, authenticity is 8 (1 in the north), hafting is more challenging, finish is not necessary but …
What kind of darts are more accurate?
The principle is that longer darts are more accurate, heavier darts are better for penetration and lighter, smaller darts are good for distance. Longer, lighter darts are good for target shooting.