All posts by Bob

Atlatl Opportunities for Groups, Museums and Individuals

If you know of a group or museum interested in trying atlatls or starting a primitive archery program, the staff at Thunderbird Atlatl would be happy to work with them.

We have provided atlatl equipment for a variety of museum programs, youth groups, atlatl clubs, museum shops, state, federal and private parks and other associations and groups. We have also been able to offer atlatl equipment for television and movie projects. Some of the youth groups we have worked with include Boys and Girl Scouts, church groups/camps, 4-H groups and a number of high school and college clubs.

We offer a wide variety of atlatls, atlatl darts and atlatl kits and are able to put a package together to meet most budgets.

Are you an atlatlist wondering where all the atlatlists are? Why not consider starting an atlatl group in your area. We are aware of several successful atlatl clubs and would be happy to provide you with information and contacts for starting your own group. It is extremely easy to set up contests through the World Atlatl Association and International Atlatl Society, we would be happy to provide any information you. If you are starting a club, we can work with you on bulk pricing on Thunderbird Atlatl equipment.

We do offer atlatl making workshops and would be happy to discuss the possibility of setting up a workshop in your area if you are within a few hours of our company base in New York State. If you are further away, we can provide training support and provide you with equipment to set up your own workshop.

Give us a call at 1-800–836-4520, we would be happy to work with you!

Bob and Cheryll Berg

Looking Forward to Spring!

When there’s a windchill of minus zero in upstate New York, the best thing to do is think about spring or indoor atlatl contests! Of course, heading south also works as half our team has been at atlatl and flintknapping events in Florida since the end of January. They will be heading home to the Northeast later this week!

There are a few indoor atlatl contests! Doug Bassett has been setting up indoor shoots at Jim’s Pro Shop in Shortsville, New York. The next event is Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be an ISAC, IASAC and locals. Range Fee is $7. Those attending will want to bring five darts with foreshafts rigged for standard arrow inserts if you want to shoot any of the video hunts on the big screen. Each hunt can accommodate up to 10 people at a time (separate fee is $7 per person)

To get to Jim’s Pro Shop, take exit 43 off Thruway and south on 21 to Rte 96, 2 miles west (sign will probably say north) to just past blinking light for County Route 28. The block bldg (4885 Route 96) is on the left. For further information contact: Douglas Bassett (585) 493-3625; Douglas.Bassett@oprhp.state.ny.us

Check out the World Atlatl Association web page for more events. We will try to update our event listing this week! We have well stocked inventory if you are looking to try your first atlatl or want to upgrade your equipment. Give us a call at 1-800-836-4520 or email us at contact@Thunderbirdatlatl.com or Thunderbirdatlatl@gmail.com and we will get back to you. Keep Warm!

February Plans!

The Thunderbird Atlatl staff will be busy in February! We will be splitting up our efforts between our base operation in New York State and Florida! You will still be able to reach us at our main headquarters at 1-800-836-4520 or place orders through our web page. We have lots of atlatls and darts in stock.

We will also have a crew in Florida – attending three weekends of Knap-ins! If you are in Florida, stop in and see us at one of the locations listed below. International Standard Accuracy Contests are planned for the first two knapins. If you have any questions, give the contacts listed a call or call us and we will try to find out information for you.

If you are in Florida through February 17, stop in to see us at one of the knap-ins we will be attending. Check out the dates and information below.

Here are the shows you can find us at:

GATOR-KNAP ’08- Prehistoric Technology Show February 1 to 3
This inaugural Knap-in will take place at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. Admission is $4 per vehicle. The knap-in is in collaboration with the Osceola National Forest. There will be demonstrations and classes in technologies such as flint knapping, ceramics, cordage and carving of stone, shell, bone and wood. Featured speakers are: Dr. C. Andrew Hemmings who will speak on Tools of the Trade: Clovis Stone, Bone and Ivory Tools from Across the New World and Donna Ruhl, MA,who present a program entitled “Beyond Newmans’ Lake: The Timucua’s use of Prehistoric Dugouts in North Central Florida Waterways.
Also featured will be an ISAC Atlatl competition, flint knapping competition and late night knapping sessions for campers. For further information call Mitzi Nelson at (386) 397-7005 or email mmones@fs.fed.us.

KNAPPER & PRIMITIVE ARTISTS FESTIVAL Friday-Sun, Feb 8, 9, 10 at Ochlockonee River State Park

This event is dedicated to Stone Age Technologies and primitive arts such as flint knapping, primitive ceramics, shell, bone and wood carving, old and new world bow and arrow construction Atlatl construction or other prehistoric art forms. The aim is to show case these ancient art forms and educate the public on the world’s rich prehistory. The sale of Knapping tools and materials will be available. Fees: Park entrance fees will apply. Contact: (850)962-2771

FOURTH ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA KNAP IN & PRIMITIVE ARTS KNAP-IN & PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL February 16 to 17
Withalacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City.
For further information contact: Betty Walters, 727-856-7506.

Upcoming Florida Events

his year there will be three Florida Knap-ins in February. Thunderbird Atlatl is planning to attend all three events. These are great opportunities to learn about flint knapping, the atlatl and other primitive skills.
GATOR-KNAP ’08- Prehistoric Technology Show February 1 to 3
This inaugural Knap-in will take place at the Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, Florida. Admission is $4 per vehicle. The knap-in is in collaboration with the Osceola National Forest. There will be demonstrations and classes in technologies such as flint knapping, ceramics, cordage and carving of stone, shell, bone and wood. Featured speakers are: Dr. C. Andrew Hemmings who will speak on Tools of the Trade: Clovis Stone, Bone and Ivory Tools from Across the New World and Donna Ruhl, MA,who present a program entitled “Beyond Newmans’ Lake: The Timucua’s use of Prehistoric Dugouts in North Central Florida Waterways.
Also featured will be an ISAC Atlatl competition, flint knapping competition and late night knapping sessions for campers. For further information call Mitzi Nelson at (386) 397-7005 or email mmones@fs.fed.us.

KNAPPER & PRIMITIVE ARTISTS FESTIVAL Friday-Sun, Feb 8, 9, 10 at Ochlockonee River State Park

This event is dedicated to Stone Age Technologies and primitive arts such as flint knapping, primitive ceramics, shell, bone and wood carving, old and new world bow and arrow construction Atlatl construction or other prehistoric art forms. The aim is to show case these ancient art forms and educate the public on the world’s rich prehistory. The sale of Knapping tools and materials will be available. Fees: Park entrance fees will apply. Contact: (850)962-2771

FOURTH ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA KNAP IN & PRIMITIVE ARTS KNAP-IN & PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL February 16 to 17
Withalacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City.
For further information contact: Betty Walters, 727-856-7506.

Happy New Year!

We are looking forward to meeting some of you this year at the various shows we attend. Otherwise, we hope to hear from you by telephone or email.

Our shop is busy getting ready for three upcoming shows in Florida – not a bad place to go when you live in the snowy Northeast! The shows will be the first three weekends of February. We will be posting more information on the shows in the next few days.
Interested in an atlatl or upcoming events, give us a call or send us an email and we will try to help you out.
Happy New Year!