In less than ten days we will be at the 34th Pennsic Wars in Pennsylvania. Plans are to host three Aztec Atlatl Battles during the week. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new friends at this year’s Pennsic.
The weekend of Aug. 26 to 28, we will be at the annual Stonetool Show at Letchworth State Park near Mt. Morris, NY. This is a great show to attend if you can fit it in.
Labor Day weekend we will head to Flint Ridge, Ohio for the annual knap-in and atlatl contests at Flint Ridge. It’s another fun event for anyone in the area.
The reporting gremlins were at work last year and somehow Chris Pappas’ score of 90 at the Icicle Atlatl contest in Waverly, NY in November did not get listed in the 2004 final tallies. Congratulations to Chris for this great score! Lloyd Pine has located the score sheet and will adjust the records. Thanks Lloyd and congratulations to Chris! We were not aware the score was omitted until recently.
Everyone, please make it a point of contacting either the contest organizers or Lloyd if your score isn’t reported. With so many ISAC scores being sent in, it’s easy for a score sheet to get overlooked. Score sheets can also get lost in the mail and never get to Lloyd so it really helps if you let someone know if a score isn’t reported.
Don’t forget the annual Green Flats Atlatl Rattle, sponsored by Chris Pappas and Ray Turner, will take place in Hancock, NY on the shores of the Delaware River July 28 to 31. For information contact Chris Pappas at 607-637- 2585 or Thunderbird Atlatl at 1-800-836-4520.
Anyone who plans to hunt big game with an atlatl needs to consider several important things in preparation for the hunt.
A large part of a successful hunt is good preparation.
You will need to do at least the following to prepare properly:
Find a venue where you can hunt legally and with permission.
Obtain darts that are the proper dimensions for the game you intend to kill. Make sure you have enough darts so that when you break or loose them you have plenty of replacements. Bring replacement parts and repair equipment.
Choose an atlatl that works well with your darts. Remember on most hunts you will need to hold your darts ready for long periods of time. If holding your dart in the ready position causes cramping or stiffness in your hand you will need to take steps to correct this.
Select or make dart points that are legal for the venue you plan to hunt and make sure that they are properly sharpened. Some states and localities require certain sizes or shapes of points.
Allow yourself ample time and space to prepare yourself physically and mentally. You need meaningful practice at the various distances and elevations that you will encounter on your hunt. A few shots at a beer can after a two day road trip will not be enough. Practice at home for months and when you get to your location give yourself a chance to warm up by taking several shots. Keep your muscles ready by devising exercises you can do that do not call attention to your location. I use isometric exercises while sitting in my tree stand to help keep me ready to shoot.
Gather together the accessories you will need on your hunt and make sure everything is working properly.
Select your hunting partners well. Nothing spoils a hunt worse than having hunters with you who don’t share your values and morals.
Make good plans with your hunting comrades so you know where they are and what to do in various circumstances. When certain circumstances arise be ready to react. You never know what is going to happen during a hunt but you can anticipate various scenarios such as what to do when someone makes a hit.
I will work on this more. This is part of an atlatl hunting book I am writing.
Dennis Lance presented the atlatl as an alternative hunting weapon to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at their June 27th meeting in Harrisburg. He asked the PGC to allow the use of the atlatl during any regular archery season which would include deer hunting, bear hunting, fishing, and small game hunting.
In addition to the short presentation Dennis and a group of atlatl enthusiasts which included Tom Goble, Jack Rowe, Mason Miller, Erich Zeh, and George Miller did a demonstration of the atlatl for the commission. Many members of the PGC seemed receptive to the idea. It is hoped that the PGC will allow at least limited use of the atlatl and perhaps even give it equal status with the bow and arrow.
Please send favorable comments to:
Vernon R. Ross
Executive Director
Michael W. Schmit
Deputy Executive Director
Address:
2001 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg PA 17110-9797
Chimney Point State Historic Site, Addison, Vermont
Friday:
12-5 PM Atlatl Workshop with Bob Berg. Learn to make and use your own atlatl and 3 field darts We will make your choice of either primitive or modern atlatls.Pre-registration required.
Along with the atlatl contest there will be several other displays of primitive skills and crafts. If you have a skill or craft you would like to join us to show to the public, please contact Elsa at the Chimney Point State Historic Site (802) 759-2412
Saturday:
10th Annual Northeastern Open Atlatl Championship & ISAC 10:30AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday ISAC @10:00 AM
