Yukon summer adventure: The fine art of atlatl throwing
The day before leaving on my 1,500-km solo canoe trip, Grant Zazula, Yukon's paleontologist, gave me a lesson on how to toss a deadly atlatl.
What is an atlatl?
It's a hunting weapon that native hunters used to extend the kill zone when out stalking game.
A regular spear can only reach a limited distance, but by using an atlatl (a length of notched wood helps propel the spear) you can extend your range and force. Native hunters used these until the bow and arrow were discovered, but some people still use it.
Perfecting your atlatl toss is not an easy technique to master in 10 minutes. First you must rest your spear on the atlatl, making sure the end of the spear is sitting in the notched atlatl. Then, you toss the spear, making sure you keep holding on to the atlatl — which acts as an extension of your arm.
"With a little practice you'd be able to bring down a bison," said Grant after demonstrating his technique (which also needed some work).
Yukon has a rich archelogical and paleontological history that draws scientists from around the world to study the prehistorical animals that Grant and his staff dig out of the Klondike Valley. The frozen gravel locks DNA in the bones, unlike most other areas of the world.
When I reach the Klondike Valley in several weeks' time, Grant will be showing me how he digs for woolly mammoths, scimitar cats and prehistoric horses. Can't wait!
Comments (3)
Sounds neat! Imagine the arm strength you'd build up over time throwing that thing with a force enough to bring down a bison or a caribou.
Submitted by Chantal on Sunday, July 01, 2012
This is very interesting. Maybe you should build one in your spare time and try to perfect the toss technique.
Submitted by Sylvain on Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Yes, I have seen these used on a documentary. I hope you do not have to use this technique... Allen, could I trouble you with a small mission; could you bring me back a rock from this trip? I know you have to carry everything, but a small rock from somewhere near the end of your trip would just be awesome. I hope your trip to be as nice as it sounds.
Cheers,
Bob B, Ottawa.
Submitted by Bob Boisvert on Wednesday, July 04, 2012
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