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Pronounced aht-laht-l, the atlatl is an ancient tool to throw spear-like darts believed to have been around for thousands of years, per the National Park Service. Evidence showed atlatls were used to hunt mastodons and other large mammals.
"It’s unclear in which part of the world the atlatl was first developed, but they were used by ancient hunters around the globe, including here in North America," according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
An intro to atlatl class was held in September at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson for people to learn more about using an atlatl. Teaching the class was conservation educator Jordan Poe.
Atlatls were handy to hunt with before modern times because they were easy to carry and you could throw them farther than just a handheld spear, Poe said at the beginning of the class.
"This works completely different from a bow and arrow," Poe said, with the exception that darts and arrows are fletched, or have feathers at the back.
The ancient tool has been found on all continents, excluding Antarctica and Africa.
"Now, Africa, they believe that they might have been used there, they just haven't found any remnants," Poe said. "The Aztecs were still using them when they first encountered the Spanish, so you know there were some Spanish that had darts thrown at them."
Poe learned how to use atlatls from Dawn Wagner, who was the first modern Missouri woman to take deer with ancient hunting tool in 2017. MDC made atlatls legal to use for hunting in 2010.
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An atlatl 'acts as an extension of your arm'
Atlatls are not toys, Poe emphasized. They are a spear-thrower for darts.
When you load your atlatl with a dart, the throw can be instinctive.
"Like throwing a ball or like shooting a firearm or you line up sights, and as long as everything's held still while you pull the trigger, there's a lot of movement to the throw," Poe said. "It's something to get a feel for and practice."
Poe later said it could be similar to casting a fishing pole. You have to start a little higher with your throwing arm than you think and completely follow through with the throw.
"Essentially, (an atlatl) acts as an extension of your arm," Poe said.
The back end of the darts have a dimple you line up with the atlatl's spur.
"You throw that dart, and with that forward momentum, it stays on that point until you get to the target," Poe said. "So that additional leverage allows these darts to be thrown much farther and much faster than your typical handheld spear."
Depending on your height, you'll want to use a dart that's about a foot taller than you are for better accuracy, Poe said.
"The longer the atlatl, the more leverage you get and the farther you can throw, but it is harder to throw," Poe said.
Atlatls can be made from different materials and there are outfitters who manufacture ones you can purchase, such as Thunderbird Atlatl.
More:MDC reminds Missourians of changes for youth hunters, sharing the harvest, CWD regulations
Atlatls are legal to use for deer hunting during the archery and alternative methods portion of Missouri’s deer season. Archery season is Sept. 15 to Nov. 11 and Nov. 23 to Jan. 15, 2023, and the alternative methods portion is Dec. 24 to Jan. 3, 2023.
Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.
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