Rabbit Hunting with an Atlatl - The World Atlatl Association

The ATLAT Newsletter
Volume 21, Number 1
January 2008
RABBIT HUNTING WITH AN ATLATL
By Bruce Sassmann
Page 42 The American Beagler, December, 2007
For the first time in nearly two
thousand years hunters in Missouri
gathered for a group hunt using only
the ancient atlatl as a hunting
weapon. The Missouri Department of
Conservation Wildlife Code has
identified the use of the atlatl as a
legal method for the harvest of small
game in Missouri in 2007. While few
modern outdoorsmen have even
heard of an atlatl, our ancestors thought of the
atlatl as the weapon of choice for thousands of
years.
The World Atlatl Association describes the
atlatl as an ancient weapon that preceded the
bow and arrow in most parts of the world and one
of humankind’s first mechanical inventions. An
atlatl is essentially a stick with a handle on one
end and a hook or socket that engages a light
spear or “dart” on the other. The flipping motion of
the atlatl propels a light spear much faster and
farther than it could be thrown by hand alone.
Trainer and breeder of beagles, Mike
Ridenhour, leads the hunters in pursuit of the
tricky and usually lucky cotton tail rabbit.
Novice atlatl enthusiast and Missouri
Conservation Commissioner Chip McGeehan,
former president of the World Atlatl Association
Ron Mertz, WAA Executive Treasurer Richard
Lyons, and event organizer Bruce Sassmann
are poised with their atlatls balanced
horizontally over their shoulders. Two groups
of beagles work in the hot Sunday, October
afternoon.
Ron missed the first rabbit. Richard threw
his darts at two more. Chip and Bruce waited
for a close encounter. All of the hunters wished
the rabbits were bigger. Chip reminded us of
the name used by cavemen to describe the
worst hunter: Vegetarian. But atlatl hunters are
not an easy group to discourage and the
number of enthusiast is growing. Mike and his
beagles did everything they were supposed to.
Mike and his beagle magazine are ahead of
the pack. The world is watching and the rabbits
may not be so lucky next time.
If you’re interested, google “atlatl”, it could
take you back thousands of years and open
doors to an ancient outdoors. Or, go to
www.worldatlatl.org and
www.americanbeagler.com.