Gun Season; Bow Season; Atlatl Season!

Pennsylvania may allow hunters to use the ancient atlatl to hunt, which is basically a javelin launched by a long stick with a spoon-like receiver for the butt of the spear. The stick gives a greater mechanical advantage to the throw, extending reach and the distance moved via that critical wrist-snap. It was pretty big in Mesoamerica.

An ancient weapon that was apparently used as early as prehistoric times to slay woolly mammoths may soon be added to the arsenals of Pennsylvania hunters.

The state Game Commission is drafting proposed regulations to allow hunters to use the atlatl, a small wooden device that propels a six-foot dart as fast as 80 mph. The commission could vote in January and make a final decision in April, officials said.

...

"For me, it would be a thrill to have a deer get up close enough and to throw my dart and hit the deer, bag it like my ancestors did," said Jack Rowe, 45, a veteran hunter and atlatl enthusiast from Sayre.

The move may be vigorously opposed by the Spear Manufacturers of America:

Even spear hunters — Alabama game law also allows spears — outnumber those using atlatls.

"As you might imagine, it's not something that most people have the skill or the patience for," Andress said.

Yes, as you might imagine.

Meanwhile, I'm petitioning New York to begin allowing hunters to hunt quail by use of "Lightning bolt! Lightning bolt! Lightning bolt!" Kill 'em 'n cook 'em in one easy step.

posted by Ace at 10:27 AM

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