Atlatl: a prehistoric spear launcher for hunting game,
now an international target sport.

Atlatl Workshop Friday, September 16 Step back thousands of years and try your hand at making and throwing an atlatl, a spear thrower used for hunting around the world before the advent of the bow and arrow. Atlatl expert Bob Berg of Thunderbird Atlatl will teach you modern and traditional techniques of atlatl and dart construction, flint knapping, hafting stone points, and cordage making.  A delightful and insightful teacher and story-teller, Berg has taught primitive skills and the atlatl for 16 years.  The afternoon includes making your own atlatl, making and fletching three field darts, and coaching from Berg on the use of your new equipment. The $65 fee includes instruction and all materials.  Pre-registration is required. Forms are available in MS-Word or Acrobat (.pdf) or call 802-759-2412 Robert Berg demonstrates how to make an atlatl.

Sixteenth Annual Open Atlatl Championship Saturday & Sunday September 17 & 18 Mount Independence State Historic Site 497 Mount Independence Road Orwell, Vermont directions to Mount Independence Registration form: MS-Word or Acrobat (.pdf) or call 802-759-2412 How did ancient cultures all over the world hunt before the bow and arrow? Come to the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell, Vermont, on Saturday, September 17th, for the sixteenth annual Northeast Open Atlatl Championship, co-sponsored by the Vermont Archaeological Society, to watch or participate in this colorful event with exciting but friendly competition. Registration is required to participate. Forms are available in MS-Word or Acrobat (.pdf) format. During the atlatl competition, on Saturday from 10:30 to 3:30, contestants of all ages, will test their prowess in using the atlatl, a spear-throwing device, to “hunt” wooly mammoth, bison, and other “wild” game targets, shoot at modern day bulls-eyes, and compete in a distance challenge. The atlatl, a shaped wooden stick, acts as an extension of the throwing arm, so hunters can throw spears or darts with greater accuracy, energy, and speed. On Saturday also visit with demonstrators of Native American skills and crafts, including atlatl and cordage making, porcupine quill embroidery, gourd decoration and artwork, and Woodland period pottery. The Vermont Archaeological Society will be at Mount Independence to answer questions. The atlatl weekend is one of many Vermont Archaeology Month activities. On Sunday a small atlatl accuracy competition starts at 10:00 a.m. followed by master coaching for boys and girls after the smaller ISAC competition! At Mount Independence, the $5.00 contestant fee includes all contests and museum admission. Event admission is $4.00 for adults, free for children under 15, and includes visiting the museum. Forms are available in MS-Word or Acrobat (.pdf) or call 802-759-2412.