Austin Texas Lithic Arts & Technology League
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bodark Branch

Hunting

Insectovours

Feral Hog Control

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Q: What is an atlatl?
A:  An atlatl is simply a lever that is used to throw a "dart."

Q: What is a dart?
A: A dart is like a spear that is light and flexible.

Q: Where and when was this used?
A: "
In prehistoric Texas, the atlatl and dart was the main
weapon system in use for 10,000 years or more until they were
replaced by the bow and arrow between A.D 500-1000."
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/

Q: Do I have to have my own equipment to compete?
A: Generally yes, you will need you own gear to compete in an
accuracy contest.  However you can make arrangements to
borrow gear.  

Q: Where can I get the equipment to compete?
A: Usually the raw materials are growing near by.  In addition,
you can buy atlatls and darts that are ready to throw.  We sell
some stuff at our store.

Q: I was wondering if you could recommend some shops for
archery.
A: The atlatl is my specialty.  The archery shop I work with is
KC's (Mark):
www.kcsoutdoors.com/
He sells a lot of modern bows.  And he makes atlatl darts for us.
 Mark competes with different bows including some primitive
stuff.
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Q: Can I bring my dogs to an atlatl accuracy event?
A: No, it is dangerous to bring pets to accuracy events.  Pets could get hurt by stray shots.

Q: Can you hunt deer with that thing?
A: No. In Texas it is not legal to hunt game animals, like the White-tailed deer, with an
atlatl.  
Legalize it!

Q: What can you hunt with an atlatl:
A: In Texas you can legally hunt some non-game animals, including feral hogs, with an
atlatl.   Bowfishing laws apply to the atlatl in Texas and you can harvest gar and a few
other fish species. Checkout the website of the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for
more information.

Q: How safe are those things?
A: The atlatl weapon system is actually very safe because it has a limited range of about
100 yards, and the chance of a misfire is low.

Q: How dangerous are those things?
A: The effectiveness of the atlatl weapon system may have contributed to the
megamammal extinctions at the end of the Pleistocene in North America.  Aztecs were able
to pierce Spanish armor with the atlatl.

Q: Have you ever killed anything with that?
A: No.  We only use the atlatl for the forces of good and to preserve life.

Q: Is the atlatl better than archery?
A: Yes.  The atlatl weapon system is less affected by extreme environments as archery
equipment.  And you can take far larger game with the atlatl.

Q: Is archery better than the atlatl?
A: Yes.  Archery is far more accurate than the atlatl weapon system.  And the projectiles
used in archery are smaller, cheaper, and more portable than the atlatl darts.

Q: Yall seem to offer some goods and services that are not legal.
  • A: We sold some illegal traps.  We didn't know they were dangerous.  
  • The Wild Turkey incident was a clear case of self-defence.  
  • Those pictures on the Internet of the deer are fake.
  • Roger Wildman engaged in some questionable activities, but he is no longer with the
    team full-time.

Q: Do you like:
  • Hunting
  • Martial Arts and
  • Anthropology
A: Join us!!!