AtlAtl do Me

Stories, questions, lies about the one that got away....

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Axe
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AtlAtl do Me

#1 Post by Axe » Tue May 07, 2013 6:07 pm

It ain't bow hunt'n and it ain't easy

Equipment used: Thunderbird "Wyalusing" AtlAtl
1.8m Aluminium spear (made from 2x 2117 shafts joined by 150mm of carbon shaft) with 190grn Aztec B/Head- Total weight 1000grns

I've been practicing with the AtlAtl for about 6mths and having reached a point where I felt proficient enough to go for a hunt I ventured out to try my luck.

The biggest drama with these things is the movement required to make it happen and the noise of the eight inch feathers, as we are all aware too much movement and any noise can mean failure when hunting...sorry to state the obvious, but, most importantly position of game and direction in which game is facing in relation to oneself is always a must, even more so with this ancient weapon. I was very soon reminded of this by a feral cat that bolted as soon as I lifted my arm to launch the spear, as did several rabbits.

Not to be discouraged I moved on, spotted a fox eating some carrion, but before I got within range (at this stage 15m is my comfort zone)the fox decided to trot off into the distance. Shortly after the previous failure I came across another fox fifty or so metres ahead laying down enjoying what was left of the afternoon sun.

After spending a considerable time working my way downwind of the animal to what I thought was a good position I waited to see what the fox was going to do next. Many more minutes passed before the fox decided to stand up, but alas looking my way...then all the thoughts, "maybe I should have thrown whilst he was laying down' or as he was getting up" etc etc

But as luck had it, he scratched is ear, lay down and rubbed his head on the ground, got up,then sat down and started scratching his ear again facing away from me at an angle, now or never, I let the spear fly.
It covered the 10-12m before he could react and hit him it neck and protruded out of his jaw, instantly dispatching him into oblivion.

With all the things that can go wrong when hunting with a rifle or bow, in my humble opinion they are very much more amplified and run a greater risk of inhumane results when hunting with the AtlAtl. I qualify this statement by saying that there may be those out there that are experts...I certainly do not put myself in that class
Will I sell my Widows and other bows? NO! Will I do this again probably!
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"If not Despicable, what then is Self Glorification?" Omar Khayyam

"natura non contristatur"
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bigbob
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#2 Post by bigbob » Tue May 07, 2013 6:12 pm

thats a new twist on hunting with arrows/ spears. Well done, it would have required a good deal of skill for the successful outcome.
nil illigitimo in desperandum carborundum
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longbowinfected
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#3 Post by longbowinfected » Tue May 07, 2013 6:13 pm

Thanks for posting that...... any thoughts about making one out of timber or bamboo?

Kevin
never complain....you did not have to wake up....every day is an extra bonus and costs nothing.
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Axe
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#4 Post by Axe » Tue May 07, 2013 6:35 pm

longbowinfected wrote:Thanks for posting that...... any thoughts about making one out of timber or bamboo?

Kevin
Yep Kevin, sure have, the white spear is made from 3/8 dowel (cheap) and flies as well as the alloy one, bamboo has crossed my mind
As you can imagine due to their length the longevity of these spears on larger game is not great
"If not Despicable, what then is Self Glorification?" Omar Khayyam

"natura non contristatur"
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hazard
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#5 Post by hazard » Tue May 07, 2013 6:50 pm

I have always wondered what an Atlatl would have to offer in the real world, great for non aggressive game and probably not a Buffalo :wink:

What a great post! Thanks mate

Hazard
Politics is a game played by dishonest people to gain an unfair advantage!

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Benny Nganabbarru
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#6 Post by Benny Nganabbarru » Tue May 07, 2013 7:00 pm

My goodness! That is awesome!
It's the great, big, broad land 'way up yonder,
It's the forests where silence has lease;
It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It's the stillness that fills me with peace.
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longbow steve
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#7 Post by longbow steve » Tue May 07, 2013 7:04 pm

Thanks for posting that Axe. I was talking this weekend about trying out an Atl Atl or Woomera and Spear working up to taking game with it. Well done. Steve
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jcm
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#8 Post by jcm » Tue May 07, 2013 7:09 pm

A Good One Axe.
Thanks for posting
John
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Guy Layton
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#9 Post by Guy Layton » Tue May 07, 2013 7:13 pm

Top work Axe... What an achievement....!

Game is hard enough to take with a bow let alone this weapon...!

Well done again... 8)

Cheers Guy
The broadhead used, regardless of how sharp, is no where as important as being able to place it in the correct spot....!
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flyne
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#10 Post by flyne » Tue May 07, 2013 7:39 pm

Nice one congrats mate
good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement
Nothing is easy. That's why it's called hunting, and not killing
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Stickbow Hunter
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#11 Post by Stickbow Hunter » Tue May 07, 2013 8:33 pm

Good onya. As you have described; it certainly is a challenge!

Jeff
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daniel boon
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#12 Post by daniel boon » Tue May 07, 2013 8:49 pm

congrats that's awesome
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Gringa Bows
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#13 Post by Gringa Bows » Tue May 07, 2013 9:46 pm

Good stuff Axe :biggrin:
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Mick Smith
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#14 Post by Mick Smith » Wed May 08, 2013 10:06 am

There's no doubt about you Axe. Well done!
There is no use focusing on aiming if you don't execute the shot well enough to hit what your are aiming at.
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jesse1987
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#15 Post by jesse1987 » Wed May 08, 2013 7:11 pm

where can you buy one mate that is awesome
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rodlonq
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#16 Post by rodlonq » Thu May 09, 2013 7:59 am

Great stuff Axe, congratulations on bagging a fox with your AtlAtl mate, awesome.

Cheers....... Rod
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Axe
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#17 Post by Axe » Fri May 10, 2013 11:55 am

Thankyou all for the kind words :smile:
jesse1987 wrote:where can you buy one mate that is awesome
Jesse,
Here's where I bought mine...the arrows/spears I made myself

http://www.thunderbirdatlatl.com/
"If not Despicable, what then is Self Glorification?" Omar Khayyam

"natura non contristatur"
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jesse1987
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#18 Post by jesse1987 » Fri May 10, 2013 4:24 pm

thanks mate that's great ...
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perry
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#19 Post by perry » Tue May 14, 2013 10:08 pm

Inspiring Axe, you are the first person I have heard of to Hunt with an Atlatl.

regards Jacko
"To my deep morticication my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' "

- Charles Darwin
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wal
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Re: AtlAtl do Me

#20 Post by wal » Wed May 15, 2013 7:43 am

Shiiiiiiit :surprised: :surprised:

How cool is that, well done mate.

Cheers
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