Hunting for Atlatl Spear Shafts

Ryan Gill takes us on another journey in Florida. This time he is on the hunt for Atlatl spear shafts. Future big projects are once again on the horizon and the first part of the hunt is "hunting" for materials
All manner of primitive hunting implements and supplies available at gillsprimitive...

[@juliebaker6969]

The high spot actually makes sense if you think about it. The water would have more chance of drawing predators or enemies since all living things need water. Whereas the high spot allows you to see danger coming from farther away. This can allow you time to react even if you're paying attention to something else, like knapping.

[@markkolmorgan7728]

Hey Ryan, you want some gum? Grandad hated gum trees, the gum balls, he thought they were worthless. And he was a woodworker. I like gum for straight hiking staffs, far superior to poplar in density. Anyway, I'm in Va. and plan to drop a number of small gum trees to make way for a pecan tree. They're your's if you want em...

[@lizarth]

just going in the woods and collecting some sticks that man never grew up

[@flyndutchmn]

Growing old is mandator, growing up is optional.

[@kennethstine2419]

I hope you feel better. I always enjoy your adventures.

[@lindasano1552]

Wow, you make the hand drill look easy, I can't even get a fire started with a fero rod. Thank you for all you do Ryan.

[@Saltyscavenger]

Hay Ryan, I think for your North European followers the willow is our version off what you are using 😉

[@scottlogan6230]

Keep up the good work man! Who knows these skills may come in handy

[@dennisstolte1103]

Good stuff Ryan. I’m excited about your new atlatl project.

[@normanphair8488]

Hope you feel better

[@sirwilliam3364]

I love finding old knapping sites randomly while hunting or fishing.

[@ToddWittenmyerBackwoodsLiving]

Cool video Ryan! Nice work with the hand drill. I've started several with a bow drill, but never by hand.

[@jamieelder7438]

How are you repelling the ticks and chiggers? Do you use permitherin or a natural repellant? Thanks

[@andypanda4927]

Would think could use beech or hickory for a spear shaft? Most 3rd or 4th yr saplings grow straight.

[@bobbylee7801]

On the hill is where the sun's rays hit first and 10-12k years ago with a much cooler climate is where the much more significant snow would have melted first.

[@lisamcqueen8509]

Enjoyed the walk along, Ryan. The handrill fire was a great plus, too! Don't have dog fennel here in my part of Indiana, used a horseweed on wild cherry root for my fire last night. Will you be restocking your handrill sets with dogfennel? Thanks for sharing, Steve

[@Todd_Father_]

Love the atlatl info!

[@terryqueen3233]

I'm so looking forward to the atlatl video you were talking about doing. Since I live in West Virginia most of the hardwoods up here is Maple and Oak and it is hard to find one of those the right size. The tulip poplar grows around up here and they grow pretty straight pretty small in the first part of their life, would they be okay for a shaft? They are considered deciduous but it is a pretty softwood. I suppose I can just test that's about all I can do. There are some other smaller-diameter trees that grow around up here but at my age these Hills are pretty hard for me to walk now. I just thought I would ask to see what your opinion was on them thanks for the video I'm really looking forward to your atlatl video coming up. I know you've done them before because that's where I got interested. Thanks again for the video have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry and your points Sharp! PS since I don't have any Buffalo up here to find Buffalo chips would it be okay to use dried Cow Patties as part of my glue?

[@RickCarter1776]

Not Ryan but I will say that any herbivore's dung will do, deer, cow, rabbit etc. the needed aspect is the finely chewed plant fiber in the dung that helps provide something for the pitch to stick to while providing a measure of give to offset the brittleness of the pitch. I am assuming you are speaking of pine pitch which some call pitch glue or pine pitch glue.

[@j.shorter4716]

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on banner stones and your experiences with them.

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub ! Liked ❤️✌️🤩

[@justinchastain7866]

The greatest cover scent I’ve ever used is dog fennel.

[@petitprolo7826]

Hey can you do a video on wind detection when it comes to primitive hunting ? Do you need all those fancys technologies to hunt ? Please.

[@landroamer1000]

I tried and tried and tried to make dog fennel work for a hand drill when I lived in South GA. I always got lots of smoke and dust but never a coal. I eventually gave up and just used horse weed since they usually grow together. Any pointers?

[@MrLupus2011]

it would be good if you can measure the throwing speed of an atlatl to compare with arrow speed.

[@adamarthur2042]

Did you name your son dalton? Like dalton points?

[@markbramall2897]

what about Ceder, Doug fir, or birch i am in idaho

[@Tarzantravelsbyriver]

A botanist in the woods is a kid in a candy store

[@DarylOster]

Less biting bugs on the hilltop...

[@DarylOster]

I don't like to knapp where no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and flies are in my face...

[@Gadsdentreadlightly]

Maybe the rise was kind of a central location

[@richardtoston964]

Bug are the reason they camped on the hill top and a better breeze

[@raysymonds7147]

Might have been a hunting camp where a higher spot would be advantageous !

[@saibabu4842]

Plese make hunting vedio on horse back

[@Luka783is]

plz hunting of wild horse