What is the difference between a spear and atlatl?

Atlatls give additional velocity and thrust compared to spear-throwing, and they allow the hunter to stand farther away from the prey. They are called atlatls, because that’s what the Aztecs were calling them when the Spanish arrived. Unfortunately for the Spanish, the Europeans had forgotten how to use them.

What is an atlatl weapon?

The atlatl is a launching stick. It increases the velocity of the dart and the force of impact on the target. It was superior to the older technology and was the weapon of choice for millennia, supplanted only by the invention of the bow and arrow, which occurred at least 1,000 years ago in North America.

How accurate is an atlatl?

Atlatls are much more accurate than spears at any range. As for the bow/arrow — Atlatl darts are like giant arrows. They’re 3-10 times the weight of an arrow, but they aren’t nearly as accurate as an arrow except at short ranges like 10-20 meters. A lot of atlatlists are almost as accurate as archers at close range.

Can I hunt with an atlatl?

Currently only two states, Missouri and Alabama, allow people to use atlatls for deer hunting. A handful of other states also permit the use of the atlatl for taking small game or nuisance animals. But most states are sitting on any proposals to legalize the spear-thrower due to doubts over its effectiveness.

What is the hunting range for an atlatl?

10 to 30 yards
An atlatl dart can be thrown with the same penetrating power as an arrow shot from a 50-pound-draw longbow. Hunting and target range is typically 10 to 30 yards, but the world-record throw is over 848 feet.

How long should an atlatl dart be?

six feet
The Atlatl Dart is extremely long compared to the traditional arrow. They can range from five to seven feet, but six feet (72″) is considered the standard length.

Which Indian tribe used the atlatl?

The Atlatl was used in most parts of North America prior to the appearance of the bow and arrow. The Atlatl were commonly used by the Pueblo and Creek Native American tribes in the Southwestern area of America for hunting deer, elk, rabbit and bears.

Did Romans use atlatls?

In the United States, the Nahuatl word atlatl is often used for revived uses of spear-throwers (or the Mayan word hul’che); in Australia, the Dharug word woomera is used instead. The ancient Greeks and Romans used a leather thong or loop, known as an ankule or amentum, as a spear-throwing device.