Special To McDonald County Press
When it was time to describe the technique of throwing the atlatl, a primitive hunting tool, instructor Ray Madden described the motion as a toss, fling or flip versus a heave or throw.
"Beginners want to chunk the spear as hard as they can," mentored Madden, "but folks are surprised with their results by simply giving it a calculated, smooth flip instead."
The adolescent eyes at the event, hosted by Young Outdoorsmen United at the Anderson baseball complex, were carefully focused as Madden demonstrated how the atlatl and dart/spear combination increase velocity and distance (versus using a spear alone). He assured them that, with the correct grip, flipping motion and plenty of practice, they could harvest game animals just as ancient huntsmen did as early as 30,000 years ago. The youth could hardly wait to put their newly acquired knowledge into action.
On the practice field, the kids struggled with the basic procedure; however, as they continued to refine their technique, their patience and persistence were rewarded when they saw Madden's handmade atlatls produce straight, accurate, longer launches.
"It was not easy at first, but mine is going farther now," remarked 12-year-old Pineville resident Reagan Myrick. She beamed and nodded when asked if she was having fun.
After the practice session, the kids were divided into six squads. Each squad was assigned to a station with a large, cardboard box target at which each group member took aim. Their accuracy skills were tested at close range and then further away as their confidence grew.
"I hit it! I got it!" exclaimed 9-year-old Jayden Hooper, also from Pineville.
Soon, more and more thumps could be heard from spears finding their targets as the exactness of each participant's aim became the expectation -- not the exception.
The final stage of the seminar was a long-distance match. All of the kids were assembled in two units. Each one was flagged and had a final atlatl toss. The top three advanced to the next round to contend with other throwers until a single competitor was crowned the victor.
Champions from each team were Kadence Akins, 11, from Anderson, and Cole Lewis, 9, from Pineville. Madden gifted each of them with one of his handmade atlatls.
Atlatls are approved by the Missouri Department of Conservation for hunting game animals and non-game fish (see MDC code book for rules and regulations). Madden is an accomplished atlatl authority and is featured in dozens of publications and documentaries. He is the first recorded hunter to legally harvest a squirrel with this type of hunting device. Madden's expertise is easily accessible on the Internet.
To learn about Young Outdoorsmen United, visit www.youngoutdoorsmenunited.com and Like their Facebook page, or call 417-439-8594.
At the conclusion of the day's activities, a grilled picnic lunch and refreshments were served to everyone. Not a single youth attending had ever used an atlatl, and all were motivated in unison to thank instructor Madden and shake his hand.
It appears they learned their lesson well as they all "flipped" over atlatls.
Community on 09/29/2016