Wilderness Bow

[cmurphy]

On "backwards" bow the back does not follow the single growth ring model. a split sapling using the radius bark side the belly.

I don't know much about atlatl. But don't those darts use the same design as an arrow - shaft fletch, point? Perhaps it has been proven wrong but I imagine the movement required to throw the dart and the relative slow speed flight would make the atlatl a poor substitute for archery tackle to be used by a lone hunter.

Oh, a Holmegaard design. I get it. In my experience these tend to chrysal badly if not seasoned properly. Probably has a lot to do with wood though.

Atlatls are pretty efficient with an experienced user. Modern built atlatls have been chronographed at 145 fps and more. A well made self bow, depending on wood used, arrow, etc, generally shoots around 165 - 190 fps.
However getting an atlatl to throw this fast with primitive materials may not be possible. A more historically accurate atlatl should throw a dart about 75-90 fps. Fast enough to take down game IF the user is stealthy enough and accurate.

Not knocking the atlatl, its a great tool. The bow though introduced 'obsolescence' into the human vocabulary.

 

[idaho]

The bigger the game the bigger must be projectile we use to kill it.

For really small animals stones and slings are enough. Then comes rabbit sticks/boomerangs. Then simple bows and arrows. Than as we move to lets say deers you need atlatl. And then with bears and boars you would like to have few throwing spears and one to hold in hands.

Of course if you have time and resources you can build more and more efficient bows, in position to other weapons which are limited in advancement.

 

[Briarbrow]

Oh, a Holmegaard design. I get it. In my experience these tend to chrysal badly if not seasoned properly. Probably has a lot to do with wood though.

Atlatls are pretty efficient with an experienced user. Modern built atlatls have been chronographed at 145 fps and more. A well made self bow, depending on wood used, arrow, etc, generally shoots around 165 - 190 fps.
However getting an atlatl to throw this fast with primitive materials may not be possible. A more historically accurate atlatl should throw a dart about 75-90 fps. Fast enough to take down game IF the user is stealthy enough and accurate.

Not knocking the atlatl, its a great tool. The bow though introduced 'obsolescence' into the human vocabulary.

Holmegaard design is too specific.