Coloradans can “hunt” like a caveman this weekend near Central City.
An 11-foot woolly mammoth replica and other realistic targets will be set up near Druid Mine and Virginia Canyon roads for the World Atlatl Association’s Bill Tate Presidents Invitational competition.
The public can learn about the atlatl — a hook-shaped throwing device engineered by prehistoric man — and try their hand anytime during today’s and Sunday’s festivities, said organizer Bill Wright.
Events begin each day at 9:45 a.m. and will go into the evening, he said.
“Anytime people want to show up, they can throw,” Wright said. “And everyone is welcome.”
Ice age humans used the atlatl — pronounced at-lat’l — to gain leverage and project darts or short spears at 90-mph velocities, enough force to kill the large beasts they hunted.
The World Atlatl Association was formed 25 years ago by members of the Colorado Archaeological Society “to learn more about the weapon system and experience the fun of a family- friendly target sport.”
The sacrificial mammoth was constructed by archaeologist Russell Richard of Cheyenne, who is vice president of the World Atlatl Association.
The Denver Post
