DOINews: BLM Archaeologists Show How Old School Turkey Hunting Is Done

BLM archaeologists Doug Melton, C.J. Truesdale (BLM-Montana/Dakotas Miles City Field Office) and Ryan Howell (BLM-New Mexico Tulsa/Oklahoma Field Office) recently attended the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tenn., to demonstrate the prehistoric hunting techniques that were used before the bow and arrow were invented.

From left, BLM archaeologists Ryan Howell, C.J. Truesdale, and Doug Melton pose outside the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention's Family Adventure Village where the atlatl demonstration took place.

Attendees braved cold temperatures to try their skills at hitting a 3-D turkey target with a dart thrown by an atlatl. Many walked away saying, "I'd likely starve if I had to hunt with one of these."

BLM's C.J. Truesdale shows a convention attendee the proper use of an atlatl.

The atlatl, or spear-thrower, was a hunting device that allowed prehistoric peoples all over the world to throw a spear with greater force and distance. It's believed that in some places, the atlatl has been used for 30,000 years.

BLM's Doug Melton teaches a family how atlatls were used in the past, prior to the family giving it a shot themselves.

An estimated 900-plus people attempted to use the atlatl to "pretend hunt"; however, the targets rarely had to fear being hit.

BLM archaeologists Doug Melton (far left) and C.J. Truesdale (second from right) work the crowds at the atlatl range in Nashville at the National Wild Turkey Federation convention Feb. 13-15.

Well over 1,500 people gathered to watch the demonstrations. The BLM had the privilege of educating the audience on prehistoric-hunting practices in addition to informing many of the importance of the public lands that are managed under the multiple-use and sustained-yield mission of the BLM.

Story by Ryan Howell; photos by Ryan Howell, C.J. Truesdale and Doug Melton
Apri1 21, 2015