Alternatives to the traditional bow?

[Stuart]

there is a good collection of articles covering every aspect of the atlatl right here on BCUK in the articles section:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=160

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=161

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=152

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=144

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=142

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=141

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=140

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/content/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=139

 

[Shambling Shaman]

Atlatl - You can get the same efect with a bit of string with a knot in the end - make a smal ridge near the tip rap the string once over the knot and keeping the string tightmove your hand down to the flight end throw like a Atlatl I think this system was used by the french (french arrows) could be wrong.
But I have used this system in a non hunting way and found it easy and the string just fits in your pocket / round your wrist etc...

 

[sam_acw]

I'm not sure why these weapons were banned for hunting in the UK. Bowhunting is illegal here too and in most of Europe as far as I know.
I guess there is a worry about people running around with easily made, silent and unliscensed weapons. It would also be of less economic benefit than shooting.
It probably comes from some perception of cruelty though. Political logic would equate anything primitive with being cruel or dangerous unless it was done by a minority group

 

[WhichDoctor]

I know this is a bit off-topic, but while I was searching the internet for blowpipe info I came across this. There not strictly bushcraft but they do look fun, Im going to have a go at some of them and see how good they are and if they can be made a bit more bushcrafty.

 

[bent-stick]

Oh no, something else to play with...

 

[bent-stick]

Mighten I add that blowguns are ilegal to purchase in the UK, but you may own one if you already had one before the ban.

Have you got chapter and verse on this. I've just been offered a bit of aeta craft work.

(It's not that I doubt you but I'd like to know if there are exceptions)

Edit:

Don't worry...

Found it at http://www.blades-uk.com/1988ACT.php