Hunting is an important part of survival. Under survival conditions, a Native American’s first priority in making a weapon was not in making a bow and arrows. It was picking up rocks and building a throwing stick. Use these steps to make a throwing stick, select throwing stones and become a perfectionist with them.
1. Find an appropriate throwing stick
A throwing stick is made of hardwood, balanced with its weight forward and shaped with a downward curve toward its forward end. The best throwing sticks are taken from medium diameter tree branches that grow upward from the trunk. Part of the branch grows outward from the trunk then curves upward continuing its growth. Saw this branch where it meets the trunk. Measure the length of your forearm with fingers extended from the end of the branch where you just sawed it from the tree and saw it to length. Use your knife to whittle a grip in the smaller end.
2. Temper your throwing stick
Use your knife to remove the bark from your stick. Build a fire to make coals. When enough coals are present, spread them out the length of your stick and suspend your stick over the length of the coals, turning periodically. When your stick is dry, it’s tempered and ready for use.
3. Using the throwing stick
Hold the stick in your dominant hand and place your non-dominant foot forward. Raise the stick over your head, shift your weight forward and snap your stick hand in a straight line over your head letting go of the stick at the appropriate moment toward your target. Rocks are thrown in the same manner. Remember, here it is all about practice makes perfect.
4. Throwing rocks
Throwing rocks are quick weapons to obtain and will serve well before a stick can be made. These are found in a stream bed. Pick up rocks the size of the palm of your hand that are polished smooth by the water. The rounder the rock, the better it will serve. The type of rock should be marble, flint, agate, obsidian or basalt. Any rock that’s smooth and hard can work.
5. Using throwing rocks and sticks
Rocks and sticks are excellent weapons to take small game. Aim for the mid-body on birds and the head or shoulder area for small mammals.
6. Hunting
It’s important to know your effective range with the rocks and sticks. Stalk within distance of your game and throw.
