The Dallas County Conservation Board is giving people the opportunity to engage with a classic hunting tool on Sunday.

Outreach Coordinator Jeni Baker tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the organization is holding an Atlatl Open Range Day. She reveals that the Atlatl is a spear throwing device, which was used to hunt prehistoric creatures, such as woolly mammoths and mastodons. 

Baker outlines that during the program, guests will learn about the process of how the Atlatl is made, then the correct way to hold and throw it. She says that she has attempted to throw one in the past, and acknowledges that it’s a bit challenging.

“It’s kind of heavy. It’s a very long stick with a spear on the end and you have to throw it, not like a baseball, not like a softball, nothing like that (and) it’s kind of hard. It sounds easy, but it’s really not because they’re like six feet long. These sticks are pretty big.”

Baker mentions that the program is taking place at the Kuehn Conservation Area on Sunday from 11am to 1pm. She adds that people of all ages can participate for free, but recommends registering to reserve a spot. The link to sign up is available by clicking here.