How To Do it yourself

Published at Journey to Forever, this article shows us how to build a simple, but effective varmint trap for rats. Made with steel wire and chicken wire fencing, this clever live trap never fails to catch and securely hold its prey. Clearly illustrated with detailed step-by-step photos, you can probably put this together in a few hours.

While you are visiting the Journey To Forever site be sure to check out the other sustainable technology articles and ideas.

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Vintage Projects brings us a PDF scan of this old magazine article that gives detailed instructions and illustrations on building a simple American Flat Bow. This is a 5-foot 8-inch bow with a draw of 45 to 50 pounds.

Not as complex or difficult to build as the recurve bow, or some other exotic bows like the Mongolian or Asiatic composite bow, this is an ideal project for the beginning bow maker, and results in a simple, but practical bow for hunting or target shooting. This project is nice introduction to the art and science of archery.

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This web page is a collection of over 80 different Atlatl designs from around the world. Browse through the collection of designs and illustrations and choose the one that most interests you. Then grab some wood and get to work.

The nice thing about the basic Atlatl is that it shouldn't take long to build, nor involve much investment in materials, so if the first one you make isn't up to your expectations, then build a different one.

You'll also find information on making darts, and using the Atlatl at the Northern Plains Atlatl Association website.

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This scan of an article from an old magazine includes the option to view or print the article and plans at full size for easier reading.

Quoting from the article, "This crossbow, with all the romance and charm of a medieval weapon, is so powerful and accurate that it is used extensively for hunting and precision target shooting. It’s a deadly weapon, not a toy, exceptionally fine for hunting rabbits, pheasants, squirrels, and even capable of killing big game like deer, elk, antelope, and cougar when used by one skilled in its handling. Therefore it is most imperative that the crossbow be handled carefully. Never hold it in a position where it might endanger anyone if fired accidently, and always reckon with the area beyond the target or game in the event you should miss hitting the object aimed at."

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