Crafting Bows & Arrows with Stone-Age Tools
You are invited to a free presentation to learn from David Van Dyke how he crafts traditional bows and arrows from materials gathered on his farm in Vernon County, WI. He has harvested deer, caribou, and bear with the bows and arrows he’s crafted – some of them with no modern tools. The presentation will be hosted by the La Crosse Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. It is part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy’s Linked to the Land series of hikes and workshops sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with in-kind media support from WXOW News 19. Sign up below.
David Van Dyke recalls the fun of hunting for frogs as a pre-teen with friends, using their bows and arrows. Years later, he was hunting in Alaska when some of his hunting buddies suggested that he try crafting bows and arrows from materials found on his farm. He took on the challenge and did so with very good results.
As a landowner, Van Dyke says he’s become pretty handy over the years, as there are always things that need maintenance or repair on the farm. He says he learned everything he knows about bow-making from books and practice. Eventually, he even began making bows and arrows with tools made from natural materials such as stone, bone, and antler. “Stone-age equipment,” as he calls it. He will bring examples and materials to the presentation for people to see and touch.
David will also share his thoughts about using materials wisely. As a landowner, he practices many methods of land conservation that protect the soil, water, and wildlife on his farm. His land is protected by a conservation easement with Mississippi Valley Conservancy. He has also hosted a number of field walks on his farm to share the success he’s had with planting prairie strips alongside row crops to prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity.
Also at this event, Heather Miller, Adult Programming & Volunteer Coordinator at the La Crosse Public Library, will share information about the library’s Tool Lending Library and its Creation Space.
Advance registration is required for this free event by end of day, Monday, April 8.