Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: yazoo on October 05, 2009, 08:23:55 pm

Title: blow gun darts
Post by: yazoo on October 05, 2009, 08:23:55 pm

anyone know when exactly you cut the thistle heads to save for fletching darts?

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: leapingbare on October 05, 2009, 09:39:05 pm

i used to hang out witha guy named Doug Mayers. and he is the blow gun man. I think he picked his in sept and oct.

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: billy on October 05, 2009, 09:40:54 pm

Not really sure, but I think you want to cut them at the end of summer.  Right now might be a bit too late because the seed pods are usually opened and have dispersed the seeds.  But don't take my word for it since I've never cut them before....

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: recurve shooter on October 06, 2009, 09:38:33 am

no clue. use rabbit fur.  ;D

i used to make 7 foot blowguns from half inch electrical conduit and make 9 inch bamboo darts with paper comes on one end and a broadhead made from a flattened and sharpened nail on the other end. never hit anything but a few birds, but man was it fun.  ;D

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: Michael C. on October 06, 2009, 11:46:17 am

http://blowgun.lefora.com/2009/09/07/thistle-cone-dart-video/page1/

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: zeNBowyer on October 06, 2009, 05:37:41 pm

amazing  video:)

Title: Re: blow gun darts
Post by: Hillbilly on October 06, 2009, 06:53:02 pm

I cut them as soon as the flowers start fading. Split a stick and put the heads between the halves and tie it shut. Trust me, you don't want unrestrained thistle heads in your house. Don't ask me how I know that. :)