Missouri Man Becomes First Modern Man in State to Take Deer With Atlatl

In 2010, Missouri opened up deer hunting to hunters using a primitive weapon, the Atlatl.

The atlatl consists of a shaft with a cup or a spur at the end that supports and propels the butt of an arrow or spear. It is used to create a mechanical advantage, propelling the projectile at speeds up to 100 mph. The stone-age weapon was used to take down megafauna, such as mammoths and giant ground sloths. It was eventually replaced by the bow.

On Nov. 12, 2011, Luke Boenker became the first modern Missourian to take a deer with such a device. His 4 point buck was taken from 15 yard from a tree-stand on opening day. Scott Rorebeck would miss out on the distinction of taking the first atlatl deer by hours, bagging his own the following day.