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Full Circle DVD
Experience Bow Hunting in its Ancient Form
with Thad Beckum
Review by Thomas J. Elpel

      Interested in primitive bow hunting? Come Full Circle with Thad Beckum, from collecting materials and making a primitive bow and arrow, to hunting with it, making the kill, processing, cooking, and tanning the hide. Thad demonstrates the skills from the beginning, collecting flint, heat treating it, knapping, and halfting a point.

      Although the video is not deep on the details, it is astonishing in scope, as Thad shows how to make a sinew-backed cedar bow and southeastern Indian cane arrow, then successfully hunts a rabbit and two deer with it. Thad demonstrates how to process a deer with stone tools, shows how to start a fire with the bowdrill and handdrill, as well as how to make jerky. He even introduces the atlatl and the blowgun. Through it all, Thad emphasizes primitive technology as a means to experience the hunt in a more intimate and connected way. In his words, "By using more of your game, you will learn to honor and respect the game and your ancient ancestors." DVD. 120 minutes. 1992.