Hunting Buffalo With Atlatls and Other Primitive Badassery With Ryan Gill

03/03/25 • 93 min

Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins me to talk about hunting like our ancestors did—no modern gear, just handcrafted bows, arrows, and even atlatls. We discuss the reality of primitive hunting, the skills it takes, and how it can make you a better hunter today.

Key Topics Covered:
Building traditional bows, arrows, and stone points from scratch.
Hunting bison, pigs, and deer with primitive weapons.
Why primitive hunting makes you a better hunter.
Ethical questions around traditional vs. modern hunting.
The skills early hunters had that we’ve lost.
Ryan’s personal journey into traditional hunting.
The atlatl—what it is, how it works, and why it’s still effective.
Why modern hunters might be missing out by ignoring primitive skills.
What ancient hunters actually did (vs. the myths we hear today).
The mental and physical challenge of primitive hunting.
Guest Bio:
Ryan Gill is a primitive hunting expert, bowyer, and founder of Hunt Primitive. He builds and hunts exclusively with handmade, traditional weapons—wood bows, flint-knapped arrowheads, and atlatls. Find his work at HuntPrimitive.com and follow him on YouTube (@HuntPrimitive).
Ryan Gill’s Flintknapping Kit & Primitive Hunting Gear – Available at HuntPrimitive.com

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Previous Episode

Hunting Opportunity in New Mexico: Expert Insights and Draw Strategies

In this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray, I’m joined by Jordan from The Draw – the go-to expert on navigating New Mexico’s hunting draw system. We break down the strategies and tactics for every species, from elk and oryx to ibex and aoudad. Jordan shares insider tips on maximizing your draw odds, choosing the best units, and leveraging New Mexico’s unique system to your advantage.

We also dive into the changing dynamics of predator management, hunting history in Eastern Europe, and the pros and cons of guided pool vs. DIY hunting.

Topics Covered:

New Mexico draw strategies for elk, oryx, and ibex
Choosing the best units and maximizing your odds
Guided pool vs. DIY hunting in New Mexico
Historical hunting traditions and their influence today
Predator management and its impact on ibex populations

Tune in for expert advice, fascinating stories, and no-nonsense insights that’ll make you a better hunter.

Connect with The Draw:
Website: TheDraw.com
Instagram: @wearethedraw

Next Episode

First Elk Hunt, First Bull—How Tim Tagged a 6x6 on a Public Land, Solo, DIY Hunt

Tim set out on his first-ever DIY elk hunt on Colorado public land—solo—and came home with a 6x6 bull. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he made it happen, from e-scouting and choosing the right unit to glassing, hunting strategy, and the brutal solo pack-out. If you’re planning your first elk hunt or want to improve your approach, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Key Topics Covered:

How to plan a DIY public land elk hunt from scratch
Picking the right unit for a rifle hunt
Solo hunting vs. going with a group—what works best?
E-scouting: What actually helps vs. what’s just a time sink
Glassing strategies and terrain selection for better odds
How Tim located elk, adjusted his plan, and found success
Packing out a bull solo—what it really takes
Hunting pressure: What to expect and how to work around it
Gear that worked (and what Tim would do differently next time)

Guest Bio
Tim Steinmetz, a Michigan-based hunter, successfully tagged his first 6x6 bull elk on a solo DIY public land hunt in Colorado. He planned every step, from e-scouting to the pack-out, proving that a first-time elk hunt can be a success with the right strategy.