A Weekend at The Primitive Huntsman in Devon

Hazel bows, flint arrowheads, venison over the fire and a final archery challenge: our first Primitive Huntsman weekend brought those skills together in the Devon woods on 19–20 September 2026.

The idea was to spend time with the materials and processes behind traditional hunting equipment and wild food. Everyone had a chance to make, practise and ask questions across the two days.

Saturday: working with hazel and venison

After arriving and setting up camp, the group began with bow making. Under Dan’s guidance, participants worked hazel into bows, learning how the shape of the wood affects the way a bow bends. It takes patience: remove a little, look again, and adjust.

We also prepared venison together. The butchery session gave the group a close look at skinning, breaking down the animal and making use of the meat with care. That evening we shared venison stew around the communal fire, with time to talk through what we had learned.

Sunday: flint, cordage and the archery challenge

Sunday turned to the smaller parts of the kit. Flint knapping showed how much control goes into shaping a useful point. The group then made cordage and worked on attaching flint points to hazel shafts, bringing several skills into one finished project.

We finished with an archery competition: a chance to test the bows and enjoy the results of the weekend’s work. The value of the course is as much in understanding the material and the process as in taking something home.

Interested in the next course?

If bow making, flint knapping and traditional woodland skills appeal to you, see our current courses and events for upcoming dates. You can also get in touch to ask about a future Primitive Huntsman course. For the full description of the course format, read our Primitive Huntsman guide.