Knife throwing, tomahawk (hawk) throwing, and lance throwing are some of the most iconic skills of the mountain man era. These events are open to all age divisions and are some of the most approachable events for newcomers — you don’t need a firearm, and the basics can be picked up quickly. The throwing range area is a social gathering spot throughout the rendezvous, and experienced throwers are almost always happy to offer tips.
Knife & Hawk
What Is It?
Knife and Tomahawk (hawk) throwing is a staple of every mountain man rendezvous — but the Anasazi Free-Trappers course is unlike anything you’ll find at a typical rendezvous. Forget standing at a line and throwing at a stationary log. Our course features swinging targets, rotating targets, spinning targets, flipping targets, and targets that barrel toward you on a zipline giving you only seconds to make your throw. It’s fast, it’s unpredictable, and it will test your timing and accuracy in ways that a standard throwing course simply can’t.
Whether you’re an experienced thrower or picking up a hawk for the first time, this course is as much fun to watch as it is to throw. Spectators are wanted and welcome — bring the family and come see the action.
The throwing range is located just southwest of the Shooting Range.
Rules & Regulations
- Tomahawk (Hawk):
- Hawks must be in the traditional likeness of those carried during the fur trade era — Hudson Bay style or pipe hawks.
- No rounded blades allowed.
- No double-bladed hawks.
- There will be a minimum throwing distance marked at each target — you must throw from behind the line.
- Knife:
- Knives must be in the traditional likeness of those carried during the fur trade era — Bowie or beaver tail in shape.
- Must have one blade and a handle.
- No double-bladed knives.
- Scoring: Targets have different scoring zones (1, 2, and 3 points) with minimum throwing distances defined at each target. Some targets also offer the option to throw from a longer distance for double points — a risk-reward choice that can make or break your final score.
- Safety: Do not retrieve your knife or hawk until instructed to do so. Many of the targets are extremely heavy and can cause serious injury if you attempt to stop or interfere with them while they are in motion. Stand well clear of the throwing area and all moving targets at all times. Follow all posted instructions and the direction of the event organizer.
- Registration medallion required for competition.
How to Get Started
What you need: A traditional-style tomahawk and knife that meet the equipment rules above. For hawks, a Hudson Bay or pipe hawk style is what you’re looking for. For knives, a Bowie or beaver tail pattern with a single blade and handle. If you don’t have your own, traders on Traders’ Row sell them, and many experienced throwers will let you try a few practice throws with theirs.
First-timer tips:
- Start with the hawk — most people find it easier to learn than the knife.
- A consistent, smooth release is more important than throwing hard. Let the hawk do the work.
- The most common beginner mistake is standing too close or too far from the block. Watch where experienced throwers stand and note the rotation of the hawk in flight.
- Bring your own hawk and at least one spare handle — handles break. Extra handles are available from traders.
- Spectators are welcome, so bring the family to watch even if they’re not throwing.
- Practice blocks are typically available near Traders’ Row outside of competition hours.
When: Friday 10:00am–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm. Located just southwest of the Shooting Range.
Utah State Knife & Hawk Championship — “Hatchet Ass Memorial Throw”
What Is It?
In addition to the regular Knife & Hawk event, the Anasazi Free-Trappers are proud to host the annual Utah State Knife and Hawk Championship, held in memory of Hatchet Ass (Mike Haskell). This is a separate, competitive event that draws some of the best throwers in the state. If you want to test your skills against top competition and throw for cash prizes, this is the event.
The Championship is a separate event from the regular Knife & Hawk competition — it has its own registration, its own fee, and its own schedule. You can participate in both events during the rendezvous.
Rules & Regulations
- Registration: Separate $20 fee per person. You must be pre-registered by Friday at 8:45am — no exceptions. Register at the trade tent of LePew’s High Mountain Muzzleloaders.
- Schedule: Competition starts Friday at 9:00am.
- Prizes: Cash prizes awarded at the event.
- Equipment: Same traditional fur trade era hawk and knife requirements apply (see the Knife & Hawk section above).
- For questions, contact Star Walker (Scott Murdock) at 208-390-0151.
How to Get Started
First-timer tips:
- If you’re serious about competing, get to LePew’s High Mountain Muzzleloaders trade tent early Friday morning to register. The 8:45am cutoff is firm.
- Even if you don’t enter the Championship, come watch — it’s a chance to see some of the best throwers in Utah compete.
- You can still throw the regular Knife & Hawk course throughout the weekend regardless of whether you enter the Championship.
When: Friday, 9:00am. Pre-registration closes at 8:45am — no exceptions.For full details, see the Utah State Knife & Hawk Championship page.
Lance Throw
What Is It?
The Lance Throw is a throwing event where participants hurl a spear or lance at a target. This event harkens back to the skills that mountain men and Native peoples used for hunting and warfare. It tests both strength and accuracy in a way that’s different from knife or hawk — the lance is heavier and requires a full-body throwing motion.
Rules & Regulations
- Most lances average between 5-10ft with a steel or stone tip. Lances should be made from materials available during the correct time period.
- Participants are expected to bring their own lance. There may be some that can be borrowed, but this is not guaranteed.
- Registration medallion required.
- Safety: Follow all posted rules. Stand clear when others are throwing.
How to Get Started
What you need: Bring or borrow a lance. You can make one from a straight stick with a steel or stone tip attached.
First-timer tips:
- This is a less common event at rendezvous, so don’t worry if you’ve never thrown a lance before — many participants are trying it for the first time.
- Watch a few throws from experienced participants to get a feel for the distance, grip, and release.
- The throwing motion is similar to throwing a javelin — step, plant, and release with follow-through.
When: Friday 10:00am–4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm
Shadow Hawk Throw
What Is It?
The Shadow Hawk Throw is one of the most unique and memorable events at the Anasazi Free-Trappers Rendezvous — a tomahawk throwing elimination competition held after dark on Friday night. A single target log is illuminated by a lantern, and throwers take turns trying to stick their hawk in the shadow cast by the previous thrower’s hawk. It’s part marksmanship, part strategy, and entirely unforgettable. The event draws a big crowd and is well worth watching even if you don’t throw.
How It Works
Participants take turns throwing in a set rotation. Here’s how the game plays out:
Opening throw: The first thrower sticks their hawk in the target log. The lantern casts a shadow from that hawk onto the log face — this shadow becomes the target area for the next thrower.
Throwing for the shadow: Each subsequent thrower must stick their hawk in the shadow cast by the hawk currently in the log. If a thrower misses the shadow — whether they miss the log entirely or stick the log outside the shadow — they receive a letter, spelling out S-H-A-D-O-W one letter at a time.
When a new hawk sticks in the shadow: The previous hawk is pulled from the log and the new hawk remains, casting a fresh shadow for the next thrower. The shadow shifts with each successful throw, keeping the game dynamic.
No visible shadow: If a hawk sticks in the log in a position where it casts no visible shadow, it remains in play. The hawk stays in the log until another thrower knocks it out, or until a full rotation passes through all throwers. During this time, each thrower who cannot stick in a non-existent shadow receives a letter.
Full rotation with no change: If a hawk remains in the log through a complete rotation of all throwers without being knocked out or replaced, the thrower who owns that hawk pulls it from the log and the next participant throws to create a new shadow.
Elimination: Once a participant has collected all six letters and spelled the word “SHADOW,” they are eliminated from the competition. Play continues until only one thrower remains — last man standing wins.
Rules & Regulations
- Age requirement: Participants must be 12 years of age or older. This applies even if a younger participant is registered as a Junior — the Shadow Hawk Throw is not open to children under 12.
- Hawks: Hawks must meet the standard competition requirements — traditional fur trade era likeness (Hudson Bay or pipe hawk style), no rounded blades, no double blades. See the Knife & Hawk section on our Throwing Events page for full equipment specifications.
- Hawk only — no knife throwing in this event.
- Period dress required: This event takes place after the camp closes to the public at 7:00pm. All participants and spectators must be in pre-1840 period clothing or wearing a capote.
- Equipment warning: During the course of play, hawks will be thrown in close proximity to one another on the target log. While participants will not intentionally throw at your hawk or handle, there is a strong likelihood that your handle could be damaged by another thrower’s hawk striking near it. Bring a hawk you’re willing to put at risk and consider having a spare handle on hand.
- Spectators: Spectators are welcome but must stay well clear of the throwing lane at all times and follow the directions of the event organizer. Children under 12 may watch but must be accompanied by an adult and remain under close supervision at all times — this event is crowded and inherently dangerous due to the low-light conditions.
- Registration medallion required.
- Safety: Follow all directions from the event organizer. Do not approach the target log to retrieve your hawk until directed. Low-light conditions demand extra caution.
How to Get Started
What you need: A competition-legal tomahawk, pre-1840 period clothing or a capote, and a willingness to throw by lantern light. The same hawk you use during the daytime Knife & Hawk events will work.
First-timer tips:
- Come watch even if you’re not sure you want to throw — the atmosphere of hawks thudding into a lantern-lit log after dark is something you won’t see anywhere else. Just remember: period dress or a capote is required for spectators too.
- Practice throwing during the day at the practice blocks near Traders’ Row to get comfortable with your distance and release before the night event.
- The real challenge isn’t the dark — it’s reading the shadow. The shadow shifts every time a new hawk sticks, so pay attention to where it falls before you step up to throw.
- Bring a spare handle. Even if your hawk survives unscathed, the thrower next to you might not be so lucky, and having a spare makes you a good neighbor.
When: Friday, after dark, at the practice blocks near Traders’ Row