DIY Slingshot for Hunting Small Game !!!

A few days ago, remanences from a typhoon struck where I live, leaving 45,000 people without power for a few days. During this time, before my power went out I was shocked to find that I was not a finalist of the Solar 2016 contest on Instructables. So when the power went off, with nothing else to do I started to wonder how I could turn two bad situations around. I decided to create a project that I could enter into the "living off the land contest" and the "Survival ready contest" on Instructables. This project gave me something to do to pass the time and reminded me that back in the old days, man had no power and survived by living off of the land. If you enjoy please vote for me in the contests.

Step 1: Materials & Tools

Materials:
. "Y" shaped stick for the slingshot (I used pine wood)
. Slingshot band (Standard pull)
. 550 paracord (Your choice of colour)

(Staining optional):
. Pre-stain wood conditioner: Minwax
. Polycrylic protective finish: Minwax
. Wood stain: Miwax (English oak)

Tools:
. Multitool
. Knife
. Lighter or matches
. Sandpaper (40 grit, 100 grit, 240 grit and 300 finishing grit)
. Hairdryer
. Tape measure
. Black marker
. Paint brush (For the wood stain)

Step 2: Finding a Branch

Start by finding a tree branch that contains a basic "Y" shape, with a thickness of roughly about 1.5 inch through out the entire "Y". I found the perfect shaped "Y" from a fallen pine branch. The "Y" piece will be our slingshot, with there being the handle of the slingshot and with notches in the forked ends will hold the slingshot band.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Shape

After locating your "Y" shaped handle, use a multitool saw to cut it from the connected branches and twigs. Using a ruler mark about 5 inches on each forked side and about 7 inches for "Y" handle, before cutting. Also cut off any leaves or smaller twigs that are connected to it.

Step 4: Drying It Out

If your wood is damp use a hairdryer to remove moisture and let it sit over night as well. Do this before removing any bark.

Step 5: Bark & Knot Removal

Once the "Y" piece is dry, using a knife, remove all of the bark down until the grains of wood are reached. Cut out any knots in the wood that interfere with holding the "Y" or stand out.

Step 6: Cutting It Down to Size

Your current "Y" shaped slingshot should have forked ends of about 5 inches and a handle of 7 inches. Using a tape measure and a marker, trace where the cuts will be. Mark the forked ends at 3.5 inches and the handle at 6 inches, then cut the line you have marked.

Step 7: Sanding the Slingshot

Sand to remove any bark left until you see the grains of the wood. Use a knife if there is still a bit of bark left on it. I found that using 40 grit sandpaper works very efficient on removing any excess bark, after that I would using 100 grit for clean up.

Step 8: Slingshot Notches

Mark two notches on the forked ends before vertically cutting them down about 3/4 inches. I used a saw for cutting the notches.

Step 9: Wood Stain (Optional)

Staining the slingshot:
. Wear a respirator, eye protection, gloves and work in a well ventilated area.
. Read the instructions on your stain products before starting, all stains can contain lead, which can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.
. Use 240 grit and 300 grit for finish and in between coats
. Use a wood stain paint brush
. Use a hairdryer to dry coats quicker, have on full blast and let it dry the stain for about 15-20 minutes

Pre stain:
. Using a wood stain brush, wet the "Y" slingshot with a pre-stain
. Two coats
. Sand between coats
Wood stain:
. Use a brush and add a wood stain to the slingshot "Y"
. Add two coats and cover entire wood surface
. Sand in between coats
Finishing stain:
. Add two coats
. Sand to finish

Step 10: Adding the Paracord Grip

Once the slingshot "Y" has dried from the stain or is ready, take some paracord and wrap it around the handle about 1 inch a way from the bottom, until it reaches the top. Use a lighter to burn the ends, once they are place under a strand.

Step 11: Adding the Sling Band

Take the slingshot bands and tie the ends, making sure they are equal lengths. Cut the ends of the knots off with scissors. Read the slingshot band for placement of the slingshot "Y" notches. Add the band to the notches.

Step 12: Aim and Fire!!!

Now you can shoot and hunt for small game in the great outdoors, while having some fun.
Ammo: Rocks, metal balls or marbles can be used as ammo.

I'm not responsible for any harm to others, self or private property. This slingshot should only be used for hunting, target practice or for shooting "Zombies"

Thank you reading my Instructable on how to make a "DIY Hunting Slingshot", please favorite and vote for me in the contests I have entered it would make my day and help me a lot :) Happy hunting.