At Hank’s Hatchets in Whitefish, they’re giving the ax to traditional pastimes.

Jared D’Andrea opened the Flathead Valley’s first ax-throwing venue on Friday with 12 lanes for walk-ins, reservations and private parties.

Ax-throwing has become a popular way for people across the country to hang out, get a workout and let off some steam. D’Andrea thought the up-and-coming activity would be a perfect fit for Whitefish and its active, outdoorsy clientele.

“It’s cool, different, a little rebel-ish,” D’Andrea said. “I figured Whitefish needs this.”

Ax-throwing gives visitors the chance to unleash their inner lumberjack by tossing hatchets at a wall-mounted target. The business model functions like a bowling alley, where participants rent axes and a lane for hours of high-powered fun. Hank’s Hatchets is also bring-your-own-beverage, with a two-drink-per-hour limit and no hard alcohol allowed.

Prior to a session at Hank’s Hatchets, experienced throwers offer a short demonstration to give customers a feel for the up-and-coming sport.

“It’s all in your throwing,” Manager Mike Hamilton explained. “It’s about your technique, your grip, your release.”

Surprisingly, D’Andrea and Hamilton insisted strength has a lot less to do with good ax-throwing than it might appear. Hamilton explained the key is figuring out the individual technique for dealing with the weight of the ax, about 26 ounces at Hank’s Hatchets.

“You’ve got to slow your inner warrior down,” D’Andrea added.

Ax-throwers compete in a variety of different games based on the wooden targets. In a traditional game, competitors go through 10 rounds, earning points for the spot where the ax is placed in each round. Throwers earn six points for hitting the bullseye and one less point for every ring they hit farther outside the bullseye, so the closest ring is worth four points and the outer-most ring is worth one. The two small blue dots in the upper corners of the target count for eight points, but they only count during the fifth and 10th rounds of a game. A perfect game comes out to 64 points.

There are many other variations throwers can try, and Hank’s Hatchets has explanations for new and experienced participants to sample.

“It’s really fun. It’s kind of trending across the country,” said D’Andrea, who has tried hatchet throwing at other venues in larger cities such as Seattle and Missoula.

He said the appeal of the sport is the opportunity to try an adventurous new activity in a casual setting. “If you go to a bar, you’re just drinking and you’re on your phone. Here you can be a little active and more social. Phones are in the pocket here,” he said.

Interestingly, he reported the most popular demographic for the sport is women in their 30s and 40s. “It’s really popular with women,” he said. “Ladies want to come down and let out a little steam.”

While some throwers see it as a simple opportunity to relieve stress, there are also opportunities for more serious competition. Hank’s Hatchets is regulated by the World Axe Throwing League, which was recently featured on ESPN. If there is a demand, they will soon develop competitive leagues and host tournaments at Hank’s Hatchets.

For aspiring throwers, Hank’s Hatchets will also host Family Days on Sundays with smaller axes for children 12 and up. Alcohol won’t be allowed there on Sundays.

D’Andrea promised the hatchets are dull and the sport is safe. He said no serious injuries have been reported, despite the sport’s growing popularity across the country.

“This is exactly what Whitefish needs,” Hamilton insisted. “It’s just something else for the community of Whitefish to do.”

Hank’s Hatchets is located near the intersection of U.S 93 and Montana 40, next to Hanson’s Antiques. They are open from 12 to 10 p.m., 12 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.