Archery is a great sport. Although bows and arrows have been used for thousands of years, archery is becoming increasingly popular around the world in the 21st century. Since the release of the Hunger Games films, membership in US archery has increased 48%. But don't try to shoot something that's over people's heads, so that the good times are shared by everyone. Here's how to get started!
Step
Method 1 of 4: Target Archery
Step 1. Recognize that target shooting is great for all ages
In particular, it is a great way to bond with children.
Step 2. Know that target shooting uses compound and recurve bows
These bows are made to shoot arrows at targets.
- A recurve bow has one string that makes the bow form the letter "w". A longbow is a simple bow that forms the letter "u".
- If you're a fan of the Hunger Games movies, note that Katniss uses a recurve arc.
Step 3. Find a place to shoot
Most people will look for an archery club or shooting range.
- Target archery clubs can be seen by finding out where they are holding competitions. Look for shooting ranges that have arrowheads in your area.
- You can also search for clubs on the FITA website.
- If you want to shoot outside the shooting range, ask the experts for advice on how to set targets that don't harm others.
Step 4. Learn to shoot
Like anything else, archery has some tricks and habits that should be learned when you're just starting out.
- Learn from others. The best way is to get a recommendation from a friend. If you don't know who to ask, you can talk to your archery field supervisor to ask about lessons and instructors.
- Instructors usually provide equipment, so you avoid the risk of buying your own equipment before you know what you want.
Step 5. Purchase your own equipment
After a few lessons, your instructor will help you buy your own equipment.
There are many reasons not to buy equipment outright. In addition to the type of bow, you need to get the right weight and the right length of bow. You can guess what you want but a lot of people change their minds once they get used to a few things
Method 2 of 4: Bow Hunting
Step 1. Know that bow hunting uses some special equipment
In fact, some equipment will do the hunt without ever doing the actual hunt.
Step 2. Be aware that many hunters believe that bow hunting is more of a sport than using weapons for hunting
Bow hunting requires concentration and good manners when hunting.
No wonder bow-hunters tend to stick to fair hunting rules and are more likely to hunt for food
Step 3. Be aware that hunting usually requires a compound bow
Compound bows have a string wrapped around the bow with the help of a cam (a type of wheel).
- Compound bows are excellent for hunting because arrows shoot faster/further and more accurately. Compound bows are often equipped with a sight which is used as a visual aid for the archer to aim the arrow at the target.
- Compound bow hunters wear arm and chest armor, as compound bowstrings have a lot of torque (turning force) and can cause injury if you don't wear a shield. Big-breasted women often prefer to use a shotgun for this reason.
- Hunting can also use re-curve bows or longbows, but that is rare for the reasons mentioned above.
- Some hunters also enjoy using the crossbow.
Step 4. Join a bow hunting club
Hunting groups are fairly common in the US. You can go to your local hunting shop and ask if they have a club.
Bow hunters will show where they shoot. Shooting in the woods is different from shooting at the shooting range, and takes some getting used to
Step 5. Know that playing with the bow and arrow is a challenge
It doesn't matter if you shoot deer, antelope, pigs/boars or some other more exotic game.
Method 3 of 4: Traditional Archery
Step 1. Know that Traditional Archery is for the puritans
Traditional archery uses a longbow and recurve bow, but this bow uses a bit of modern technology.
Most archers will learn to shoot a modern bow at the shooting range before moving on to a more traditional bow
Step 2. The choice of traditional bow to buy really depends on personal preference
Many try to buy the most natural bow they can find. Others, will buy bows similar to the bows their ancestors used to shoot.
Step 3. You can shoot a traditional bow at the shooting range the same way you shoot your target
Method 4 of 4: Japanese Archery (Kyudo)
Step 1. Be aware that Japan has a different traditional method of longbow archery, which is called Kyudo
Kyudo has a very long bow and a very different grip compared to Western archery. Instructions are important
Step 2. Kyudo is not yet popular outside Japan like Karate, Judo and other martial arts
However, recently its popularity has increased.
- You can search for Kyudo clubs on the International Kyudo and American Kyudo websites.
- Kyudo equipment is more expensive than regular archery, especially if you want to import genuine equipment from Japan.
Tips
- Hunting does not mean doing actual hunting. It leans more towards the equipment category. (Also called "3D")
- Traditional instructors and targets are very hard to find. Try contacting a regional archery organization (via the FITA website) to find other trainers and archers in your area.
- If you can't get lessons for the archery discipline you want to enter, consider choosing another discipline.
Warning
- Don't do archery to shoot people, even if it's just for fun.
- Do not buy archery equipment without the help of an instructor.
- Be prepared to spend anywhere from $400 to $1000+ to buy the equipment you want.
