Archery: Finding Your Perfect Style

There are several types of archery styles, including target archery, field archery, 3D archery, traditional archery, and bowhunting. The best style for you depends on your interests and goals. Target archery is the most popular and recognisable form, involving shooting arrows at a target set at a predetermined distance. Field archery takes place on a course, often in a wooded area, with targets set at various marked or unmarked distances. 3D archery involves shooting at three-dimensional animal targets made of foam, designed to simulate a real hunting experience. Traditional archery involves using a longbow or recurve bow without modern stabilisers or tuning equipment. Bowhunting is the oldest style of archery and involves shooting at live game.

Target archery

Indoor target archery usually involves placing the target 18 metres away, while outdoor target archery can involve distances of up to 70 metres. In the Olympics, archers shoot at targets from 70 metres away.

The target generally consists of ten rings, with the yellow centre being the smallest and the innermost ring. Each ring on the target grows progressively larger, with the centre of the target earning an archer ten points, while the largest ring earns one point.

Field archery

The courses are often set up in forests or on hilly terrain, with targets positioned at different altitudes and distances, ranging from 5 to 60 metres. The distances may be marked or unmarked, requiring archers to judge the range to the target. This adds an extra dimension to the shot, along with factors such as changing light conditions, wind and shadows.

3D archery

In 3D archery, archers shoot one to three arrows at each target, aiming for the scoring rings. The targets are marked only in specific locations, corresponding to the vital points on a real animal. The scoring system varies depending on the competition and the target.

Competitions are held at scenic venues across the world, including the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the northern woods of Michigan. The courses are designed to test the marksmanship of archers of all skill levels, challenging them to adjust for distances, angles, and natural obstacles.

In addition to the main courses, some events feature a beginner course for youth and other novelty shots, with major prizes like a new truck. 3D archery competitions are a great way for archers to build their confidence before the hunting season.

Traditional archery

The target must be at least 20 yards away for traditional archers to step back and fire their arrows. As with other forms of archery, the objective is to strike the target as many times as possible without missing or going outside the marked area.

The two styles of bow most often used in traditional archery are the longbow and the recurve. The longbow gets its name from its length, and because of its simplistic design, it relies on the strength of its limbs. It is not uncommon for a longbow to be as long as the archer is tall, if not longer. Ancient English longbows, typically made of yew, would have a draw weight of over 100 lbs.

The recurve has long been a favourite of hunters and archers, so it is no surprise that it has become synonymous with the sport. The upper limbs curve away from the archer, increasing the strength of the bow by over 10% while reducing the length. More energy is stored in the upper limbs than in a longbow of comparable length.

Bowhunting

Large game such as bears, boars, elk, and moose are commonly hunted by bowhunters, but whitetail deer is the most popular game animal. Hunters may also pursue smaller game such as rabbits, turkeys, and raccoons. Bowhunting is a popular sport with a long history, and while the equipment has evolved, the core principles remain the same. The hunter attempts to kill the animal from a distance using their bow and arrows.

The choice of bow depends on the hunter's preferences and the specific variables of the hunt. Compound bows, with their high-tech advancements, offer increased efficiency, power, accuracy, and range. On the other hand, traditional bows such as recurve, longbow, and self-bow require more skill and are more challenging to use for hunting.

Before taking up bowhunting, it is important to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations in your area. For example, bowhunting is illegal in the UK. Additionally, there may be specific rules regarding the types of bows and arrows that can be used for hunting certain game. It is crucial to follow these regulations to ensure a fair and ethical hunting experience.

Frequently asked questions