Archery 101
Chuck Holloway

The sport of archery requires the participant to invest a certain amount of money and time to research and purchase equipment. If you are just starting out and do not want to purchase equipment you can usually rent archery supplies from archery clubs or ranges. It is not recommended to practice archery outside of the archery clubs and ranges due to the imposing threat and danger the sport could cause.

Archery requires a variety of different equipment, first and foremost, the bow. Sporting good retailers often carry a healthy variety of bows, the most popular types include the recurve bow, the longbow and the selfbow. There are also more modern bows that are available for purchase, such as a semi-automated crossbow. Personal perference and skill level should be the main determining factor in your purchase. You should also consider what the bow will be used for - archery competition or hunting? The more traditional bows, longbow, recurve, and the selfbow, are usually used for both competition and hunting.

Another piece of equipment that is needed when starting out is the arrow. Arrows are reusable and are relatively inexpensive. If the arrows are being used for competition they should last quite a long time, whereas with hunting it might be difficult to locate an arrow once it has been fired. It is strongly advised that you discard any arrow that has struck an animal.

After you have purchased the two main components of archery you are now ready to discover some wonderful add-ons that can help to improve your skill. The stabilizer was created to help you maintain your balance and aim when shooting from a great distance. When shooting archery, many variables come into play to ensure you make a great shot. The archers pre-shot preparations are the determining factor in a successful shot. The stabilizer will definitely help to maintain a steady aim which can help in stressful competitive situations.

Other items that are needed to become a great archer are the targets, gloves and arm guards, and a quiver. Targets are generally used to practice shooting the bow and arrow and can help to greatly improve your skill. The gloves and arm guards serve as protection against the force of the string when it is drawn back. And the quiver will provide a comfortable place for arrow storage.

Alot of equipment is used in the sport of archery. Once you have honed your skill it is up to you to determine what equipment suits your personal style. Archery is more than just a game or a hobby... it's a way of life!

Chuck Holloway is an avid archery fanatic with 18 years of hunting experience. He is a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club and an active member of the NRA. Chuck has a strong passion for the outdoors and enjoys capturing the details of the hunt in his journal.