7 Ways to Enjoy Archery
As a great lifelong sport that can be enjoyed by all, archery introduces you to new people while exercising your mind and body. Although it might not seem versatile to newcomers, you’ll soon learn the many ways there actually are to participate in the beautiful sport of archery.
Here are just a few ideas to add variety to your archery routine:
1. Indoor Archery
Indoor archery lets you shoot regardless of the conditions outside. When winds howl and snow is falling, you don’t have to skip practice. Our state-of-the-art indoor archery range just outside of Brantford keeps archers shooting for all seasons.
2. Archery Leagues
Leagues offer great ways to connect with other archers with many bow shops and ranges hosting them year-round. Formatted in different ways, most leagues offer weekly competition for several months and provide a gentle introduction to competitive shooting because they are not as serious as certified tournaments. Popular league formats include team, youth, indoor, outdoor, women and traditional.
Whatever your skill level, you’ll improve further when participating in a league. The biggest benefit, however, is meeting new people and making new friends. You’ll meet like-minded archers who have fun participating in a sport they love.
3. Outdoor Archery
Shooting outdoors offers different challenges. Targets are set at longer distances, and the sun, wind and temperatures affect your performance. Many clubs and shops maintain an outdoor range during warm-weather months.
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Why not take your bow and arrow into the great outdoors?[/caption]
4. Field Archery
If you love hiking and spending time outside, try field archery. Archers shoot at stationary bullseye targets throughout the woods at varying distances, which is part of field archery’s challenge. Some courses don’t mark the targets’ distances and don’t allow range-finders, so you must learn to estimate ranges.
5. 3D Archery
Similar to field archery, 3D archery consists of shooting at 3D foam plastic animals rather than paper targets with a bullseye. It’s important you use a bow you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a compound or traditional bow. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring snacks, water, sunscreen and bug spray.
It’s also smart to err on the side of caution and bring plenty of arrows. It’s fun to launch arrows 100 yards at that Bigfoot target, but be prepared to lose the arrows that miss.
6. Archery Clubs
Archery clubs connect people seeking camaraderie. Clubs give you instant access to friends, expert advice and shooting opportunities.
Don’t be intimidated, especially if you don’t have many archery buddies. Clubs welcome archers of all levels! They want to grow the sport and enhance the experience for everyone. The atmosphere is social and informational allowing you to get great tips and tricks from experts.
7. Bowfishing Archery
Bowfishing can test your skills during spring and summer months. You can shoot from boats, shorelines, or even paddleboards. Before going, learn your area’s seasons and regulations.
You’ll need some special gear like a bowfishing reel, arrow and retrieval line, all available at your local hunting goods store, Triggers and Bows. It’s also important that you know and understand the safety procedures, fish identification and what to do after landing your catch.
Sometimes there’s nothing better than unwinding after a long day by shooting some arrows and hitting that bullseye. If you have questions about expanding your bow-and-arrow opportunities, or you’re ready to try one of the above exciting archery adventures, give us a call at 519-449-1001 or stop by and check out our indoor archery range located in Burford, Ontario.