Field Archery
Field archery is the discipline of using a bow to shoot arrows at stationary circular targets of different sizes set at varying distances, heights and angles around a course of natural terrain.
Field archery is becoming an increasingly popular sport, with over 60,000 field archers in more than 45 member countries worldwide, and several hundred in Scotland. It is an exciting, inclusive and accessible sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Field archery has a fun and sociable community, and it encourages personal fulfilment and friendly competition.
Archers shoot over distances of between 20 feet and 80 yards at white and black targets. The distances of the targets can be marked (known by the archer) or unmarked (unknown by the archer), challenging an archer's ability to judge the range of the target. Other elements such as wind, feet placement and flight path also create challenges for the archer making it as much a sport of the mind as it is the body. Archers also shoot a variety of ‘styles’ or types of bows, which add various aides and equipment to the bow, altering the archer’s shot. The three primary styles are known as Recurve, Compound and Longbow.
Within Field Archery there are also several different types of competition that you can shoot which varies the distances, targets and rhythm in which you shoot. The main rounds an archer will encounter are referred to as Field, Hunter, Animal and Indoor.
Field and Hunter Round
There can be 28 targets (two units of 14) shot one after the other, or a 14-target course shot twice to complete the round. On a 28-target field course, each 14-target unit has the same shots, but not necessarily in the same order. Each target is hit with four arrows, for a total of 112 arrows per field and hunter round. Some shooting positions allow you to shoot all four arrows from a single marked stake; others have stakes in four different locations where you walk towards the target on each shot, or in a fan position. The distances differ depending on the round you are shooting. A typical field round has distances ranging from 20 feet to 80 yards for archers aged over 17. Juniors (13-17) shoot up to 50 yards, and cubs (9-13) shoot up to 30 yards. There are four different target faces; the larger the target, the further the target. The longest distance shot for under 15s is 50 yards, and the longest range for under 12s is 30 yards. Targets have round faces that are black and white. A perfect round is 560 points for shooting four arrows at each target. The distance between each arrow and the centre circle (or 'spot') of each target determines the score. The archer's score for that round is the total of all 112 arrows shot during the round.
Animal Round
Animal rounds are two-dimensional animal prints (usually on a sheet of paper pasted to cardboard). Distances are marked to ensure that everyone has an equal chance. This round's scoring is a little different. You mark 1, 2, and 3 with three of your arrows. When you arrive at the shooting stake, shoot arrow number one. You do not need to shoot another arrow if you hit the scoring area. If you miss the first shot, you advance to the next shooting stake and try again. There's no need to shoot number three if you've already scored. If you miss numbers one and two, go up to number three. The scoring area is divided into two sections, vital and non-vital, and scores are assigned accordingly. The scoring is determined by where you hit with which arrow. The first arrow shot is either a 20 or an 18. The second arrow receives a score of 16 or 14, and the third arrow receives a score of 12 or 10. The best possible score per target is 20, and the maximum possible score for the round is 560. The Animal round can also be shot from "unmarked" distances, which the archer must assess. In addition to 2D paper targets, "full-sized" 3D targets are becoming increasingly popular.
Indoor Round
During the winter season archers may also compete in indoor field championships which hone in on an archer's technique by stripping back the challenges of the forest our sport is accustomed to and placing the archer indoors in a flat shooting range. Within an Indoor round, archers are required to shoot 12 rounds ('ends') of five arrows at a blue and white target from 20 yards away (10 yards for younger archers). The larger ringed target is scored from 1-5 allowing archers to score up to 300 points, with the smaller targets being scored 3-5. Advanced archers may also opt to shoot a target with five separate circular scoring zones (one for each arrow) to avoid overcrowding the centre and impacting the arrow's flight, however, within these smaller targets, an arrow can only score between 3-5.
Bows
As you embark on your archery journey, you'll encounter several types of bows, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. The following are umbrella terms for the most common bow types, within which there are further distinguishing styles.
Recurve Bow: This classic design features limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung, hens the name. It's a versatile choice, suitable for both beginners and experienced archers alike. This style offers significant flexibility for an archer with various lengths and draw weights available, and a large variety of addable assisting gadgets. A style of this bow can be recognised as the type of bow shot in the Olympics.
Compound Bow: For those seeking precision and power, the compound bow further supports this pursuit. Its recognisable system of pulleys and cables provides mechanical advantages, offering a "let-off" at full draw to reduce strain without reducing power. Widely favoured in competitive archery, the compound bow offers a modern take on the archery experience.
Traditional Bow: Step back in time with the traditional bow, which includes longbows and recurve bows made from natural materials. Embracing simplicity and heritage, these bows rely on the archers skill and ability over equipment aids. Recognised for it’s iconic image as the original form of archery traditional bows offer a unique and rewarding experience.
As you explore these bow types, consider your preferences, shooting style, and goals in archery. Whether you're aiming for precision on the target range or seeking adventure in the field, there's a bow suited just for you. Enjoy your journey into the fascinating world of field archery!
