You Should Know If You Are Going To Take Up Archery

Food, foul play and fun
The bow and arrow is believed to have been invented about 15,000 years ago by a race of people called the Aurignacians. And not for fun, either. The Aurignacians were hungry and they found a bow-driven shaft more efficient than a hand-thrown spear for stocking the family table. Came the early days of the Pharaohs, and the Egyptians—an unfriendly lot—discovered that the bow and arrow could be used to slaughter one's neighbors. It was thanks to the bow and arrow that Egypt conquered the Persians, who were armed only with javelins and slingshots. Some 350 years ago the bow and arrow was superceded by gunpowder as a weapon of war, and the gun-bearing peoples soon conquered the last of the arrow shooters. Since then archery has existed principally as a sport although some African peoples still use bows and arrows for food-getting.

American archery
The sport got its start in the U.S. in 1879 with the formation of the National Archery Association. Today it is one of the country's most popular leisure pastimes, enjoyed by an estimated four million men, women and children. A great many archers never venture beyond the target ranges, but others—like the Aurignacians—have discovered that a well-placed arrow can bring down animals as large as a giant Kodiak bear. In Michigan alone some 33,000 archers hunted big game last year.

Bows

Before you can shoot an arrow you have to have a bow. But consult an expert before buying one. The weight and tension of your bow should be determined by your size and strength. It's something you can't judge.

Archery is not a game of strength but of skill. Anyone has enough muscle to operate a bow. It's the way you shoot it that counts. A bow with a "pull" of 50 to 60 pounds is sufficient, with 60 to 65 generally the top pull required for hunting purposes. Bows cost up to $70, depending on type of wood, tension, and various features of construction. If you're a beginner, start with an inexpensive bow. One costing $7 or $8 will do nicely for learning.

Arrows
Hunting arrows cost about $14 a dozen. Target arrows are more expensive but can be re-used indefinitely. Aluminum target arrows run to $30 or so a dozen, but if that's too rich for your blood, good learning arrows made of cedar, spruce or fir are available for about $5 a dozen. These are best for beginners. In proper shooting form, the arrow should barely rest on the hand holding the bow when the releasing hand has been brought back beneath your chin. Once you've mastered the technique it's worthwhile to invest in a set of matched arrows. When buying arrows check to see that they have the proper stiffness for your bow.

Paraphernalia
Much less equipment is required in archery than in most other sports. Outside of your working tools—the bow and arrow—you will probably want a quiver to hold your arrows ($9 to $30), arm guards to protect against flesh burn ($1.50 to $2.25) and a shooting glove ($2.25) or tab finger protector ($1 or so). In fact any old leather glove with the fingers cut out will suffice. You may want a target of your own. Most cost from $8 to $14 but you can make one in your home from straw and canvas for much less. A stand for your target will run about $3.50. Targets will last two to three years.

Learning to shoot
To learn the correct form, technique and procedure for using a bow and arrow you must have a teacher. Books on archery may give you a good idea of how it's done, but only an instructor can show you the proper way to aim and release your arrows. The releasing hand should be tucked carefully under your chin, where you can't see it to check your form. Instruction fees of professionals usually run about $5 an hour. Two or three lessons should suffice.

Finding compatriots
Archers usually do their practicing in out-of-the-way places where there is little chance that curious bystanders will interfere. For this reason you may have trouble finding where your local archery group gathers. If you know of no club in your area, write the National Archery Association, c/o Lawrence E. Briggs, secretary-treasurer, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass., or the National Field Archery Association, c/o John L. Yount, P.O. Box 388, Redlands, Calif. They'll be able to put you on the trail of a group near your home.

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