how to start archery

[bullshitwalks]

i was wandering if i take archery as a hobby, what all will be the basic requirements, i.e. what kinda bow and arrow how and where to use them and approximate cost procuring all the stff.
thanking u all in advance.

[archer]

You will need the following

1. A safe place to shoot
2. A Bow: types
--> long bow
--> Recurve bow
--> Compound bow
--> Crossbow
3. Arrows:types
--> Alluminium
--> Carbon
--> Bamboo/wooden
Along with the arrows you will need feelpoints(arrow heads), knocks, and flethcings(feathers).
Most sites sell a set of arrows with all everything attached. they charge an additional few $s as fee.
4. Protective gear
--> forearm protector
--> Chest gaurd
--> Finger gaurd
5. Quiver

you can look at http://www.fsdiscountarchery.com/index.aspx

Gsmith has a few bows and arrows available. You could check with them.


Parag

[shikari]

Hello,
Archery can be a great hobby,My first question to you would be where are you located and do you have access to anyone wo is already into archey in your area?If yes then talk to them and see if they will let you shoot their bow to let you get the feel of it.Next would be to see what kind of bow you like and what would be the best available for you.My suggestion would be to look up samick archery .They are based in Korea and produce some good quality bows which are very reasonable in price compared to american made bows.You can literally spend as little as you want to or as much as you want to.
Shikari

[Mark]

Are there any traditional bow makers in your area? I'd suggest finding a bamboo bow in the 20-35 pound draw weight, and one dozen arrows (actually 2 dozen arrows if you have a choice because you will break and lose a few, so when you get down to 9 or so you can order more). Higher poundage bows shoot quite a lot flatter but that just really only changes the distance you can comfortable shoot at. Meanwhile, while you are learning lower poundage bows are easier both on you and also on the arrows. Hitting a rock at 20 meters may not destroy an arrow being shot by a 30 pound bow, but it would definitely be destroyed by a 55 pound or over bow. I learned with a recurve and think that a traditional bow of lower poundage is the best way to learn, then if you choose to get more involved you can get a bigger bow and quite possibly a compound. I hunt with a compound bow set at 70 lb draw weight but recommend to adults who want to learn to start first with a traditional as I have said.

[archer]

This is my normal shooting routine.
set up my target board at a fixed distance.
set up a shooting line. I normally tie a rope running across, to make sure that no one crosses the line while someone is shooting.
Make sure the area is safe and no one is in the V.
If you are shooting under someones supervision, wait for the command of ‘bows up’. DONOT LOAD YOUR BOW TILL YOU GET THE BOWS UP COMMAND.

Like any other shooting sport, your stance technique and follow through are very important. You need to stand Perpendicular to the target board, so if the target is at 9o clock, you should be facing 12 o clock( If you are right handed). Once you are given the command of bows up, move your left leg such that it faces the target. I tend to keep it at an angle (at 10 o clock position, instead of 9). Hold your bow in a horizontal position, load your arrow from the top of the bow. Make sure that you donot touch the fletchings(you could damage them). Normally there are 3 feathers, two of one colour and one of the another. The odd color is used as a marker to load your arrow.
The knock should sit under the knocking point(on the bow string) and on the arrow rest. Once the arrow is loaded, it should be steady and you should not touch the arrow. Get a good grip around the grip of the bow. Turn your bow such that it is vertical. The arrow should be parallel to the ground. get a steady stance, stretch your left hand out, use 3 fingers of your right hand. The index, middle and the ring finger. The index finger goes above the arrow and the other two under the arrow. At no point are you actually touching the arrow.

At this point your posture is critical. Make sure your upper body is upright. You are supposed to pull using your arms and not your upper body. Keep you upper torso steady. Pull the string. Donot pull with a jerk. Keep it steady. While pulling the bow, pls donot think of anything else other than pulling the bow. If you are using sights, then aim using the sights. If not, then aim along the shaft of the arrow. Once you are comfortable, release the arrow. Again, donot release it with a jerk. While releasing, keep your left hand steady. A small error is amplified at the target. Once you have shot the arrow, study it. Compensate for its positions keeping all the other conditions the same. Donot move your feet, upper torso till all your arrows have been shot.

Once you are done shooting, wait for the bows down command. First pick up the arrows fallen on the ground or that have gone behind the target board. Then the ones from your target board. While pulling out the arrows, make sure you donot twist or bend the arrow. Donot touch the fletchings while you pull out the arrows.

Then go back and fire a few more shots. You may hurt your left fore arms(due to the string) and right fingers. Depending on extent of damage, you may have to adjust your technique ie change the angle of your elbow etc.


This is my normal routine. It is something that I have developed over a few years.
Two important point to remember are
1. Shoot safely : donot compromise on safety
2. Never dry fire a bow.

Parag

[bullshitwalks]

thanx a lot guys. but i am still confused. i have a farm house where i can practice, i know nothing abt the sport at all, so plz tell me the best bow for newbies and other equipment that will be required.
and from to procure all the stuff. i live in ballia(u.p.) and no knows nothing abt the game.
plz help.
i came across an indian manufacturer , take a look
http://www.staginternational.net/archery.html

[shikari]

Are there any tribals living in your area?if there are you could be in luck as there are propably archers in their villages if not then I can try to guide you in building a bow and some arrows,if you are willing to go through the task of making yourself a bow and some arrows I can try to guide you in making a bow for starters.
Pawan

[kalashnikovcult]

Shikari ji can you pls guide me in making a bow and arrows ? i m interested too...use to make when i was a kid ..i use to take any bamboo which was flexi enough ...but those were old days ..now i need somethign serious ..i would be obliged ..

[shikari]

Kcult,check your personal messages.
Regards
Shikari

[kalashnikovcult]

thank you very much veerji ...i have also replied to you and have provided my contact details ..have u recieved it ???

[shikari]

Hi,
Have not recieved any information.

[kalashnikovcult]

hI,

there is some issue with the pm it seems ..pls if u can share yor email id ..i shall appreciate it ..

[shikari]

[email protected]

[ArcherArun]

I hope you have found some one to teach you correct Archery .
If U haven't you can learn proper Archery from me provided! if can come to Hyderabad AP . we have a full fledged private Archery range.