Things You'll Need:
- Archery Sites
- Archery Arm Guard
- Archery Arrows
- Archery Bows
- Archery Gloves
- Archery Quivers
- Archery Targets
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Step 1
Choose an arm guard to protect your inner forearm from the snapping string. Excellent leather guards with elastic straps are available at many sporting goods or hunting stores - or you can use a small piece of cardboard with some heavy rubber bands to save money.
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Step 2
Decide on a method of finger protection. Not only does finger protection guard your fingers from the string, but it also allows the string to slide smoothly off your fingers. Choose from a full shooting glove (a glove with reinforced fingers), an archery glove (a glove with only fingers), or an archery tab (a small, stiff piece of leather that covers only the string and arrow nock). Gloves are easier to use than the tab, but the tab is definitely cheaper.
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Step 3
Buy only a few arrows at first, ideally purchasing several different types of single arrows from the racks. Beginning archers lose and break many arrows, so this will give you a chance to figure out what you like best. Once your shots consistently land on the target, go ahead and buy a full set of whichever arrow type works best for you and your shooting purposes. For a skilled archer, identical arrows are important: every little factor affects each shot, so having the same arrow each time allows you to make more critical adjustments.
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Step 4
Choose a quiver. This is not an essential device, but it sure makes life easier. Hunters usually prefer a quiver mounted on the bow, while target archers like either a ground quiver or one for the belt or back. Avoid sticking your arrows into the ground.
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Step 5
Buy or make targets (see "How to Make Archery Targets) and set up a range (see "How to Set up an Archery Range".) Now you're ready to start shooting.
Comments
erling said
on 2/20/2009 I agree with bowfreak050. While I have nothing against compound bows, I find traditional archery to be much more enjoyable. Not as many mechanizations and devices that get in the way of you and the bow. When it's just you and a good ol' trusty bare bow, it almost becomes an extension of yourself.
bowfreak050 said
on 2/10/2007 im using a recurve and i think personally that compounds are for people that need sights to hit something also i dont use any padding for fingers it actually makes callusses( sorry i dont know hot to spell) it does hurt at first but then you dont feel it also its actually(again cant spell) becomes easeir to pull it uses more muscles ssorry if im putting you guys down but thats just my opinion im not trying to pesuade people to do it my way i just think they should have some suggestions and try each one to see what works for them
poopfungus said
on 1/12/2007 i have a release and its made to use by either tapping trigger or holding it down and releasing to open.. so you have to hold the trigger back when using the second method.. it feels more natural too.. like with your fingers, when you just let go..
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you use a mechanical release you should never draw the bow back with your finger on the trigger.
Also, you can use your jawbone as an anchor point for consistent shots.
Anonymous said
on 3/8/2006 If you shoot a compound bow, I would highly suggest that you use a trigger or mechanical release. It helps you release the string the same way every time, making your shots consistent. Also, if you shoot compound bows this also helps if you are hunting. When you pull the bow back drop your arm, that is holding the bow down a few inches. This makes it so that you do not have to use an arm guard.