How to Shoot an Apple With an Arrow

You should never shoot an apple off someone's head.

It was the year 1307 when a man by the name of William Tell was forced to shoot an apple from his son's head with an arrow as a consequence for refusing to bow down to the imperial heads of state of the day. Being an expert crossbowman, William left his son unscathed, with the apple laid to bits on the ground. Today, being able to safely shoot an apple is just one target out of many that archers desire to conquer when growing and perfecting archery skills. With practice, you'll be able to hit small targets from varying distances, including apples.

Things You'll Need

• 4 to 5 straw bales
• Apples
• Stand or stool
• Bow
• Arrows

Instructions

1. Stack the straw bales in an open, unpopulated area. Take notice of what is behind the straw bales and around the sides of it for about 20 feet to each side. You do not want an arrow to hit anything or anyone for any reason if you should miss hitting even the straw bales.

2. Place the stand or stool in front and in the center of the bales. Put the apple on top the stand or stool.

3. Walk back 10 to 15 yards from the straw bales. Stand with your feet perpendicular to the apple so your body is facing away from the apple at a 90-degree angle.

4. Nock the arrow and let the arrow rest on the bow. Pull the bow up to face the apple. Draw back on the string in a smooth continuous motion until the string stops near your cheekbone.

5. Line the arrow up with the apple if you are shooting with a compound bow. If you are shooting with a long or recurve bow, aim slightly above the apple. Relax your fingers around the arrow to allow it to release while keeping the rest of your body perfectly still.

6. Repeat the procedure, adjusting the aim up or down or to the left and right, as needed, until you hit the apple.

Tips & Warnings

• Stance and follow through, also known as "form" is considered by many professional archers to be one of the most important aspects of aiming an arrow toward any target. The slightest bend of the arm, hesitation in the pull back or variance in foot placement will all have negative effects on the path the arrow will fly. It's better first to practice your form until each shot feels fluid and solid.

• Aiming for the apple in different weather conditions will show you how wind and temperature can affect the path of the arrow.

• Never load or draw the bow back in front of someone. Never expose broadhead-tipped arrows as the edges are razor sharp. Keep all arrows in a sheath either attached to your person or attached securely to your bow.

• Never attempt to shoot an apple off of anybody's head for any reason, to avoid serious injury, including death.

References

• Strictly Bow Hunting: History of Archery
• Compound Bow Guide: How to Aim a Compound Bow
• The Farm: The Beginner Bowhunter
• Field and Stream: How to Put an Arrow in Your Target Every Time