NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM Objectives You

NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Objectives You will be able to… • Show a basic understanding of the history of archery • Identify the parts of a bow • Identify the parts of an arrow

Objectives (cont. ) • Be able to identify basic bow hunting equipment • Know safety rules • Know tree stand safety rules

History of the Bow and Arrow • The use of the bow and arrow is recorded as early as 3, 000 B. C. • The Egyptians used bows shorter than a man’s height, with arrows two feet long or more. • Early bows were “C” shaped. When shooting these bows, the archer would pull the string with a ring held around the thumb. The early longbow was 56 feet in length and was usually made of yew (specie of tree).

The Bow and Arrow in First Nation Life • Native Americans were America’s first bow hunters. • The bow and arrow were intrinsic to the way of life of many First Nations groups. It is a superb weapon for stalking prey, quietly and efficiently.

The Bow and Arrow in First Nation Life (cont. ) • For many First Nations people, the bow and arrow are the embodiment of power and magic. The power to create bows and arrows was attained through the spirit world. The Omaha had bowmakers who were given tobacco and gifts in exchange for their bow-making service. The bowmaker would then make the bow, but not the arrows or bowstring; these were made by other specialists.

The Bow and Arrow in First Nation Life (cont. ) • First Nations bows and arrows varied both in the form and the materials used in construction. There are three main styles of bows: the long bow, the recurve bow and the composite bow.

The Bow and Arrow in First Nation Life (cont. ) • The form took into consideration the local environment. The woodland bow was a light bow best suited for stealth and speed when moving through the forest. On the plains, where visibility was good and arrows could fly greater distances unobstructed people had larger bows. With the advent of the horse on the plains, both bows and arrows became shorter, because smaller bow and arrows were easier to manipulate while riding.

“The Creation of the Bow and Arrow” by Joseph Bruchac

Know Your Bow and Arrow Modern bows can shoot arrows more than 200 yards, at speeds more than 135 miles per hour. Any bow can be dangerous at any range and should be handled responsibly. A bow is a short range hunting tool. Shots are usually limited to 40 yards or less, at this range arrow penetrates and can even pass through an animal. Most shots are taken at 20 yards or less.

Common Bow Types Longbow (Stick Bow): “traditional” bow, has straight limbs that form arc when strung. Used by those interested in traditional shooting with little additional equipment.

Recurve Bow: much like longbow, but limbs curve back away from belly of bow, which can provide more power in a shorter bow than a longbow. Popular choice because it’s smooth and quiet.

Compound Bow: most popular bow for both hunting and target shooting. Wheels and cables attached to limbs to make it easier to hold at full draw (pulled completely back) and able to propel arrow faster than longbow or recurve bow.

Accessories • Protect three fingers that draw bowstring, wear threefingered gloves, finger tabs, or use mechanical releases. • Mechanical release snaps on string and is pulled back with shooting hand. Archer fingers trigger to release string. • Armguard protects inner part of bow arm during release. Armguard protects bowstring from hitting loose clothing, and protects arm if arrow breaks during release.

Parts of an Arrow Four parts to an arrow: shaft, fletching, arrowheads, and nock.

Shaft: long spine of arrow. Modern arrow shafts made of wood, fiberglass, aluminum or carbon. Regardless of shaft material, arrow must have correct stiffness to match the bow. As arrow is released, shaft bends before straightening in flight. Incorrect stiffness causes arrow to fly erratically and inaccurately.

Fletching: plastic vanes or feathers on an arrow. Creates wind drag and can cause arrow to spin similar to rifle bullet, providing stability and accuracy in flight. Fletching made up of three or more vanes or feathers. One feather will be different color, and is called the “index” feather; others are called “hen” feathers.

Arrowheads: point of an arrow. Many kinds available, each with different purpose and advantage. Nock: slotted plastic tip located on rear end of arrow that snaps onto the string and holds arrow in position. Certain point on bowstring, called the “nocking point, ” where arrows are nocked.

Nocking an Arrow Nocked arrow should be positioned about quarter inch above arrow rest on bow handle. On most bows, small brass band called “nock set” is crimped onto bowstring to mark correct position.

Common Types of Arrowheads Field Tip: steel point used for target shooting and small game hunting. Blunt Point: used for small game hunting and some types of target shooting; made of steel, hard rubber or plastic.

Common Types of Arrowheads (cont. ) Broadhead: used primarily for big game hunting. Number of steel blades it contains may vary. Only arrowhead that may be used for big game hunting.

REMEMBER Broadheads take game by cutting blood vessels, unlike the high energy shock of bullets. Hemorrhage typically results. Responsible bowhunters will use razor-sharp broadheads and only take shots that allow a clear, close shot to the vital area of the game animal.

11 Steps to Shooting • • • STANCE NOCK DRAW HAND BOW HAND PRE-DRAW ANCHOR AIM SHOT SET-UP RELEASE FOLLOW-THROUGH & REFLECT

Whistle Signal • 1 whistle- SHOOT • 2 whistles- GET BOW • 3 whistles- GO GET ARROWS • 5+ whistles- EMERGENCY, STOP IMMEDIATELY AND RETURN TO SAFETY LINE

Aiming the Bow There are two main methods for aiming bows: • Bowsights • Instinctive aiming.

Bowsights work best when the distance to target is known. In hunting situations where it’s hard to know exact distance to the target, bowsights may not work well. Key to using bowsights is to practice judging distances.

Instinctive aiming is more versatile than bowsight method. Simply look at intended target with both eyes open and release. Adjust aim for different distances by instinct developed with practice. Instinctive aiming takes longer to perfect than bowsight method, but eliminates much guesswork.

Holding and Releasing the Bow Allow fingers to slip quickly away from string. This gives arrow straight, stable flight. • Keep bow arm pointed directly at target after release. If bow is jerked on release, arrow will fly off target. • Follow through by leaving drawing hand at anchor point well after string is released. • Never dry fire a bow.

Review Questions v Name three common bow types. v What are the four main parts to a bow? v What types of arrowheads are primarily used for big game hunting? v Name the process of placing the arrow shaft on the bow’s arrow rest and, with the thumb and index finger, pulling the arrow back until the string snaps into the slot.

Review Questions (cont. ) v. Name a good safety rule to follow when shooting a bow. End