WHAT IS FIELD ARCHERY?
Field archery is a sport that involves the archers shooting at targets that are placed at a variety of distances. The distance from the archer to the target is unmarked. Targets are usually set out in woodland and undulating terrain. Field courses are not usually set out on a flat, level field. In fact ,field courses often involve the archers shooting at targets placed at the top or bottom of sloping ground. The archers may also be faced with natural obstacles such as trees or bushes that have to be shot over or around. This all goes to present the archers with a considerable challenge. In field archery the archers usually shoot no more than four arrows at each target. The emphasis is on having fun. Archers who have previously only attended GNAS target archery shoots are often struck by the friendliness of the field archery scene. Instead of several dozen archers spread out along the shooting line all firing away in silence (as in GNAS target archery), field archers shoot in small groups of four or five. This helps to quickly establish friendships and individual archers tend to encourage each other.Under NFAS rules targets are usually pictures of game animals although three dimensional foam replicas of animals are gaining in popularity. Of course we do not ever shoot at real animals nor does the NFAS support the use of bow and arrow for hunting (it is illegal in the UK anyway).

IS IT DANGEROUS?
Absolutely not. There is a strong emphasis on safety. Every precaution is taken to ensure that accidents do not happen. Archery has an excellent safety record.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?
Club membership and insurance are very reasonable. Getting started in the sport need not be very expensive at all. The basic essentials, including a bow and a set of arrows can be obtained for about £100. If suitable second hand gear can be obtained this figure can be reduced even further.

CAN ANYONE DO IT?
Physical strength is not a prerequisite. People of all ages and physical ability can enjoy archery with the appropriate training and equipment.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The first step is to join your local archery club.Clubs can provide newcomers to the sport with training and advice on getting the right equipment. Beginners should never purchase archery gear without the benefit of advice from an experienced archer.

HOW DO I FIND MY LOCAL CLUB?
Visit our links for details of national organisations and local clubs.