Archery Tattoos

Archery tattoos are a great way to show your support for the hobby you love. There are many different patterns and designs that you can choose from, and it leaves a lot of room to be creative. Now, you shouldn't settle for the first design you see, you should certainly do a bit of browsing first. You also want to make sure that you choose a design that is unique to you and has an important meaning. Using a pre-made design wouldn't be recommended for your final archery tattoos, but it is a great place to start in order to get some ideas.Let's take a look at some interesting tattoo designs that might give you a bit of inspiration for your own.

Hopefully these archery tattoos will give you a bit of creative insight so that you can develop your own ideas. Archery is a wonderful sport, and if it holds a place in your heart, a tattoo is a great way to express how much it means to you. If you happen to have an interesting archery tattoo, feel free to comment and send me a picture!

Different Types of Bows

There are many different types of bows out there, and they all have their own unique characteristics. You should take a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the different characteristics of each of these bow types before you make the decision to purchase a bow. 

While they all differ in features and personality, the one thing they have in common is that they’re all extremely fun to shoot. I’m going to go over the three most common bow types and explain a little bit more about them. Hopefully by the end of reading this you'll have a better idea of how these bows shoot and which one is the best option for you and your shooting style.Let's start by talking about the three different types of bows and what exactly makes them different.

The Longbow

This is one of my favorite bow types, it also happens to be one of the oldest types of bows as well. Back in the 13^th century, this important piece of weaponry typically had a draw weight of around 110 lbs. It originated in southern Wales, and has had quite a following ever since.

Because of the way the longbow works, it puts much less energy into the arrow in comparison to other types of bows; this is the reason for the very heavy draw weight. In the hands of most new archers, you may notice that it can be slightly less accurate than other bows and that it takes a lot of skill to master. It’s considered to be a primitive type of bow, and that is why it takes a huge amount of precision to shoot this type of bow.

A lot of archers find the longbow to be very fun to shoot.

 There’s no need to slap on a bunch of gadgets and spend a ton of money to shoot the longbow, your accuracy is directly reflected on your personal skill. Traditional English longbows or Welsh longbows don’t feature and arrow rest. You shoot off of either the grip or your hand. The longbow makes for a great hunting bow and also a very fun target shooting bow.

The Recurve

The recurve bow is a very fun bow to shoot and it’s quite effective for many different applications. It is called a recurve bow because of how the limbs curve away from the archer when it is unstrung. Because of the nature of how recurve bows are created, it shoots the arrow with much more energy than straight bows.

The limbs on this type of bow do tend to have much more strain put on them, and this can make them slightly noisier than other bow types. The modern recurve bow can be fitted with a number of different attachments and the noise that is created can be minimized by a stabilizer.

The recurve has gained a lot of popularity because of its use in the Olympics. You’ll notice that the modern recurve bow has evolved a lot from its ancient counterpart. You have all different types of recurves to choose from and they will vary greatly in features in and looks. There are takedown recurves that allow the archer to swap out limbs for different draw weights. A lot of these modern recurves are also made from carbon, which can make them powerful and silent.

This makes for a great hunting bow as well as a very fun target bow. It can take quite a bit of skill to master the art of shooting this bow, but it is still considered to be much more forgiving than a longbow.

The Compound

This is one of the more modern bows that are considered to be very powerful. The compound bow was created in 1967 and it is rapidly evolving year by year. This particular bow is created using a lever system, pulleys and cams that draw the limbs back. Because the limbs are much stiffer than that of longbow and recurve bows, they are able to deliver a lot more power.

Compounds can host a number of different gadgets and enhancements that can assist in the shooting of the bow. One of the most common attachments that you’ll find on a compound bow is the peep sight, which is a magnifying scope. This can make it a very precise bow to use in hunting. Because of the nature of compound bows, they are much easier to master than recurves and longbows.

They are precise, powerful and make a great bow for hunting. You can expect compound bows to have a lot more distance as well. Compound bows will usually feel a lot more comfortable shoot to new archers, but it’s recommended that you practice. Shooting a recurve bow at first in order to hone your accuracy is recommended before you make the jump to a compound bow.

Archery is a great sport that everyone should consider, and with the various types of bows you can be certain that there’s something you can enjoy. Reading through these three main bow types, you should be able to come up with a type of bow that is good for you and your preferred style of archery. Make sure to keep safe and have fun shooting the various types of bows.

Finding Archery Clubs

Archery clubs can be a great option if you're just starting out in archery or have taken a bit of time off. These types of clubs will offer all types of benefits and it can be a great way to meet good people who share similar interests. You have many resources to choose from when it comes to finding archery clubs, and the internet is going to be your best friend. In this article I’m going to discuss the best ways to find your new archery club and what you should expect out of it.

The best way to find out about potential archery clubs in your area is through the internet. By using search engines like Google, you can likely find tons of clubs in your area. With all of the different archery resource sites and forums that are out there, you shouldn't have any problem finding reviews for the various clubs as well. Most professional archery clubs will have a website that lists their prices and also other details. Now that you have found an archery club that looks promising, let’s move on.

You should make yourself familiar with some of the club’s benefits. What type of events to do participate in? How often do they meet? What kind of shooting area do they have setup and are there any certain types of bow requirements? These are all questions that you should ask yourself when you’re looking to find a new archery club. Archery clubs offer a lot of great benefits for their members. One of the best things about joining such a club is that it offers you the opportunity to meet other archers that you may have never known were in your area. You can also get a heads up on all of the upcoming tournaments and events that are happening around you. It’s certainly a great place to network!

Yet another great perk of being part of an archery club is the fact that you’ll be improving your skills. You’ll be able to talk to archers of various abilities and get real-time tips to improve your technique. You’ll also be more likely to dedicate more time to the hobby, especially if your archery club has frequent meet ups. Joining an archery club is a win-win situation. You get to meet great people, have fun and also improve your technique.

If you are still wondering whether or not you should join an archery club, I highly suggest that you give it a try. More often than not the fees are minimal and it offers so many benefits that you just can’t find elsewhere. I wish you the best of luck in finding an archery club that you enjoy.

Archery Terms

There are lots of archery terms that are thrown about and it can be a bit confusing for beginners at first. More often than not, these terms refer to common things. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all of the archery terms that are used. This will avoid any confusing when you’re beginning to learn. The lingo will vary depending on location, but most of the terms are quite universal. So, let’s get on with it! Here is a list of the most common archery terms.

A

Anchor Point – The point where an archer rests his string while aiming. It is typically the corner of the mouth or face.

Archer – Anyone who practices archery. Also referred to as a bowman.

Archer’s Paradox – This is the common effect that is created by an arrow whenever it leaves the bow. It is the motion of an arrow when it flexes.

Archery – This is the action of using a bow to fire arrows.

Arm Guard – This is a piece of archery equipment that protects your wrist from string slap.

Arrow – These are the projectiles that are used when practicing archery.

Arrowhead – This is the sharp or pointed end of the arrow which is also known as a head, point or tip.

Arrow Rest – The area that is used to hold an arrow in place before firing.

B

Blunt – This is the type of tip that is used for hunting small game. It’s typically unsharpened.

Bodkin point – Bodkin points are a sharp arrow tip.

Bolt – Similar to an arrow, these are the projectiles that are used for crossbows.

Boss – A type of target that’s typically made from foam.

Bowman – Person who practices archery. Same as archer.

Bow – The piece of equipment that is used to fire arrows.

Bowfishing – This is a type of bow hunting that involves using an arrow with a line attached to it in order to catch fish.

Bowhunting – The action of using a bow to hunt animals. A common type of game for bow hunting is deer.

Bow String – This gives your bow the tension in order to fire a projectile.

Bowyer – A person who creates or repairs bows.

Brace – This is referring to the action of stringing up a bow.

Brace Height – The distance between the string and the pivot point near the bow’s grip.

Bracer – A type of protective device that protects from string slap. This is the same as an arm guard.

Broadhead – A type of arrow tip that is typically used for hunting

Bullseye – The centermost area of a target. This may also refer to the act of hitting the centermost area of the target.

Butts – Type of target that is made from mounds of dirt.

C

Clicker – This piece of equipment will allow an archer to determine his draw length.

Clout Shoot – This is a type of shoot where archers shoot at an arc in order to hit a flat target.

Composite Bow – Refers to a bow that is crafted from various types of materials.

Compound Bow – Type of bow that utilizes a series of pulleys.

Crossbow – Type of bow that features a stock and shoots bolts.

D

Daikyu – Type of Japanese longbow

Decurve Bow – Similar to a recurve bow, but the limbs curve toward the archer.

Deflex Bow – Type of bow in which the entire length curves toward the shooter

Drawing – The act of pulling back a bow string in preparation to fire.

Draw Weight – This is how many pounds that a bow is able to launch an arrow at.

Dry Fire – Shooting a bow without launching an arrow.

E

English Longbow – Type of bow that is typically straight and does not feature and arrow rest. Also known as a Welsh longbow.

F

Field Archery – Refers to the act of practicing archery in an open field.

Field Tip – Type of tip that is used for target practice because of its unsharpened point.

Finger Tab – A piece of protective gear, typically made of leather that is used to protect the archer’s fingers.

Flatbow – A non-recurved bow with a rectangular cross section

Fletching – Refers to the veins that are located at the end of an arrow in order to allow it to fly straight.

Flex – This is how much an arrow will bend when fired.

Flu-Flu – Type of arrow that is designed to have a shorter flight range.

Footed Arrow – Type of arrow that’s made of multiple types of wood.

G

Glove – Protective equipment that guards an archer’s fingers from getting sore.

Gungdo – A technique of archery that originated in Korea.

H

Hankyu – Relatively small bow that is native to Japan

Head – The front part of an arrow which is also known as a tip or point.

Horse Archer- Someone who practices archery whilst on horseback.

I

Index Fletching – A vein that is designated to show the proper arrow alignment.

J

Judo Points – Type of arrow tip that is equipped with spring wires so it’s easily retrieved.

K

Kisser – Type of equipment that is used to show consistent vertical draw distance.

Kyudo – Form of archery that is native to Japan.

L

Longbow – This is a D shaped bow that is typically very tall. Often times it’s as tall as the archer that is shooting it.

Loose – Means to shoot an arrow from a bow.

Laminated Bow – Type of bow that is made by laminating multiple materials together.

Limb – The upper and lower regions of a bow.

Longrod – Equipment that’s attached to bow in order to decrease vibration.

M

Mounted Archer – An archer who is practicing while on horseback.

Mongolian Draw – Technique that is used by drawing a bow with a thumb.

N

Nock- The area at the end of an arrow that is used to wedge it into place on a bow string. This can also refer to the action of placing an arrow in place onto the arrow nock.

Nocking Point – Area on a bow where an arrow nock is to be placed.

O

Overdrawn – Situation where the bow string is not long enough for a bow.

P

Plunger or Pressure Button – Type of equipment that is used in order to correct an arrows flex upon release.

Point – The upper region of an arrow. Also known as a head, tip or arrowhead.

Q

Quarrel – Type of projectile that is used with a crossbow. Also known as a bolt.

Quiver – A sleeve that holds an archer’s arrows.

R

Recurve Bow – Type of bow that has limbs that curve away from the archer.

Reflex Bow – Type of bow which has a handle and arms that curve away from the archer.

Release – Refers to when an archer fires an arrow. Also known as loose.

Rest – Region on a bow that holds an arrow in place until fired. Also known as an arrow rest.

Riser – This is the handle area of a bow.

S

Safety Arrow – Type of arrow that features a wide tip that is used for reenactments or practice.

Self Bow – Type of bow that is typically made from one piece of material.

Serving – Refers to the extra thread that is bound around a bow string in order to protect in from snapping.

Shaft – The body or tube of an arrow.

Spine – Type of measurement that refers to the stiffness of an arrow.

Stabilizer – Piece of equipment that is used to help an archer balance a bow.

Stave – A piece of wood that a bow is made from.

T

Thumb Ring – A piece of equipment that protects an archer’s thumb.

Tip – Refers to the point, head or arrowhead of an arrow.

U

Upshot – Refers to the last shot taken in an archery contest.

V

Vane – This is the fin of an arrow that allows it to be stabilized while in flight.

W

Welsh Longbow – Type of straight bow that is also referred to as a longbow.

Y

Yew – A common type of wood that is used to make bows.

Preventing String Slap

If you’re just starting out in archery, or perhaps you've been shooting for a while, you may have noticed how painful and frustrating string slap can be. There’s nothing more painful than a raw wrist that is sore from string slap. There is hope, however. If you take a bit of time to focus on form technique and using proper equipment, you can prevent the pains that come from string slap. Let’s get started!

One of the most common reasons for string slap is when archers don’t allow their elbow to curve. When you’re drawing back your bow, you should always make sure that there’s a slight crook in your bow hand’s elbow. Now, this is part of proper form, but a lot of newbies are afraid to further develop their form because of getting string slapped. So, you should always put an emphasis on using the proper form, but if you just want to prevent string slap, you should make sure that your elbow is bent until you’re familiar with the right form techniques.

Newbies will often get discouraged from furthering their archery hobby because of painful string slap. A lot of times this is because they’re shooting a heavy poundage bow that that packs a real punch. While an arm guard is a great way to prevent the pain, a lower lb bow might be a better way to further subside their fear of getting hurt. With that in mind, it’s also a good idea to learn your proper form technique with a lower lb bow, which will eliminate most risks of getting string slapped anyways. You’ll be much less worried about getting slapped and more focused on having fun.

All in all, 90% of the time string slap occurs because the shooter is not practicing proper form. Now, even the most experienced archers will tell you that they get slapped from time to time, and that’s why they wear an arm guard. This is going to be one of the most helpful purchases that you make when you’re just starting out with archery and it will save you from going through a lot of pain.

So, with that said, the key elements to preventing string slap are: proper form (specifically the crook in the elbow), using a lower lb bow (while it won’t prevent string slap, it will make it much less painful) and wearing an arm guard. I hope that I've helped solve your string slap problems. Remember, you can always make your own arm guard out of leather, or if you’re on a budget, a makeshift milk carton arm guard will work just as good. Happy shooting!

Archery Beginner Tips

If you’re a complete archery beginner, it can seem pretty overwhelming at first. We’re going to go over some of the things that a lot of beginners have trouble with at first. Once you've spent a bit of time getting familiar with the ins and outs of archery, you’ll be having a blast and hitting your target each and every time.

One of the biggest issues that an archery beginner faces is using bad form. You really can’t expect to ever be consistently accurate when you’re not keeping your form in mind. You should either research some of the various shooting techniques online, or find an instructor that will offer you lessons. You will feel much more comfortable bettering your accuracy once you've gotten your form down. Having good habits is only half the battle. So, let’s move on to the next tip.

If you're an archery beginner you're bound to choke up or feel nervous before you take your shots, and it can be devastating to your aim. You need to stay calm and relaxed at all times or else you’ll never be able to keep on target. You don’t have to be nervous at all, everyone has to start somewhere and you’re bound to miss here and there. By eliminating the nervousness and tenseness that is involved with starting out in archery you’ll be bettering your aim already!

I see so many new archers out there that feel as though they need to give their bows the death grip. I have to admit that I did the same thing when I first started out. Some people have even said that an archer with perfect form will have dropped the bow after they've taken their shot. Now, this is a bit overboard, but you get the idea. Your grip must be soft and relaxed or else you’re bound to hurt your accuracy. When you have a light grip on your bow your shots will be much less likely to jump side to side. I can’t stress how important this is!

So, now that you know a little bit more about how to approach learning archery, you should already see an improvement on your aim. Keep in mind that you won’t become a legendary archer overnight. Everything takes time and you will always be getting better, even if you’re missing your target. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and tear those targets up!

Tips for Instinctive Bow Shooting

If you’re looking to be great at instinctive bow shooting like Howard Hill or Byron Ferguson, I've got a few tips that will get you well on your way to achieving their with instinctive shooting. Some things that can help you achieve a dramatic increase in accuracy and precision are: using a proper nock point, developing and using consistent and proper form and also determining and using your dominant eye. After using some of the tips I’m about to mention, you’ll start to realize that everyone has the ability to maintain accuracy with instinctive shooting.

If you've been facing some accuracy issues when trying to practice instinctive bow shooting it may be because you’re not using a proper nock point. When you’re nock point varies, your shots are going to vary as well. By using consistent equipment, you’ll be ensuring that your shots are landing right where you want them to, every time. Another reason why you want your equipment to stay consistent is because it will allow you to develop a proper feel for your bow. Now that you know the importance of maintaining consistent equipment, let’s move on to proper form.

Every professional archer will tell you that instinctive bow shooting is all about fluent motions. Developing a proper flow of motions will allow you to stay familiar with targets at varied distances and in varied conditions. You will be much more accurate as your body will be comfortable with executing the shot. This is a necessity when you’re dealing with moving targets, such as when you’re hunting. Let’s take your accuracy even further by developing a proper aiming technique.

In order to hit those tricky shots every time, you must be using your dominant eye. You can determine which eye is dominant by taking your finger and pointing to an object in the distance. Close each of your eyes alternately. One eye will show your finger slightly to the left of the object you’re pointing at and the other eye will show your finger in the same position. The eye that shows your finger in the same position is considered to be your dominant eye.

Now that you know some of the concepts behind instinctive bow shooting, it’s time to get out there and start having some fun! You’ll be surprised by how much your accuracy will increase just by using a proper nock point, executing fluent motions and using your dominant eye. So, get out there and put these tips to use!