BOW-AND-ARROW CAN HUNTING

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Hunting throwaway cans with a bow and arrow is an enjoyable way to sharpen your target eye, while—at the same time—cleaning up some of the trash that mars the beauty of your local landscape. (And, unfortunately, it's likely that careless drinkers of canned liquids will always provide you with plenty of "game" to pursue.)

CALL OUT, "TARGET!"

The sport is easy to play. Two archers stroll, side by side, along a can-littered roadway or trail. The first person (designated here as No. 1) to spot an offending beer or soda can calls out, "Target!". Both shooters stop, and No. 1 takes a shot. If a hit is scored, he or she retrieves and bags the container (in a garbage sack, say), tallying one point. If the shot is a miss, the second person advances three paces, takes aim, and lets fly at the can. If No. 2's arrow is also off the mark, it becomes No. 1's turn to take three steps forward and—once again—have a shot. This continues until one or the other nails the trophy. (Naturally, the archer who garners the largest number of empties wins the round.)

The game can be played like horseshoes, too . . . as in "close wins the point". In this variation, the archers stand side by side to loose their arrows. The shooter whose shaft strikes closest to the target bags the can . . . and is also allowed to take the first shot at the next empty.

Either variant of the contest can be played to a set time limit—two hours, for instance—or until both shooters get tired of lugging cans around and agree to quit. Bets on who will nail the first or the largest number of containers—plus side wagers on who will hit a given target first—can (for those who enjoy such added "spice") enhance an interesting afternoon of trash pickup.

Finally, the sport can become even more competitive when approached as a team undertaking . . . in which pairs of archers carry the contest along different roads and trails, then return to "base camp" to count their booty and hold an awards ceremony.

THE PAYOFF

Whatever the rules and rewards, can hunting might prove somewhat costly in terms of damaged shafts (it's best to use low-priced or well-worn arrows . . . fitted with blunt, target, or "Judo" tips). Even so, it's an enjoyable, worthwhile, and relatively inexpensive form of recreation. And what's more, you can recoup some of the cost by trundling your sacks full of aluminum beer and soft-drink containers to the nearest recycling center . . . where the empties can be exchanged for cash!

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