AT HOME ON THE (ARCHERY) RANGE

Enlarge Image Image Gallery TOP FROM LEFT: A youngster learns to use a recurve bow .... Place your index finger at the corner of your mouth to provide a constant anchor point .... Bow-sight pins can be adjusted vertically or horizontally to promote accurate marksmanship .... An arm guard (also called a ""bracer"") and a shooting glove are essential .... Use a target/field point (left below) for practice, a Judo point (top left) or a blunt (top right) for field roving and hunting small game, and a broadhead point (bottom) for big game .... String the arrow directly under the nocking locator .... The versatile compound bow.

The use of bows and arrows can provide the homestead family with recreation, exercise, and more!

Even though archery has been practiced, almost unchanged, for thousands of years, recent improvements in equipment have made the sport as modern as tomorrow. Folks from 9 to 90 can enjoy this form of recreation, whose main requirement—space in which to shoot—is usually readily available to the ruralite. The activity is uncomplicated, relatively inexpensive, and provides exercise for both the muscles and the mind. Indeed, archery has been used for centuries as a vehicle for Zen. (For a discussion of this relationship, see Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel, Random House, 1971, $1.95.)

Additionally, after you've mastered the sport, you'll have the option of exploring the two major types of organized archery competition (field and target tournaments) as well as bow-and-arrow game stalking, which is often considered to be one of the most demanding and rewarding forms of hunting. Or, on the other hand, you may just want to learn a backyard hobby that you can enjoy in solitude or with your family.

In any case, getting started will involve acquiring access to a range, purchasing equipment, learning the basic techniques, and practicing.

THE ARCHERY RANGE

Your practice range should consist of a cleared area that allows you to back up at least 40 yards from the target. (If you can find a site that permits you to shoot toward the north, you'll minimize the hassle of having to shoot into the glare of both morning and afternoon sun.) The area behind the target must be open (it's best if you keep the grass short, to ease the chore of hunting down stray arrows) and must be a "safe zone" ... that is, there should be no livestock or outbuildings there. The entire range should be positioned to eliminate the possibility that a person or a pet could pop up from around a corner and in front of an arrow. In fact, safety must be your foremost consideration, because arrows can inflict serious injury or death. Therefore, use the same care when handling your bow as you would when shooting a gun!

For a backstop, stack three rectangular hay bales horizontally. Paper plates with big, black dots inked in their centers make adequate and inexpensive (especially if you recycle used ones) targets. Decent archery equipment will cost you some money, but there are ways to reduce that expense, too. You'll need a bow, arrows and a quiver, a bow sight, an arm guard, and a shooting glove. Because the bow is the item upon which you'll base some of your other purchases, and because it will be your largest initial expense (though you'll eventually spend more on arrows), decide first what type you want.