Archery is a fun and exciting pursuit, but it can also be dangerous. Knowing a few basic safety rules that apply to your equipment and the range you're shooting on can help you decrease many of the risks involved with archery. Make archery safety rules part of your regular routine.
Equipment
Before using archery equipment, examine it for cracks, frayed strings, or dirt. Any of these defects signal that the equipment is unsafe to use. When carrying or using archery equipment, never point an arrow at another person. Always keep arrows pointing downrange or toward the ground.
Visibility
Before you shoot, make sure you can see clearly all the way to your target. Do not shoot unless the arrow's path is free of people, animals and other obstructions. Never draw your bow or shoot if another person is anywhere on the range. Also, never shoot an arrow straight up, because you cannot predict where it will land.
Targets
Ideally, you'll place your targets against a raised backstop, such as the side of a hill or a wall. If such placement is impossible, place targets so that there is at least 20 feet of clear space behind them. If you are searching for a lost arrow behind a target, place your bow in front of the target to warn other archers, or have someone stand in front of the target as a warning. Never point an arrow, nock or draw your bow if someone else is on the range.
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