Archery has become a popular form of recreation, whether for traditional target shooting or a hunting expedition to bring home a deer. It's particularly popular in Connecticut, where bowhunting is legal and licensed by the state. Two statewide associations support the sport as an ancient form of competition. Although a number of smaller archery shops have closed, Connecticut boasts several full-service vendors that can meet any need for beginner to expert archers.
Basic Sales
Hiller Sports in Norwalk sells expert hunting supplies, such as the scents used to attract deer or other wildlife. Center Sports of Columbia, in Columbia, east of Hartford, sells outdoor clothing and equipment such as canoes and kayaks. Brooklyn Trading Post and Academy in Brooklyn offers a range of bowhunting supplies, as well as other hunting implements.
Doing It All
A full-service archery shop not only sells a range of equipment and supplies; it designs and custom-manufactures its arrows and other accessories such as bow strings. Hiller Sports makes all of its own arrows, according to owner Paul Hiller. Center Sports of Columbia makes its own arrows and bow strings, according to archery manager Bill Hogan.
Lessons
A full-service archery shop usually offers lessons for all ages and levels of skill. Hall's Arrow, in Manchester, five minutes north of Hartford, offers classes for everyone from children to champion archers and expert sportsmen, according to sales associate Josh Levesque. Brooklyn Trading Post and Academy and Center Sports of Columbia also offer lessons. Brooklyn Trading Post also teaches bowhunting for the state as a required certification before a bowhunting license is issued.
Archery Ranges
Like any other sport, archery requires practice. Hall's Arrow features the only fully automated target range in New England, with 14 shooting lanes. It also has a 12-lane walk-up range and DART virtual hunting range. Brooklyn Trading Post includes an indoor 20-yard archery range.
Getting Social
Because archery is a sociable sport, there are a number of local archery clubs in Connecticut. The Connecticut Archery Association and the Connecticut Target Archers Association host public competitions throughout the year, as well as offer information about individual organizations and statewide events.
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