Archaeologists have found arrow heads that are more than 50,000 years old. Archery was used as a means for hunting, defense and survival, but it has evolved into a sport, a hobby and recreational bow-hunting. Archery can be enjoyed by the entire family, and Portland, Maine, has an abundance of clubs that are dedicated to the sport.
Schools
Unity College in Maine sponsors the Unity College Archery Club. The club comprises students, staff and faculty members. The club has built an indoor range, and it has three block targets. Equipment and supplies are provided by the club to the archers. The archers learn safety, sportsmanship, hunting and target skills. They also participate in competitions with other collegiate teams.
Hunt Clubs
Black Eagle Outfitters offers bow hunters the opportunity to participate in Black Bear hunts. Archery hunts are five days in duration and are offered during the hunting season. Black Eagle Outfitters provides the bow hunter with tree stands, ground blinds, bait tracking and retrieving of game. Prior to bow hunters beginning the hunt, they are provided bailed targets to practice on.
Ranges
The Lakeshore Archery Pro Shop offers the archer year-round indoor and outdoor ranges. Outdoor ranges are available for use during spring, summer and late fall. The outdoor ranges are in wooded areas, and they have 3-D life-size targets. Indoor ranges are offered throughout autumn and winter. The indoor ranges are bale targets set at varying distances designed to increase the archer's accuracy, stability and stamina. Safety courses are conducted for bow hunters. Safety courses in archery are required to be completed prior to issuance of bow-hunting licenses. They also provide training for the Junior Olympic Archery Development program.
Private
Old Town Archery Center Sport shop provides the archer with year-long shoots. There are more than 40 acres of wooded area with 3-D life-size targets. Archery lessons are available and designed to improve skills and ability. Archers are taught to shoot from tree stands and ground blinds. Old Town offers its archers a free tune up of their equipment by qualified technicians. It also offers archery safety courses and certifications.
Warning
An archery hunting license is required for bow and arrow hunts of legal game including deer, black bear and wild turkey. Licenses can be obtained online through the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, State of Maine. Completion of a hunting and archery safety course is required prior to being issued a license. The safety course is available online, and at colleges, sports shops and clubs throughout the state.
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