If your hobby is archery, you might want to play in your own yard instead of on a shooting range with an instructor. Archery is a safe sport if you observe simple safety rules and use common sense. Be aware of where you and other shooters are at all times, take good care of your equipment and be careful when handling the sharp arrows.
Shooting
Aim only at your target. Common sense indicates that you should never point your arrow toward another person; even if you don't intend to let the arrow go, you could slip, or the person could injure himself trying to get away from a perceived shot. Don't shoot straight up in the air because the arrow will return and could hit you or someone else. Also never shoot into the woods or into an area that you can't see.
Stay Visible
If you need to go into a hidden area to look for your arrow and other people are shooting, try to have someone stand guard to let other shooters know that you are in the area. If you need to go behind a target to retrieve an arrow, wait until everyone is done shooting, then ask someone to stand in front of the target to guard the area and let others know that you are there. If you don't have someone else with you, prop your bow up in front of the target to discourage someone else from shooting toward it.
Care For Your Equipment
Never shoot a bent or cracked arrow. Its trajectory might not be straight or it could suddenly break, and you could hurt yourself or someone else. Break it in half so you don't forget and use it. If your bow is cracked, bent or twisted, take it to a professional to be checked before you use it to avoid injury. Check the bowstring before each use and don't overdraw it.
Collecting Arrows
Wait until others have finished shooting before going to collect your arrows from your target. Walk, don't run, because arrows are sticking out of the target and you could trip or run into them, causing injury. Make sure that no one is standing near you when you pull your arrows out, and don't pull them directly toward yourself. If you are shooting with someone else, you should take turns pulling your arrows out to avoid injuring each other.
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