Bows and arrows have served as both hunting tools and weapons for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to English longbowmen and up to the present day, traditional archery techniques and equipment have remained largely unchanged. Whether for target shooting or hunting, the traditional bow-and-arrow remains the most natural form of archery.
Bow
Choosing a wooden bow is the most important decision you will make. Bows come in various types, including recurve bows, longbows and Indian-style flatbows. Quality and price vary greatly, so select yours carefully. Try to handle, draw and fire as many varieties as possible prior to purchase. The bow that feels good in your hands is likely to be a good final choice. Pay particular attention to the weight of the bow and the style of grip, and string it with a high-quality bowstring.
Arrows
Most traditional bowmen use wooden arrows fletched with feathers. It is possible to use arrows with carbon-fiber or aluminum shafts, but wooden arrows are more authentic and tend to work better with traditional bows. You choice of fletching is important. According to the Traditional Archery Info website, no matter what type of arrow you use, it needs to be fletched with feathers and not plastic vanes. Feathers slide smoothly past the bow when released, whereas plastic vanes tend to clip the bow, reducing accuracy.
Quiver
Quivers, for carrying your arrows, are available in three common types. Traditional leather quivers strap over one shoulder and rest on the archer's back. Less-expensive belt quivers are not be able to carry as many arrows. Bow quivers attach to the bow itself and generally carry four to eight arrows.
Shooting Glove or Tab
An archer protects his drawing fingers by using a shooting glove or a finger tab. You can wear a full leather glove or a specialized skeleton glove that covers only your drawing digits. Alternatively, protect your fingers from the bowstring by attaching a small leather finger tab to your drawing finger. Gloves and tabs are not expensive, so you can try both and to determine which you prefer.
Bracer
Bracers, also known as arm-guards, protect your forearm from the snap of the bowstring after release. They are optional equipment but are worth consideration. A slap from a bowstring can leave a nasty bruise. Bracers are available in a range of styles and materials, from expensive leather guards to cheaper vinyl protectors.
References
- Traditional Archery Info: Traditional Archery Equipment Needs
- "Beginner's Guide to Traditional Archery"; Brian J. Sorrells; 2004
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