| The history of the archery bow is a long and storied | | | | of natural born ability are required to truly become a |
| one. Evidence suggests that it was used in ancient | | | | master. However, with a few basic instructions you |
| history in every part of the world with the exception | | | | can begin to enjoy a target shooting experience that |
| of Australia. | | | | is very exciting. There is something about that first |
| The early designs were usually constructed from | | | | time you are able to place your arrow in the |
| saplings or small branches, with the string generally | | | | bull's-eye that is not easily explained. You must |
| made of animal hide. The arrows were normally | | | | experience it for yourself to truly understand. |
| nothing more than sharpened sticks with a notch in | | | | If you are a hunter, the archery bow will add an |
| the end for the string. Specimens dating more than | | | | element of difficulty, and a challenge to your hunting |
| 50,000 years old have been found, as well as cave | | | | experience. Even with your modern equipment, you |
| painting depicting hunters using them. | | | | will get a feeling of what it must have been like |
| The archery bow was utilized for many other things | | | | knowing that all that stood between you and |
| throughout history as well. During the Middle Ages the | | | | starvation was that next shot. |
| construction improved, using a composite of bone, | | | | And for the fisherman, you can utilize the archery |
| wood and animal tendons for the string, much more | | | | bow in your favorite sport as well. You will need to |
| powerful and accurate instruments came to be | | | | check your local regulations, but many areas do allow |
| known. It was only a matter of time before it was | | | | sport fishing with them during certain times of the |
| incorporated into warfare. Its use as a military | | | | year and occasionally only for certain species of fish. |
| weapon reached its peak near this time, eventually | | | | You may have heard the old saying, "as easy as |
| being refined into what is now known as the English | | | | shooting fish in a barrel." Well believe me, unless you |
| Long Bow. | | | | are actually using a barrel, shooting fish with one is |
| Fast forward to today. Modern, compound archery | | | | not nearly as easy as it might first sound. |
| bows are the most sophisticated pieces of | | | | Ever evolving through history we have reached the |
| technology ever seen, with power and accuracy | | | | pinnacle of its existence today. But, even with the |
| rivaling that of some firearms, not to mention the | | | | use of our space age materials implemented in the |
| unsurpassed stealth no other weapon of equal power | | | | construction of the modern archery bow, the |
| can lay claim to. | | | | fundamentals have never changed. The same basic |
| If you have never shot one you owe it to yourself | | | | principles apply today as they did centuries ago. I find |
| to give it a try. These modern marvels will take only | | | | it absolutely amazing that this weapon, used for |
| moments to learn, but a lifetime to master. Steady | | | | sport, war, and recreation has so gracefully |
| hands, great eyesight, controlled breathing, and a bit | | | | withstood the test of time. |