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