Bats, Balls, and Beyond

Archery can be a safe, enjoyable sport for the whole family. The best place to begin learning archery skills is at a shooting range that provides a safe area to practice and on-site experts to help give advice. The following are a few safety strategies to know before you head to the archery range for the first time.

Request a Range Tour

Your first visit to a range should include a range tour, so ask for one if it isn't automatically offered. The range instructor will show you where to stand to shoot, go over range etiquette, and give you the rundown on all the safety rules you must follow while on the range. You will also be shown where the markings are that indicate the firing lines and safety zones, as well as the protocol to follow if there is a problem or injury.

Only Aim at Your Target

Arrows can be just as deadly as bullets, so it's vital that you follow proper safety rules. The most important rule is that you never aim at anything you aren't willing to hit — even if there is no arrow nocked on the bow. This means that your bow should only ever be aimed at the ground or at your target.

Never Run After an Arrow

It's unsafe to retrieve your arrows before the range instructor has given the safety go-ahead. If you have fired all the arrows in your quiver, then you need to wait patiently until no one else is shooting down the range. Most ranges have a protocol in place for arrow retrieval, so make sure you know what it is before you step up to the line to shoot. Bring plenty of extra arrows with you so you won't have to stand around waiting for the go-ahead to retrieve the arrows you have already fired.

Practice Personal Safety

Finally, there are some things you need to do to ensure your own personal safety. Avoid wearing a watch or other jewelry that can get tangled up in your bow, as this can lead to injury. It's also recommended to wear an arm guard, particularly as a new archer, to avoid skin injury. When stepping up to the firing line, check your bow, string, and arrow for any damages before you fire. Shooting a damaged arrow or from a damaged bow can result in a misfire and injury.

Visit an archery shooting range to learn more.