The upshot? “Archery is a great cottage activity,” says Zoe Meil, the communications and safe sport coordinator for Archery Canada. She offers the following “pointers” for setting up a safe practice range.
Check local bylaws
As in all cottage fun, there may be a bylaw concerning how and where you shoot.
Get some training
Archery Canada recommends that children start out by learning from a certified coach at an affiliated range. Many archery clubs offer introductory lessons that let you try the sport without any commitment. Trained instructors go over safety and risks, show how to properly set up equipment, and teach correct shooting technique.
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Keep an eye on things
A responsible adult should be on hand to make sure everyone is shooting safely.
Choose your location carefully
Set up the target butt (which is usually foam) where no one will inadvertently enter the shooting zone, 20 to 30 metres from the shooting line. You’ll need a backstop or clear area behind the target for errant arrows.
Avoid overspending
You don’t need individual bows—universal bows can be shared between archers of different sizes and strengths. Local sport shops or archery shops are good places to get equipment advice, says Meil. Expect to spend at least $300 for a target butt, a bow, and arrows.
This article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of Cottage Life.
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