Description
Archery consists of six arrows shot at each of 20, 30, and 40 yards at a 48 inch target. Conventional hunting bows, most commonly recurve, are used with no stabilizers, sights, pulleys or releases allowed. The minimum draw weight is 30 pounds at 28 inches, and only arrows with field type points may be used (no broadheads). Six practice arrows in total are permitted. Archery has been a physical event at Conclave every year since 1973. National Archery Association of the USA rules are used, although only 1/5 of the Junior American Round is conducted.
Examples
Photo Credit: Zack Ovelgonne competes in archery at the 59th Southern Forestry Conclave hosted by Clemson University. Photo by Jeremy Stovall.
Techniques
How to Find a Recurve Anchor Point
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
How to Aim a Recurve Bow
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
Traditional Archery Aiming Techniques
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How to Shoot Barebow Archery
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
How to String-Walk a Barebow
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
Gap Shooting Traditional Archery
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Equipment
The diagram below depicts the parts of a typical recurve bow. Note that some parts depicted, such as the sight, are not permitted for use at Conclave.
Photo Credit: By Accountalive (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The 48 inch targets used for this event are easier to procure by searching for the metric equivalent 122 cm target.
Photo Credit: A 48 inch (122 cm) target after one round at the 57th Southern Forestry Conclave hosted by Virginia Tech in 2014. Thanks to Courtney Williams for providing the photo.
How to Set Up a Recurve Bow
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
How to Set a Nocking Point
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Installing an Arrow Rest
Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.
Historical Context
Recurve bows have been in use for more than 2500 years. The limbs when strung curve toward the archer, and then back away from the archer, hence the term recurve. This recurve provides more energy, firing an arrow further and at greater velocity with a smaller bow more suitable for use in forested environments where the bow might catch on brush.
Archery Example Layout
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