What Is Archery and Bow Hunting — Explaining To Kids. (2023)

Ryan Haris
7 min readApr 10, 2023

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Archery is a sport that involves using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. It can also be used for hunting game, which is known as bow hunting. Thanks to https://bowmastery.com for allowing us to access archery range in Texas, USA and helping kids explore this game.

There are different types of archery and bow hunting, each with its own unique characteristics and equipment. Here are some of the most common types:

Target Archery: This is the most popular form of archery and involves shooting arrows at a stationary target. Target archery is often used for competition and is practiced both indoors and outdoors.

Target archery is a game where you use a special bow and arrow to shoot at a target. The target is like a big circle with different colors on it. Your goal is to shoot your arrows as close as possible to the center of the target, which is worth the most points.

bulls eye shot at archery range

It’s like playing a game of darts, where you throw darts at a board with different sections worth different points. You want to aim for the bullseye, which is in the middle of the board and worth the most points.

Another game that’s similar is called ring toss. In ring toss, you throw rings at a pole with different levels of rings worth different points. You want to aim for the smallest and highest ring, which is worth the most points.

In target archery, you use a bow to shoot arrows instead of throwing darts or rings. It takes a lot of practice to get good at it, but it’s a fun game to play and can be done indoors or outdoors.

So, that’s target archery! It’s a game where you shoot arrows at a target to try and get the most points, just like playing darts or ring toss.

Field Archery: Field archery involves shooting arrows at targets placed at various distances and angles in a natural outdoor setting. The targets may be placed on hillsides, in trees, or in other natural settings to simulate hunting scenarios.

Field archery is a game where you use a special bow and arrow to shoot at targets that are set up in a natural outdoor setting. It’s like playing a game of hide-and-seek, but with targets instead of people.

Imagine you’re playing hide-and-seek in a big forest or park with your friends. Instead of finding your friends, you’re trying to find targets that are hidden in the trees or bushes. When you find a target, you use your bow and arrow to shoot at it.

The targets in field archery are often different shapes and sizes, and they can be placed at different distances and angles. It’s like playing a game of mini golf, where you have to hit a ball into a hole, but instead of a ball and a hole, you have a bow and arrow and a target.

Field archery can be a fun way to explore nature and practice your archery skills. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.

So, that’s field archery! It’s like playing hide-and-seek or mini golf, but with a bow and arrow and targets set up in a natural outdoor setting.

3D Archery: This type of archery involves shooting arrows at life-size targets of animals placed in a natural setting. It is often used for hunting practice or competition.

3D Archery is a game where you use a special bow and arrow to shoot at life-size targets of animals that are set up in a natural outdoor setting. It’s like playing a game of pretend, where you get to pretend to be a hunter in the wild.

archery range visit

Imagine you’re playing a game of dress-up, but instead of putting on costumes, you’re using a bow and arrow to shoot at animal targets. The targets can be set up in different poses, such as a deer that is standing or a bear that is sitting down.

It’s like playing a game of “Simon Says,” where you have to follow the instructions and do different poses, but instead of poses, you have to shoot at the animal targets. You want to aim for the target’s vitals, which are the areas where you would aim if you were really hunting.

3D Archery is a fun way to practice your archery skills and learn about different animals. It’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

So, that’s 3D Archery! It’s like playing a game of pretend, where you get to use a bow and arrow to shoot at life-size targets of animals set up in a natural outdoor setting.

Traditional Archery: Traditional archery is the practice of using a recurve or longbow without any modern accessories such as sights, stabilizers or release aids. It is often seen as a more challenging form of archery, requiring greater skill and practice.

Traditional archery is a game where you use a special bow and arrow that is similar to the ones that were used a long time ago. It’s like playing a game of “cowboys and Indians,” but instead of using pretend guns, you’re using a bow and arrow.

Imagine you’re playing a game of “cowboys and Indians” with your friends. Instead of using toy guns, you’re using a special bow and arrow that looks like the ones that were used a long time ago. You want to shoot the arrows as accurately as possible at targets or even imaginary enemies, just like the cowboys and Indians would aim their guns at each other.

It’s like playing a game of “throwing sticks,” where you throw sticks at targets or each other, but instead of sticks, you’re using a bow and arrow. You want to aim for the targets and hit them as accurately as possible.

Traditional archery is a fun way to learn about history and practice your archery skills. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and have fun with friends.

So, that’s Traditional Archery! It’s like playing a game of “cowboys and Indians” or “throwing sticks,” but instead of using toy guns or sticks, you’re using a special bow and arrow that looks like the ones that were used a long time ago.

Compound Bow Hunting: Compound bow hunting involves using a bow with a series of pulleys and cables that make it easier to draw and hold the bowstring. It is often used for hunting game and is known for its accuracy and power.

bow hunting by hiding behind broken tree using a compound bow.

Compound bow hunting is a type of hunting that involves using a specialized bow called a compound bow to hunt animals. This type of bow uses a system of cables and pulleys that help reduce the amount of force needed to pull the string back, making it easier to hold the bow steady and aim accurately.

When hunting with a compound bow, it’s important to have good aim and be patient, waiting for the right moment to take a shot. It’s like playing a game of “big game hunting,” where you’re trying to take down a large animal like a deer, elk, or moose. The goal is to aim carefully and shoot the animal in a way that will result in a quick and humane kill.

It’s important to note that hunting with a compound bow is a serious and challenging activity that requires proper training and experience. It’s important to always follow local laws and regulations, respect the environment and wildlife, and practice responsible and safe hunting techniques. Additionally, ethical considerations are also important, as hunters should always strive to minimize suffering and make use of the animals they hunt, whether it be for meat or other resources.

Crossbow Hunting: Crossbow hunting is similar to compound bow hunting, but it uses a horizontal bow mounted on a stock. It is often used for hunting larger game and is known for its power and precision.

Crossbow hunting is a type of hunting that involves using a specialized bow called a crossbow to hunt animals. This type of bow uses a horizontal limb assembly mounted on a stock that shoots arrows called bolts. It is similar to a traditional bow but can be easier to aim and shoot because it has a trigger and stock like a rifle.

When hunting with a crossbow, it’s important to have good aim and be patient, waiting for the right moment to take a shot. It’s like playing a game of “big game hunting,” where you’re trying to take down a large animal like a deer, elk, or moose. The goal is to aim carefully and shoot the animal in a way that will result in a quick and humane kill.

It’s important to note that hunting with a crossbow is a serious and challenging activity that requires proper training and experience. It’s important to always follow local laws and regulations, respect the environment and wildlife, and practice responsible and safe hunting techniques. Additionally, ethical considerations are also important, as hunters should always strive to minimize suffering and make use of the animals they hunt, whether it be for meat or other resources.

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