Tag Archives: 3d targets

Old wolf
Sep 10 2020

Original rule of 6 had nothing to do with COVID-19

Old wolf

old wolf – just because I like the photo

It was a concept I think I heard of years ago and think it was north American Indian culture from memory. though I may well be wrong. It was concerning looking at something, a problem or concept and identifying 6 possible reasons, outcomes or possible rationales for actions. Effectively expanding your understanding and perception of the activities

So, if you take this onboard I have found it very useful when looking at computer systems, working processes and from coaching. Some of the ideas might be pretty straight forward or sensible others might be more out of the box, but it is a good exercise to broaden your perspective.

To give you an example of what I mean let’s look at why someone might post something on Facebook or a blog

  1. To share their thoughts / experiences – we are social creatures and some like to share ideas, concerns and thoughts.
  2. To be seen as knowledgeable in an area – possibly when talking about specific topics or theories, often something seen in work places.
  3. To building their fan base – you see this with internet social influencers, they wish to boost their own presence or perceived standing online or in the specific area, whether they have knowledge in the area or not.
  4. They might be trying to build self-confidence – COVID-19 has seen an impact on the mental health of many and some might find posting on social media or other sites help boost confidence.
  5. Doom bringers – some come across as always wanting to be negative and pull everyone down, destroy ideas.
  6. Like to hear own voice – possible gregarious and like talking and expressing views on everything.

As I have said I have a tendency of doing this, I would say almost naturally in that I do try and look at things from multiple angles, I think partly due to my struggles with health and education over the years, from childhood and onward. I have found this approach useful when coaching archery and in my working life.

So why am I talking about this?

The last few months have not been easy for many people and the new restrictions of group sizes due to arrive on the 14th of September in the UK, local lockdowns, return to office work after working from home, and more  is affecting lots of people so my example 4 of self-confidence is possibly even more important.

Lots of people are struggling with their stress levels, physical and more importantly mental health. I know personally I have been and am struggling a bit, probably more than a bit, if I am truly honest. I miss being out and about in woods. I really miss the coaching and social interactions that come with helping people. I think that was one of the instigators of me starting the podcasts in an attempt to reach out and support people.

I started this site and more recently podcasts to share thoughts and experiences, not to be seen as knowledgeable or expert,  as the one thing I have learnt is the more you learn, the more there is to know. I have no interest in being a social influencer and despite what some think I don’t want to be negative or enjoy hearing my own voice. Yes, I often see the possible problems but this is because I want to be aware of them and have counter measures, plans or ideas to overcome them. A problem shared is sometimes a problem halved as others contribute to the solution or offer support.

So, next time when you read something, hear something or have a problem to solve, take a moment and try to note down 6 options. You might not be able to come up with 6 initially, but over time you will find you broaden your perspective. You never know it might help.

Stay safe, stay well and thanks for reading.

 

First Aid Kit
Jun 8 2020

Returning to the woods then check your kit

As many archers come out of lock down and clubs start reopening after weeks, in some cases months of closure, I expect people will be getting their arrows and bows ready.

Can I ask you to spare a moment or two and think about other elements in your archery kit.

If you carry a water bottle, then are you sure it’s clean? It might have been left unused for weeks? This makes it a great breeding ground for bugs!

Do you carry a first aid kit on your bet or maybe in the car?

Whether camping, skiing, hiking or enjoying field archery I always carry a simple first aid kit, either in my day sack or on my quiver belt. It’s nothing fancy, just a simple kit you can pick up from most outdoor stores with a few extra items, I’ve added over the years like antiseptic cream, spare micropore tape, antihistamine cream, dehydration sachets, etc. Though I have had some formal first aid training thanks to Forest Knights course, I’m no medic. There have been times I have patched a few people up and found it amazing how few people carry such a kit. It’s one of those things you hope to never have to use but am glad to carry.

I have a larger kit in the car with a couple of thermal blankets, survival bags, bandages etc. all in a dry bag.  As it has been said sometimes you hope for the best but plan for the worst. If you check out the Forest Knights site they offer advice on what is useful to include.

Since it’s the start of the summer, (even though the temperatures have dropped), I would have normally already been to the 3d championships. I use that event as a timely reminder to check, replace and refill the kit. It’s worth checking to make sure everything is within date as sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, etc. have a limited shelf life. You might want to check you have antibacterial hand sanitiser and gloves haven’t perished.

Some outdoor stores sell a refill pack for first aid kits, which is a good simple means by which to restock. One addition to the kit is a tick card, which is a small credit size card with a magnifying glass and simple prongs to help you remove a tick, though I have also got a couple of pairs of tick tweezers too as I have found the cards prongs not that good.

There has been a number of articles in the news about the spread of ticks and the increase in the number of reported cases of Lymes Disease. Lymes Disease is a potentially serious condition and here is a link to a recent BBC news article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-32429228 and another on the dangers of tick bites http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27255853

Stay safe and thanks for reading.

A course track leading up to targets 11 and beyond
May 22 2020

An absence of 3D shoot report

Some of the 3Ds decided to try and make a break for it

Some of the 3Ds decided to try and make a break for it

I hope this post finds you all in good health. I didn’t want this weekend to pass without some form of post. It’s a strange time and I have little doubt it will be seen as a strange period in human history.

Normally at this time as we approach the late May bank holiday weekend arrive in the UK, hundreds of archers would be doing their final preparation for the travelling to the NFAS 3D championships. This event would see anything between 400 to 700 archers shooting multiple 3D course. The event is far more than 2 days of shooting, it’s a major social event giving people the opportunity to see friends they might only see once a year.

For those interested I’ve included a few links to previous years events.

Shoot Report – National Field Archery Society Championships – May 2018

The madness  behind the scenes of setting a 3D champs course

Shoot report – NFAS 3D Championships 2016

Shoot Report – NFAS 3D Championships 2016 – day 2

Of course, this year things are very different. Instead of these preparations many clubs across the country are working hard, reviewing risk assessments, updating them to include factors to cover the risks posed by COVID-19. Preparing courses or ranges in the hope of being able to welcome their club members back. We are trying to work out how we can accommodate people safely, following the government and society guidelines.

For now, as always, I thank you for reading, but I feel more importantly I wish you all good health. Stay safe, stay well.