Tag Archives: instinctive archery

Mar 30 2015

Shoot report – Lyme Valley – March 2015

Lyme Valley

Lyme Valley 2015

Lyme Valley is one of our favourite shoots, but getting there was a pain this year with motorway traffic and some very inconsiderate driving which nearly saw us in an accident. Fortunately we escaped, though the car didn’t as we now have a sizable chip in the windscreen, but could have been much worse.

As its name suggests Lyme Valley club’s ground are situated in a steep sided, narrow valley not far from Stoke on Trent. You can read a previous shoot report here.

First Target of the day

First Target of the day – very small at this distance

The course was a mix of 3d and paper faces with 36 targets in all. Our group besides Sharon and myself would be made up of Mark, David and Wendy all shooting longbows.

Mark drawing arrows from our first target

Mark drawing arrows from our first target

Thankfully the weather was dry and mild as Lyme Valley paths can  be very slippery when wet. (Treacherous is a phrase that has been used in the past )
As it was it felt a very long day, possibly because it was a challenging course which meant more second and third arrows by those present. We were waiting on nearly all the pegs for the group in front to finish because they had been delayed. I think the delays were all along the course which  meant that the day didn’t feel like it flowed.

Another 3D target

Another 3D target – Grizzly Bear

Due to the geography of the grounds Lyme Valley have a lunch break at 12:30 and as luck would have it were at the opposite end of the wood when it started which made for a long walk out for lunch and an equally long walk back for the restart.
I think a few strategically placed bosses would have saved a few broken arrows and might have speeded the day up.

Sharon shooting a small 3D deer

Sharon shooting a small 3D deer

There were some nicely set targets, with a couple in the field which made for a bit of variety.
There were quite a few shots framed between the trees which many archers struggled with not just me. Most notably the large cobra which was a talking point for many.

As luck would have it we both came back with all our arrows but I know several people didn’t. Though Sharon didn’t feel she shot well she won ladies hunting tackle. I’m still struggling with the flat bow though and need to get my head and heart sorted.

3D fish was our last target of the day.

3D fish was our last target of the day.

Due to traffic and road works on the motorway it proved a long, slow drive home but fortunately with less idiotic driving by fellow road users.
Thanks for reading.

Jan 5 2015

Literature Review – Bow International Issue 96

So here is a literature review with a slight  difference, rather than a book, this time I’m writing a review of an archery related magazine. Bow International.
Bow International

Bow International

I picked up a copy of this magazine as I was curious about its content. It had always struck me as a magazine targeting non field archers. I know a number of friends who shoot both target and field who read it, but I had never picked up a copy of my own. I’ve only thumbed through their copies. As is the norm now with such publications and  the internet I  had  viewed their website looking at some of their archive material.
The magazine itself is available via mail order or from the larger newsagents being full colour and a very professional appearing publication.
In this issue I knew that Alex Tyler  had written a review of the NFAS Nationals and Jim Kent had also written an article.
I enjoyed Jims article ‘A kind of magic’ (page 44), being a thought provoking one on instinctive archery, which goes a long way to capture what some of us instinctive archers feel when shooting.
Readers of this blog and others might have heard of Jim as he presents Merlin Archery Adventures.

Instinctive archery

Instinctive archery

Alex is a great photographer and is well known as the official NFAS photographer for all the national championships. She is also a good author, see page 48 for proof of this in her very easy to read article on the National Championships.

National Champship article

National Championship article

Whereas the magazine covers more than field archery I found it an interesting read as a field archer.  I think those interested in the latest developments with archery related technology and international tournaments will find it an interesting read. Personally I would like to see more on field archery, possibly reviews of field bows and equipment or 3D targets.
In all though I found it an interesting read and  I’ve purchased a 12 months subscription as a bit of a Christmas gift to myself.

As always thanks reading and happy new year to all.

Jul 31 2014

Merlin archery adventures – instinctive archery

One of the blogs I follow is Archery Adventures which recently became Merlin Archery Adventures. (http://archeryadventures.tumblr.com/)
Written by Grizzly Jim, it covers articles on equipment and other things of interest to the archery community. One such post that caught my eye recently concerned instinctive archery.I believe I shoot Instinctively, I don’t gap shoot and don’t have sights on my bows. My head tells me where to aim and I draw up. I sometimes get asked how far do you think a shot is and my normal reply is don’t know and I lift my bow arm and say about there.
The fact I don’t gap shoot or consciously know what my point on is surprises many of my archery friends.

I remember talking to one of my fellow club members Stephen a few months back. He was  saying how his point on was I think 43 yards with his new bow. Stephen then asked what mine was. My reply I think surprised him when I said I didn’t know. We went to the range and he had me shoot a few arrows and I explained that when I draw up I’m not looking at the arrow point and barely conscious of the arrow shaft. Instead I’m focused on the target and the spot I want to hit.
This may sound strange especially coming from a coach but it is the way I feel comfortable to shoot.
I just know when I get to a shooting peg and view the target I need to either “aim” below if it’s close,  at it if medium distance or above if further away.
Or as someone once said to me.
“Aim for below the belly, the belly or the rider on top.”
By the way,  some of you may not be familiar with what point on is so here is my definition of point on.
It is the distance at which if you have your arrow tip on the centre of the target when at full draw and released your arrow, the arrow would land in the centre of the target.  Exactly where the arrow tip had been at the point of aiming.

Point-On — The measurement of distance a given bow and arrow will shoot when an archer sights the tip of his arrow upon the point of aim and hits that target. (http://www.tradbow.com/public/Glossary-of-Archery-Terms.cfm)
Gap shooting is another process that some use. The archer judges the distance and knows through practice that at say 24 yards thet have to aim 4 inches below where they need to hit. That’s the gap above or below the target the archers aiming for
In reality I think most people are somewhere between instinctive and gap shooters. Next time you are out shooting give it some thought and ask your fellow archers.

As always thanks for reading and if you get the chance check out his blog.