Tag Archives: NFAS

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.

Dec 22 2014

Happy Christmas to all

Happy Christmas to all readers and followers.

I hope you have an enjoyable festive season, with safe journeys and good weather. Good luck for 2015, may all your endeavours be on target.

2014 has been a busy year for us, with shoots up and down the country. We have visited some new grounds like Liberty and some visits to old friends like Spirit of Sherwood. Big thanks to all clubs that have hosted events we have attended, including those that spent weeks setting the Nationals and 3D courses.
Coaching has kept me busy and I’m delighted to have introduced some new people into the hobby of field archery. I’m sure they will continue to develop their skills.
I would also like to congratulate a certain young lady who I have the pleasure of being married to. Well done Sharon on winning not only the NFAS 3D championship in May but also the NFAS Nationals in Hunting Tackle class this year. I always knew you could.
This site too has grown as more shoot reports and reviews are added. I hope you have found them useful.
Thank you so much for all the support and contributions throughout this year. May I wish you all good luck for 2015.
As always thanks for reading.

Dec 16 2014

Shoot report – Spirit of Sherwood – December 2014

Spirit of Sherwood Christmas shoot

Spirit of Sherwood Christmas shoot

Seems ages since I wrote a shoot report but then again it’s been ages since I’ve been to a shoot.

Spirit of Sherwood were hosting their Christmas shoot and it was to be a wooden arrow only one. It’s a long drive for us but Karen kindly put us up for the Saturday night returning our hospitality for when she crashes at ours for Svyf shoots. Huge thanks for cooking us a great meal, camp fire stew yummy.

We hadn’t shot Spirit of Sherwood for a few years and the club has struggled recently due to forestry work taking place in their woods. Considering that they put on a great course with some clever shots using tree stumps from which you shot or on which positioned the targets. Loved the longhorn ram, looked great.

3D Longhorn Ram

3D Longhorn Ram

Our shooting group would be made up of Dave and Lynn Sabo who we had had the pleasure of shooting with before and Paul who was on only his third nfas shoot having just swapped to wooden arrows.

The course was to be a mix of 3d and paper faces set in a clover leaf formation so you would pass catering 3 times. The result was an easy flowing day with no hold ups or delays with everyone having finished and getting away by 3:30. Not bad when you consider there were over 140 archers. We were also lucky with the weather having only a brief shower in the afternoon.

First target was not a great start for me. I  blanked it,  think the lack of practice and distance judgement being to blame as my arrows flew over and under.

Second target of the day, shot off an old tree stump.

Second target of the day, Dave taking shot off an old tree stump.

There was a really relaxing atmosphere and good spirits, maybe it was the festive season or simply because everyone appeared to be having a good time.

There was an interesting moving target which was a large 3d crocodile wished I’d taken a photo of that now. Suspended on pulleys a few inches off the ground it looked really good as it slid down the slope.

Sharon won ladies hunting tackle so has another trophy for the mantlepiece. I only managed second in gents class missing out by 6 pts. Still a personal best for thirty six targets 686 despite a blank. Would like to make a special congratulations to Chris Harley who shot her first round with no blanks. Well done Chris.
Thanks for reading, have a Happy Christmas and Good luck for new year.