Getting Started

Introduction & Overview

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling back a bowstring, aiming at a target, and releasing an arrow. Archery is one of the oldest skills in human history, and today it is a sport that rewards patience, focus, and discipline. Whether you are shooting at a paper target in a field, aiming at a foam deer in the woods, or competing on an Olympic-level range, archery connects you to a tradition that stretches back thousands of years.

The Archery merit badge teaches you how to shoot safely, understand your equipment, and test your skills on the range. By the time you earn this badge, you will know how to handle a bow with confidence and respect.

Then and Now

Then — The Bow as a Tool of Survival

For tens of thousands of years, the bow and arrow was one of humanity’s most important inventions. Ancient Egyptians used bows for hunting and warfare as early as 3000 BCE. English longbowmen changed the course of European history at battles like Crécy and Agincourt. Native American nations developed sophisticated bow designs perfectly suited to their environments — short, powerful bows for hunting bison from horseback on the Great Plains, and longer bows for woodland hunting in the East.

• Purpose: Hunting, warfare, survival
• Mindset: Accuracy meant food on the table — every shot counted

Now — The Bow as a Precision Sport

Today, archery is a global competitive sport featured in the Olympic Games and practiced by millions of people for recreation. Modern bows are engineered with advanced materials like carbon fiber and aluminum alloys. Sights, stabilizers, and mechanical releases help archers achieve incredible accuracy. Yet the core challenge remains the same: steady your body, control your breathing, and put the arrow where you want it.

• Purpose: Competition, recreation, fitness, personal challenge
• Mindset: Consistency and mental focus — archery is as much a mental sport as a physical one

Get Ready! Archery is a sport you can enjoy for a lifetime, whether you are 12 or 72. All you need is a bow, some arrows, a safe place to shoot, and the willingness to learn. Let’s get started!

Kinds of Archery

Archery is not just one activity — it is a whole family of shooting sports. Here is a look at the main types you might encounter.

Target Archery

Target archery is the style you see at the Olympics. Archers stand at a fixed distance from round, multi-colored targets and shoot a set number of arrows. Distances range from 18 meters indoors to 70 meters outdoors. It is all about precision and consistency — putting arrow after arrow into the center of the target.

Field Archery

Field archery takes you off the flat, open range and into the woods. Archers walk a course of targets set at varying distances and angles — uphill, downhill, across clearings, and through shadows. It tests your ability to judge distance and adapt your shot to changing conditions.

3-D Archery

In 3-D archery, you shoot at life-sized foam animal targets placed along a wooded course. Each target has scoring rings on its side, and archers must judge the distance without any markers. It is the closest thing to a real hunting scenario without any animals involved, and it is a lot of fun.

Bowhunting

Bowhunting uses archery skills in a real hunting setting. It requires additional training, licensing, and a deep understanding of wildlife, ethics, and conservation. Many states have specific bowhunting seasons that are separate from firearm seasons.

Traditional Archery

Traditional archery means shooting with simple equipment — typically a longbow or a wooden recurve bow, with no sights, stabilizers, or mechanical aids. It is archery stripped down to its essentials: you, the bow, and instinct. Many archers find it deeply rewarding because every shot depends entirely on feel and practice.

Para Archery

Para Archery is competitive archery for athletes with physical disabilities. Archers may shoot from wheelchairs or use adaptive equipment. It is a Paralympic sport, and the skill level at the top is remarkable. Para Archery proves that this sport is truly for everyone.

Now that you know what archery is all about, it is time to learn the most important part — how to stay safe on the range.