The main purpose of field archery is to simulate hunting, as carried out many years ago to survive. Nowadays, hunting with a bow and arrow is illegal in the UK. For South Hams Field Archers, it is all about enjoying the sport and having lots of fun at the same time as competing against archers in the same class and style.
You may have been lucky enough to have seen Archery on the television at some time. The Archer, dressed in team colours of some description, shooting arrows at a target of known distance, across a beautifully flat field, against archers of similar ability using similar equipment. This is great sport if you like that sort of thing, but there are people within the Archery fraternity who would rather get “back to nature” and therefore indulge their passion by taking part in a spot of "Field Archery" instead!
In Field Archery, you shoot on a course set mainly in woodland in small groups (no more than four people). Your group can be made up of archers of any age, sex and ability and will also contain a variety of shooting styles. Traditional English Longbows, Olympic-style recurve bows, American Flatbows, and compound bows making up some of the styles. And this is by no means all the possible styles or types of bow. You will consequently always have a good mix of styles and archers in the group. You might even find entire families shooting, albeit they will be in different groups where there are normally no more than two members of the same family and or club shooting together in the same group!
Field courses are not usually set out on a flat, level field. In fact, field courses often involve the archers shooting at targets placed at the top or bottom of sloping ground. The archers may also be faced with natural obstacles such as trees or bushes that have to be shot over or around. The targets are normally 3D foam animals or images of animals (2D) with scoring areas marked on them, these targets come in all shapes and sizes. This all goes to present the archers with a considerable challenge which is to hit the target with one arrow. The field archer needs to judge the distance to the target: across, up (or down) hill, across water or between trees and not too thick vegetation. The archer must also take note of the prevailing weather conditions and adjust accordingly, in order to hit the target. Yes, you've guessed it, Field Archery is an all year, all weather sport! If you miss, don't panic, you just move forward to the next peg and have another go. You’ll get three shots at the target to score points. Basically, if you hit the target on the first shot, your score is higher than taking the maximum three shots.
Field Archery Clubs are found the length and breadth of the UK, and many hold competitions where all comers (NFAS Members) are welcome to shoot to their hearts’ content. Competitors are divided into groups, but compete only within their shooting style and age (Cub, Junior and Adult). If you’d like to know more about this wonderful and entertaining sport, please contact us. If you are looking for a Field Archery Club in your local area, the National Field Archery Society (NFAS) may be able to help.
The bow must be of one piece. The limb cross-section may vary from oval to rectangular. The braced limbs are to curve in one direction only from the handle-riser to the string-nock. The bow must be free of stabilisers. The handle may incorporate a cut-away of less than centre-cut to provide an arrow-shelf and the shelf may have a protective cover. Arrows must be of wood fletched with natural feather. Only the "Mediterranean" loose is permitted. No form of arrow-rest may be attached to the side of the bow. Bows must be free from any sight, mark or blemish which could be used for aiming. The belly or face of the upper bow limb shall be free from any protuberance, mark (inc. trade mark), dent, blemish, bulge, chipping or wood grain or ends of laminated pieces of distinctive appearance. Where means are used to cover up such an aid, the covering must obliterate completely and not be put on in such a way as to create an aid in itself. Nor shall there by any such aid visible at either side of the belly face. The bowstring may be of different colours as long as they run continuously and evenly throughout the string's length, but the serving shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. Brush buttons and string silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be of use for sighting or location purposes. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot. No draw-checks of any kind are permitted. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving his or her score. No form of release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used. ("Mediterranean loose" means one finger above and the middle and ring fingers below the arrow-nock.)
A bow of any draw-weight, but not a compound bow, may be used. Bows must be free from any sight, mark or blemish which could be used for aiming. The belly or face of the upper bow limb shall be free from any protruberance, mark (inc. trade mark), dent, blemish, bulge, chipping or wood grain or ends of laminated pieces of distinctive appearance. Where means are used to cover up such an aid, the covering must obliterate completely and not be put on in such a way as to create an aid in itself. Nor shall there be any such aid visible at either side of the belly face. The bowstring may be of different colours as long as they run continuously and evenly throughout the string's length, but the serving shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. Brush buttons and silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be used for sighting or location purposes. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot and the index finger must touch the nock, i.e. no face or string walking. No drawchecks of any kind are permitted. One stabiliser not exceeding the archer's draw length, measured from the mounting point on the bow, will be permitted but must not be capable of being used as a sight. The arrow support point shall not be positioned more than 2" (5cm) behind the throat of the hand-grip measured in a direction perpendicular to the bowstring. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving his/her score. No form of release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used. Bowslings are permitted.
A bow of any draw-weight, including a compound bow, may be used. Bows must be free from any sight, mark or blemish which could be used for aiming. The belly or face of the upper bow limb shall be free from any protruberance, mark (inc. trade mark), dent, blemish, bulge, chipping or wood grain or ends of laminated pieces of distinctive appearance. Where means are used to cover up such an aid, the covering must obliterate completely and not be put on in such a way as to create an aid in itself. Nor shall there be any such aid visible at either side of the belly face. The serving shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. Brush buttons and silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be used for sighting or location purposes. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot. The "Mediterranean" loose only is permitted. No additional draw checks can be added to the bow above the manufactures specification; any such draw check must not be able to be used as a sighting aid. One stabiliser not exceeding the archer's draw length, measured from the mounting point onthe bow, will be permitted but must not be capable of being used as a sight. The arrow support point shall not be positioned more than 2" (5cm) behind the throat of the hand-grip measured in a direction perpendicular to the bowstring. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving his/her score. No form of release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used. Bowslings are permitted.
("Mediterranean loose" means one finger above and the middle and ring fingers below the nock.)
In this Class a bow including a compound bow with a fixed up to five pin hunting sight may be used. A peep-sight or kisser button is permitted but not both. The arrow support point shall not be positioned more than 2" (5cm) behind the throat of the hand-grip measured in a direction perpendicular to the bowstring. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot. No additional draw checks can be added to the bow above the manufactures specification any such draw check must not be able to be used as a sighting aid. No release aids or spirit levels of any kind are permitted. The "Mediterranean" loose only is permitted ("Mediterranean loose" means one finger above and the middle and ring fingers below the nock.)
The maximum (or peak) draw weight of the prod is to be no more than 105 lbs (one hundred and five pounds). The prod can be made from any materials except aluminium alloy. The maximum distance from the front of the prod to the string latch is to be no more than 16" (sixteen inches). Minimum bolt length is to be no less than 12" (twelve inches). All crossbows shall be fitted with a bolt retaining clip. No cocking aid other than a foot stirrup is permitted. Telescopic or magnifying sights are not permitted. Crossbow archers shall shoot off hand, no rests of any description are permitted. Crossbow archers will only draw their bow at the shooting position and must keep them pointed in the direction of the target at all times whether loaded or not.
It is an offence for a person under 17 years of age to have in their possession
a.A crossbow which is capable of discharging a missile, Or
b.Parts of a crossbow which together (and without any other parts) can be assembled to form a crossbow capable of discharging a missile
UNLESS the person is under supervision of someone who is who is 21 years of age or older.
A handbow of any draw-weight, but not a compound bow, may be used. Subject to the General Rules, archers shooting in this class have complete freedom of choice of equipment. The sight may be moved at will during shooting. A sight calibrated for the course to be shot is not permitted. Attachments, knots or bands of any size or design may be used on the string irrespective of whether the use is for aiding the sighting or shooting technique. Any device or mechanism to aid in the establishment of the draw-length may be used. Stabilisers are allowed. Bowslings are permitted. No form of release aid is permitted but finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used.
A bow of any draw-weight, but not a compound bow, may be used. Bows must be free from any sight, mark or blemish which could be used for aiming. The belly or face of the upper bow limb shall be free from any protruberance, mark (inc. trade mark), dent, blemish, bulge, chipping or wood grain or ends of laminated pieces of distinctive appearance. Where means are used to cover up such an aid, the covering must obliterate completely and not be put on in such a way as to create an aid in itself. Nor shall there be any such aid visible at either side of the belly face. The bowstring may be of different colours as long as they run continuously and evenly throughout the string's length, but the serving shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. Brush buttons and silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be used for sighting or location purposes. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot. The "Mediterranean" loose only is permitted. No drawchecks of any kind are permitted. No external stabilisers are allowed. The arrow support point shall not be positioned more than 2" (5cm) behind the throat of the hand-grip measured in a direction perpendicular to the bowstring. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving his/her score. No form of release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used. Bowslings are permitted. Arrows must be of wood, fletched with natural feather.
("Mediterranean loose" means one finger above and the middle and ring fingers below the nock.)
The bow must be of wood only, straight-limbed and of "D" section with nocks of self nature or made of horn, wood or plastic and must be free of stabilisers, sights, arrow-rests or cut-aways for the arrow to rest on. Arrows must be of wood fletched with natural feather but plastic nocks and metal piles may be used. Only the "Mediterranean" loose is permitted. No form of arrow-rest may be attached to the side of the bow. Bows must be free from any sight, mark or blemish which could be used for aiming. The belly or face of the upper bow limb shall be free from any protuberance, mark (inc. trade mark), dent, blemish, bulge, chipping or wood grain or ends of laminated pieces of distinctive appearance. Where means are used to cover up such an aid, the covering must obliterate completely and not be put on in such a way as to create an aid in itself. Nor shall there by any such aid visible at either side of the belly face. The bowstring may be of different colours as long as they run continuously and evenly throughout the string's length, but the serving shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. Brush buttons and string silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be of use for sighting or location purposes. One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot. No draw-checks of any kind are permitted. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving his or her score. No form of release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as a shooting glove or tab, may be used.
("Mediterranean loose" means one finger above and the middle and ring fingers below the arrow-nock.)
A handbow, which can be a compound bow, of any draw-weight may be used. Subject to the General Rules, archers shooting in this class have complete freedom of choice of equipment. Any release aid used must be safe and not prone to premature release from any cause.
The bow must be constructed of natural materials only, preferably by the archer themselves. Combinations of wood, bamboo, horn, bone, sinew, rawhide backing, natural fabric backing, natural cable backing and other natural materials are allowed. Though natural glues and finishes are encouraged, synthetic glues and finishes may be used. Bow design and limb shape may be of any type (self, laminated, straight, pyramid, reflexed, deflexed recurved etc) but should be based upon a primitive or ancient bow type. An ancient bow design is one used 500 or more years ago, including bows that are many thousands of years old. A primitive bow may be one used today by low tech pre-industrial tribes and peoples in the far reaches of the world, though of course these may date back thousands of years. The bow must be free of stabilisers, sights, or other features unless these can be proved to be part of the original primitive bow design. Arrows must be of natural material and feather fletched. Though the use of self made shafts is encouraged commercially available natural shafts may be used. Nocks to be self nocks or reinforced with natural material. ‘Stick-on ’taper nocks may not be used. Synthetic glues and finishes may be used in arrow construction. No applied mark or other sighting aid may be used on the bow limbs or handle. No form of arrow rest may be added to the side of the bow. Arrows must be shot off the hand. Though the use of natural string materials is to be encouraged, synthetic materials are permitted. The bowstring may be of different colours as long as they run continuously and evenly throughout the strings length, but the central serving, if used, shall be of one colour. One nocking point is permitted. String silencers are permitted but no other knots or attachments in addition to the serving which could be of use for sighting or location purposes is allowed. One anchor point must be maintained throughout a shoot. No draw-checks of any kind are permitted. No archer may refer to any memoranda which could in any manner be a means of improving their score. Any form of hand loose may be used including Mediterranean, two finger, pinch, thumb ring etc. No form of mechanical release aid is permitted. Finger protection, such as shooting gloves, tabs, or thumb rings may be used. Three fingers under and string walking are specifically not allowed within this class.
A bow of any draw-weight, but not a compound bow or crossbow, may be used. The bow may be of
one-piece construction, or a 2 or 3-piece takedown. The arrow must be shot from the bow shelf or
hand, no sight, rest, or button of any description can be used. Only one nocking position is permitted
(which may be indicated by nocking points both above and below the arrow). No other knots or
attachments in addition to the string serving (excluding silencers), that could be used for sighting or
location purposes, are allowed.
One anchor point must be maintained throughout the shoot with the index finger on the nock, be it
split finger or 3 under or thumb loose. Face walking and string walking are not permitted. No drawchecks of any kind are permitted. No internal or external stabilisers are allowed (this does not
include bow quivers that attach to the side of the riser, be it by bolts or limb grippers). No form of
release aid is permitted.
No deliberate marks can be added to the bow or arrow that can be used for aiming. Arrows shafts
must be of non-wooden and non-bamboo materials, fletched with natural feather. The handle may
incorporate a cut-away of any depth to provide an arrow-shelf. The shelf, and where the shelf meets
the inside of the sight window, may have a protective cover, for example, felt, fur, feather etc.
Olympic recurves that have been altered to shoot from the shelf are permitted, but all attachments
such as clicker screws and additional bolts/screws that are not required MUST be removed.
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