So, you're thinking about diving into the world of barebow field archery competitions? Awesome! It's a fantastic discipline that blends skill, strategy, and a whole lot of fun. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from understanding the rules and equipment to preparing for your first competition. Get ready to unleash your inner archer!

What is Barebow Field Archery?

First things first, let's break down what barebow field archery actually is. Unlike Olympic recurve or compound archery, barebow is all about simplicity. You're using a recurve bow, but without all the fancy sights, stabilizers, and other gadgets. Think of it as a more traditional and instinctive form of archery. In barebow field archery, archers navigate a course set in a natural outdoor environment, shooting at targets of varying distances and sizes. These courses often include uphill, downhill, and angled shots, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement. The essence of barebow lies in the connection between the archer and the bow, relying on feel, technique, and a whole lot of practice.

Barebow Equipment Essentials

Now, let's talk gear. While barebow is all about simplicity, having the right equipment can make a huge difference. Here’s a breakdown of the essential items you'll need:

The Bow

The heart of your barebow field archery setup is, of course, the bow itself. A recurve bow is the name of the game here. When choosing a bow, consider the following:

• Draw Weight: This is the amount of force required to pull the string back to your anchor point. It's crucial to choose a draw weight that you can comfortably and consistently handle. Starting with a lower draw weight and gradually increasing it as your strength and technique improve is generally recommended.
• Bow Length: The length of your bow affects its stability and smoothness. Generally, archers with longer draw lengths will prefer longer bows, while those with shorter draw lengths will find shorter bows more manageable. Consulting with an archery expert can help you determine the ideal bow length for your specific needs.
• Material: Recurve bows are typically made from wood, fiberglass, carbon, or a combination of these materials. Wood bows offer a traditional feel, while fiberglass and carbon bows are generally more durable and offer better performance.

Arrows

Your arrows are just as crucial as your bow. Here’s what to look for:

• Spine: The spine refers to the stiffness of the arrow. It's essential to choose arrows with the correct spine for your bow's draw weight and your draw length. Arrows that are too stiff or too weak will not fly accurately. Archery shops typically have charts and tools to help you determine the correct spine for your setup.
• Material: Arrows are commonly made from aluminum, carbon, or a combination of both. Carbon arrows are generally lighter and faster, while aluminum arrows are more durable and affordable. For barebow field archery, many archers prefer carbon arrows for their performance benefits.
• Fletching: The fletching refers to the feathers or vanes on the back of the arrow that help stabilize it in flight. You can choose from plastic vanes or traditional feathers. Feathers are more forgiving and offer better clearance, while plastic vanes are more durable.

Finger Protection

Since you're shooting without a mechanical release, you'll need something to protect your fingers. The options include:

• Finger Tab: A finger tab is a small piece of leather or synthetic material that you wear on your drawing fingers. It provides a smooth and consistent release while protecting your fingers from the bowstring.
• Shooting Glove: A shooting glove is a glove with reinforced fingertips that serves the same purpose as a finger tab. Some archers prefer the feel of a glove, while others prefer the simplicity of a tab. It's all about personal preference.

Armguard

An armguard, also known as a bracer, protects your forearm from the bowstring. It's an essential piece of safety equipment that prevents painful string slap.

Quiver

You'll need a quiver to hold your arrows. There are several types of quivers to choose from:

• Back Quiver: A back quiver is worn over your shoulder and allows you to easily access your arrows. It's a traditional option that's popular among barebow archers.
• Hip Quiver: A hip quiver attaches to your belt and hangs down by your side. It's a convenient option that keeps your arrows within easy reach.
• Ground Quiver: A ground quiver is a stand that holds your arrows upright on the ground. It's a good option for practice sessions.

Optional Accessories

While the above items are essential, some optional accessories can enhance your barebow field archery experience:

• Bow Stringer: A bow stringer is a tool that helps you safely string and unstring your recurve bow. It's a must-have item that prevents damage to your bow and injuries to yourself.
• Arrow Puller: An arrow puller is a rubber grip that helps you easily remove arrows from targets. It's especially useful for removing arrows from dense targets.
• Binoculars: Binoculars can help you spot targets at longer distances and assess wind conditions.

Understanding the Rules of Barebow Field Archery

Before you jump into a barebow field archery competition, it's crucial to understand the rules. While specific rules may vary depending on the organization hosting the competition (e.g., World Archery, NFAA), some general guidelines apply.

Equipment Restrictions

The essence of barebow lies in its simplicity, and the rules reflect that. Here are some common equipment restrictions:

• No Sights: As the name suggests, you cannot use any sights or aiming devices on your bow.
• No Stabilizers: Stabilizers, which are used to dampen vibration and improve stability, are not allowed in barebow.
• No Clickers: Clickers, which provide an audible signal when you reach your draw length, are prohibited.
• String Walking/Face Walking: String walking and face walking are permitted in barebow. String walking involves gripping the string at different points to adjust the arrow's trajectory, while face walking involves using different anchor points on your face.

Scoring

Scoring in barebow field archery typically involves shooting a set number of arrows at each target and awarding points based on where the arrow lands. The scoring system may vary depending on the organization, but a common system is as follows:

• 5 Points: For hitting the center of the target (bullseye).
• 4 Points: For hitting the next ring out from the center.
• 3 Points: For hitting the next ring out.
• 2 Points: For hitting the outermost ring.
• 1 Point: For hitting the target face but outside the rings.
• 0 Points: For missing the target completely.

Course Layout

Barebow field archery courses are designed to test your skills in a variety of conditions. You can expect to encounter the following:

• Varying Distances: Targets will be set at different distances, ranging from close-range shots to long-distance challenges. Knowing your equipment and having practiced at various distances will be crucial.
• Uphill and Downhill Shots: Many courses incorporate uphill and downhill shots, which require you to adjust your aiming point to compensate for the angle.
• Angled Shots: You may also encounter shots where you're standing at an angle to the target, requiring you to adjust your stance and aiming point.
• Natural Terrain: Field archery courses are set in natural environments, so you'll need to be prepared to deal with uneven ground, obstacles, and varying weather conditions.

Safety Rules

Safety is paramount in any archery discipline. Here are some essential safety rules to follow:

• Never Dry Fire: Never release the bowstring without an arrow. This can damage the bow and cause serious injury.
• Always Point in a Safe Direction: Always point your bow in a safe direction, especially when nocking or drawing an arrow.
• Wait for the Signal to Shoot: Never shoot until you're given the signal to do so by the range officer.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and ensure that no one is downrange before you shoot.

Preparing for Your First Barebow Field Archery Competition

So, you've got your gear, you understand the rules, and you're ready to compete? Here’s how to prepare:

Practice, Practice, Practice

There's no substitute for practice. Spend plenty of time shooting your bow and getting comfortable with your equipment. Focus on developing a consistent and repeatable shooting form.

Simulate Competition Conditions

Don't just practice on a flat range. Try to simulate the conditions you'll encounter in a barebow field archery competition. Practice shooting at different distances, uphill, downhill, and at angles. Get used to shooting in varying weather conditions.

Physical Fitness

Barebow field archery can be physically demanding, especially on longer courses. Make sure you're in good physical condition. Focus on building strength and endurance in your back, shoulders, and arms. Don't forget to stretch and warm up before each practice session.

Mental Preparation

Barebow field archery is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Develop a positive mindset and learn to manage your nerves. Visualize yourself shooting accurately and confidently. Practice staying focused and calm under pressure.

Learn from Experienced Archers

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to learn from experienced archers. Join an archery club and seek guidance from coaches and mentors. Attend workshops and clinics to learn new techniques and strategies.

Barebow Field Archery Competition: What to Expect on the Day

Okay, the big day has arrived. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at a barebow field archery competition:

Registration and Equipment Check

When you arrive at the competition venue, you'll need to register and check in. Your equipment may be inspected to ensure that it complies with the rules. Make sure you have all your gear and that it's in good working order.

Practice Range

Most competitions will have a practice range where you can warm up and get your eye in before the competition begins. Take advantage of this opportunity to get comfortable with the conditions and make any necessary adjustments to your equipment.

The Course

The course will typically consist of a series of targets set at varying distances and angles. You'll be assigned to a group of archers, and you'll proceed through the course together, shooting at each target in turn.

Scoring

As you shoot at each target, you'll need to keep track of your score. At the end of the round, you'll submit your scorecard to the scoring officials.

Awards Ceremony

After all the archers have completed the course, there will be an awards ceremony where the winners will be recognized. Even if you don't win, take pride in your performance and enjoy the camaraderie of the archery community.

Final Thoughts

Barebow field archery competition is a challenging and rewarding discipline that tests your skills, strategy, and mental fortitude. With the right equipment, plenty of practice, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your goals and enjoy the thrill of competition. So, grab your bow, head out to the range, and start your journey today! Good luck, and happy shooting!