Originally published in On Target, Volume 1, Issue 1, Winter 1996.
After a wet, dark hiatus it'll feel good again to string our bows and get out on the range. Many of us have spent the winter cutting into cedar shafts and getting high off the fletching cement and lacquer fumes in the hope of making a dozen arrows that fly straight. Unfortunately the eagerness to hit the range, nock up and let loose can lead to accidents and miscommunication. Before we step up to the line we need to take certain steps to assure that the equipment we're using is safe and we know who is responsible for the range. Whether you've been shooting with the SCA for years or are stepping onto the range for the first time, everyone should take a moment to read this article.
Check your archery tackle for defects. Take an arrow and inspect the nock, making sure it is on tight and there are no cracks. Next, check the fletching to see if the ends are peeling off the shaft. Visually inspect the arrow for cracks then take the arrow with both hands and gently roll it against your leg. If you hear cracking or it feels "wrong," do not use the arrow. Finally, make sure the arrow tip is on tight and won't come off in the target.
Check your bow for cracks, especially in the nock-ends. Inspect your string for frays, paying special attention to the loop-ends and serving. Make sure your string is well waxed.
No archery is permitted on the range without a warranted range master present. The range master is responsible for the safety of the spectators and the archers on the range so please show him or her the utmost respect. If you feel there is a safety concern, get the range master's attention or yell "HOLD!" When you hear someone yell "HOLD!" immediately stop what you are doing. If you are on the shooting line, take the arrow off the string and step away from the line. If you are behind the shooting line, cease from conversation and stand where you are until the range master declares the range clear.
The range master is also responsible for taking scores. To ensure that there is no confusion when the Royal Archer figures averages, make sure to give the range master your full SCA name, excluding titles, and the name of your branch.
Remember that silence on the range is appreciated by everyone. There should be no talking on the shooting line at all. Those standing behind the shooting line should be at least fifteen feet away and converse in a low voice. If you feel someone is talking too loudly and it is disturbing your concentration, tell the range master and let him or her handle the situation. If you are asked to lower your voice, do not take it personally. Either abide by the request or continue the conversation when everyone has finished shooting.
Remember to straddle the shooting line. Be aware of others around you so you don't bump them with your bow or your arrow. Do not nock your arrow until you are at the line and the range is clear. When you are finished shooting, step back off the line.
When retrieving your arrows, pick up any arrows lying on the ground so they do not get stepped on and broken. If you need to go behind the target to retrieve an arrow, take one of your arrows and stick it into the top of the target bale to let others know there is someone behind the target. Remember to remove the arrow from the top of the target bale when you return.
Pull only your own arrows unless instructed by the range master to do otherwise. Like a sword or a bow, one's arrows are a personal item and should not be pulled from the target without permission. One person at a time should pull arrows, beginning with the archer hitting farthest from the center of the target. To pull the arrow, place the palm of one hand flat against the target face with the arrow between the forefinger and the middle finger. Push with this hand against the target while pulling the arrow straight back with the other hand. If the arrow is in tight, give it a little twist to help loosen it. Do not pull the arrow at an angle or you risk breaking it.
Archery is a fun sport, but we are playing with deadly weapons. A little preparation, responsibility and courtesy go a long way on the range. Have a fun and safe season!
