Learn The Difficulties and Joys of Field Archery | 60X

Field archery, like any worthwhile sport, is full of different challenges and learning curves. Knowing  your gear isn’t enough to guarantee a perfect shot. It is its own unique sport with its own payoffs and rewards.. This type of archery differs from other forms in that it is not performed in a flat and controlled environment. The terrain differs from one target to another, there are unique and strange angles involved, and the targets are often set at unmarked distances. It is also an outdoor sport, which means weather is a factor. All of these unique characteristics specific to field archery, while hard to overcome, serve to make it all the more enjoyable.

The Difficulties

Terrain: Unlike in target archery, which has a flat and even surface between you and the target, field archers must contend with varying terrains from rock to grass to mud, as well as slopes and angles which require you to shoot up and down hill. An arrow's flight behavior differs greatly in these varying conditions, so you need to adjust your stance, aim, and even equipment, from one shot to the next. There’s no “one shot fits all” approach.

Target distance: Since the targets are often set up at unmarked distances, you cannot simply dial in adjustments on your bow. You need to accurately estimate the distance to the target yourself and factor that, along with terrain and angle, into your shot. This can be especially difficult in low light or shady conditions where your depth perception is thrown off.

Other difficulties: The point of field archery is to keep the courses as true to life as possible. As a result you will often find yourself contending with harsh weather conditions such as rain and wind, as well as taking a physical beating due to hiking the course all day. You are more likely to have battles with fatigue, shortness of breath, and a higher heart rate, making your shots that much more difficult. All of these factors together mean that you constantly need to calculate, recalculate, and adjust between each target. There’s a lot of intuition involved too which takes practice.

That said, don’t let equipment become an unnecessary difficulty when you’re out on the course. At 60X Custom Strings, we offer an extensive range of  custom bowstrings and supplies to give you the competitive edge you need so you can focus on making the perfect shot without unwanted hindrances.

The Joys

Accomplishment: Field archery comes with many rewards, both big and small. Contending with all the challenges involved and still making that perfect shot will give you a huge sense of accomplishment! When the angle is awkward, your distance is unmarked, you’re shooting against gravity up a slope, you’re tired, it’s getting dark, and your arrow still finds the mark… How awesome would that feel?

The Environment: One of the other aspects I get a lot of joy from personally is the environment. Most professional courses, and many non-professional, are set in incredibly beautiful surroundings. Having that scenery around you the entire time makes it all that much more enjoyable.

The Joys Outweigh the Challenges

While field archery can be challenging, overcoming those challenges and making the perfect shot makes all of those challenges worth it in the end. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned veteran, there’s a novelty about it that never really wears off.

At 60X Custom Strings, we strive to offer you high-quality strings and  bow accessories so you never have to worry about your equipment while you’re out in the field. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow our blog for all the latest tips, tricks, and news in the world of archery.