Through most of the time that the SCA recreates, archery was used in one form or another. Whether it be for hunting, for war or just for sport, the medieval period was full of skilled archers. Archery played a distinct role in many battles (such as at Agincourt during the Hundred Years War), and many cultures relied heavily on their skill as archers as a means of conquest (such as the nomadic warriors of the Asian steppes).
 To recreate the historical archery experience we try to use the materials that were used historically. Wooden shafts for arrows and crossbow bolts, feather fletching for arrows, Long bows, Self bows, Recurves and Crossbows made to represent their medieval equivalents (no Compound bows). As the name implies in target archery we only shoot at non-living targets. Practices are held regularly outside while the weather is nice, and sometimes inside if the space is available. Many events will have Archery tournaments as well as open shooting for fun and practice. Tournaments give folks a chance to measure their skill against others and compete for prizes and fame. Often there are tournaments held with various themes. Some tourneys are held to pick Champions and others are to find the most promising noviceWithin Harpelstane there are regular Archery practices. |
Archery |