Killingworth Archers. Newcastle upon Tyne.

Journal Entry 3 - The Field Shoot 2.

The DNAA field champs and Open FITA 24.
After 8 years at Otterburn Hall where many happy days were spent setting the course and giving archers from the county and further afield, two days of pleasant sport each year, because of the sale of the site, we moved to Netherwitton in 2002. This has been a good move for us, with a most helpful landowner and a delightful area of woodland, which is, to our great relief, free of vandalism, something which was a constant nuisance at Otterburn. Brenda and I have been greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm for it shown by all who have shot there. I would still like more county archers to come and have a go if they haven't already tried it, there's nothing to be afraid of. We will always put first timers with someone experienced. The main road to success is having gained accurate sight marks at 5 metre intervals from 10 metres to 60 metres, in the case of freestyle and compound unlimited, shooting from red pegs. Juniors, barebow longbow, compound limited (finger release) shoot from blue pegs and need 5 metres to 50 metres. The first day target distances are unmarked but don't be put off by this. Each face size has a specified maximum / minimum distance and they are: Red pegs. 20cm 10-15mtrs 40cm 15-25mtrs 60cm 20-35mtrs 80cm 35-55mtrs Blue pegs. 20cm 5-10mtrs 40cm 10-20mtrs 60cm 15-30mtrs 80cm 30-45mtrs White pegs. 5mtrs, 7mtrs, 10mtrs, then by 5's up to 30mtrs. (under 10years) It is within the rules to carry a reminder of these with you. Each face size has 2 long shots, 2 medium and 2 short. This adds up to 6 targets for each face size. Of course they are all mixed up around the shoot. It is always useful to practice distance estimations also. On the second day all the distances are marked on the pegs but are increased from day 1 by 5 metres.
I hope this information will help a few more to try it, but a good pair of boots with a 'grippy' sole is essential. It is possible to write pages galore about field archery but if you need more give me a ring on 0191-286-7175.