When a new archer is interested in learning about traditional archery, they often do so because they like the fact that all you need is a simple bow and arrows to shoot. This straightforward and fun way to play the sport of archery isn’t overly complicated as all you need to do is focus on shooting using the basic essentials.

Traditional archery frees you from having to use any archery gadgets like peep sights or releases when aiming at your target. While there aren’t many tools or aids involved with choosing the traditional route, it can still take many years for any archer to master the challenges of traditional archery.

Since this style of archery requires you to use your intuition when shooting, choosing traditional archery vs modern archery is a great choice if you want to really challenge yourself. Keep in mind that there’s less pressure involved when shooting traditional because it’s less precise, making it challenging yet still enjoyable.

Getting back to archery basics is a choice many new archers are making. It’s not only a fun way to practice your archery skills, it’s also more affordable. If you’re interested in choosing the traditional style of archery, learn how you can easily get started by following the steps outlined below.

What is Traditional Archery?

Traditional archery refers to archery in its most pure form. It’s an archery style that requires tremendous concentration as archers only use the most basic of archery equipment when shooting – a bow and arrow. Tools, aids, and devices made to improve an archer’s aim are not utilized, forcing archers to hone in on their natural shooting instincts.

Traditional archery bows include two main categories – the longbow and the recurve bow. When it comes to choosing a bow type, it’s a matter of personal preference. This requires you to learn the pros and cons of each bow type so you can make a choice that best supports your shooting style.

Additional accessories that make it easier for archers to participate in traditional archery include a quiver, a finger tab, an armed guard, and a bow stringer.

Traditional Archery vs Modern Archery

Understanding the difference between traditional archery and modern archery is easy to do as they each offer a very different way to play the sport. Traditional archery relies on the most basic archery equipment while modern archery is much more technical. Modern archers prefer access to additional tools and aids that support more powerful and accurate shooting.

As a new archer you must first define your shooting goals to decide whether you should choose the traditional or modern route.

Traditional Archery:

• Utilizes a simple, classic bow design
• Bow choices include recurve bows and longbows
• Doesn’t require a lot of setup
• Doesn’t use any aids, tools, or gadgets that can interrupt the flow of a shot
• Allows for an organic shooting experience
• Less expensive

Modern Archery:

• Bows tend to be quite complex in their construction, design, and materials used to support more powerful and accurate shots
• Bow choices are generally compound and recurve bows
• Requires a lot of setup
• Uses a wide variety of archery-related aids, tools, and gadgets to support more accurate shots
• More expensive

Why Shoot Traditional Archery?

Every archer will have their own personal reasons for choosing to participate in traditional archery vs. modern archery. For the most part, archers who choose traditional archery want to shoot for fun and archers who choose modern archery want to have fun while being more precise/accurate. While the goals of each style are the same, to hit the bullseye, traditional archers focus less on technology and instead focus their efforts on improving their instinctive shooting skills.

• Easy To Start: Traditional archery simply requires a bow and arrow to shoot. Since shooters only need to use the basics, it’s easy for anyone to take up this fun and challenging sport. Families and teenagers are two of the more popular groups currently signing up to participate in traditional archery.
• Less Technical: Since archers don’t use any tools or aids when shooting, the entire process of shooting is much less technical. Instead of an archer focusing on learning how to properly use certain shooting aids, all they need to do is simply focus on proper shot execution.
• Less Pressure: New archers who choose the route of traditional archery should feel less or even no pressure at all when shooting. This style of archery teaches shooters to have fun and enjoy themselves even if they happen to miss their target.
• More Affordable: While some traditional bows are very expensive, most are very affordable. Additionally, traditional archers don’t need to purchase as many archery-related accessories as modern archers do. This makes the traditional option a much more affordable option.
• Added Challenge: Some archers choose to participate in traditional archery because they are looking for an additional challenge. Traditional archery may be simple to setup, but it’s not easy to shoot with accuracy.

How To Get Started With Traditional Archery

You’ll only need to get the bare archery basics listed below when choosing to go the traditional archery route. Instead of learning how to use a variety of aids and tools that support more powerful and faster setups, all you need to do is focus on your form and technique.

The list below includes 9 archery basics you need so you can start enjoying all of the many benefits that come with choosing traditional archery.

1. Recurve or Longbow

Recurve and longbows are both available as one-piece bows. Many recurves also offer a takedown option, making it easier for archers to change out limbs or risers. This also allows you the option to break it down for easy traveling and storage. When making the decision about bow draw weight, choose a bow that’s lighter than you think you’ll need so you can draw it back comfortably. If your draw weight is too heavy, you’ll compromise your form and negatively affect your accuracy.

For example, an archer who has a draw weight of 70 pounds on a compound bow can choose a traditional recurve bow that’s a lot less heavy (like 45 pounds).

2. Bow String

Even though many bows do come with a string, not all of them do. If your choice of traditional bow doesn’t include a bowstring you must buy one that fits the length of your bow. Be sure the string is designed for the length and draw weight of your bow (has the correct number of strands to support the poundage).

3. Arrows

While choosing arrows mainly depends on style and choice, pay close attention to the arrow materials. Wooden arrows often need to be checked for cracks as wood can warp, splinter, potentially causing injury. Aluminum arrows are strong and consistent but can bend when mishandled. Carbon arrows are ideal for most recurve bows as they’re both accurate and highly durable.

4. Release Aide

Traditional archers have one choice when it comes to their release: fingers. With that said, there are a variety of finger protection options, styles, sizes, and colors making it a simple matter of preference. You can choose from finger gloves, a finger tab, or a thumb ring to give you better accuracy, as all of these options help to protect your fingers when drawing back your bow. While thumb rings are not as common, I do see finger gloves and tabs regularly.

5. Bow Stringer

By default, traditional bows are not strung when not in use. Bow stringers are simple tools that help you safely slide your bowstring into the string notch on your limbs. It works by using pressure to pull the limbs down so you can easily string your recurve or longbow. This tool is necessary as it’s the safest method to string and unstring your bow.

6. Arm Guard

Arm guards help protect your forearm from string slap when shooting. It protects the inside of your arm, making it necessary to choose one that fits your entire forearm. If you’re hitting your arm consistently, your form is likely incorrect. Review this article on bowstring slap to see how you can fix it.

7. Quiver

A bow quiver is what holds your arrows so you can easily and safely carry them with you. There are many different types of quivers to choose from, giving you options – detachable, bow mounted, back, hip, and ground. I see many traditional archers using a back quiver, but the choice is up to you! If you’d like more information, we have an entire article about all the arrow quiver options available to you.

8. Arrow Rest

Arrow rests are small devices that work to hold your arrow in place until you’re ready to release. Rests are specifically designed to keep your arrow stabilized, as this in turn results in improved accuracy. In traditional archery, this tool works only for recurve bows as longbows use the arrow shelf exclusively.

9. Archery Target

When it comes to archery targets, consider the type of target that best supports your style of shooting. Popular target ideas include target bags, layered targets, foam block targets, 3D targets, and hay bales. You can purchase your archery targets online, make your own DIY archery targets, or visit your local archery range to practice.

Conclusion

Choosing traditional archery means you accept the simplicity of this shooting style. While it may be simple, it is not easy and takes years of practice to excel. You can participate in a number of shooting situations including the following; Indoor archery, target archery, 3D archery, aerial archery, and/or field archery when shooting traditionally. With so many options, feel free to practice shooting using each option to find out which ones you enjoy most.

Traditional archers also benefit from a tight-knit community. These communities offer you the opportunity to make new friends who also chose the traditional style. With a little time and practice, you’re sure to make friends and have fun while improving your skills as an archer.