Had your first archery experience and now you’re hooked? You’re not alone! Archery is an exciting activity that helps build focus, confidence, patience, and coordination and it can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
USA Archery Certified Level 2 Instructor Trainer Brianna Amingwa, also known as Ranger Bri, shares her recommendations for choosing beginner equipment, setting up your bow, finding a safe place to practice, and taking your next steps in archery.
Choosing Your First Bow
At the Deeply Rooted Outdoor Education archery range, we use Original Genesis Bows. These are also the official bows used by the National Archery in the Schools Program.
Original Genesis Bow
The Original Genesis Bow has an adjustable draw weight of approximately 10–20 pounds, making it a great choice for:
- Older children, generally ages 12 and up
- Teenagers
- Most adult beginners
Because the bow can grow with the archer’s strength and experience, it is a practical option for families who plan to continue practicing.
Genesis Mini Bow
For younger children, Ranger Bri recommends the Genesis Mini Bow. It is lightweight, available in several fun colors, and designed for smaller archers.
The Mini has a draw weight of approximately 6–12 pounds, which refers to how much force is needed to pull the bowstring back. Depending on the child’s size and growth, they may be able to use this bow for several years.
Check Eye Dominance Before Buying
Before purchasing a left-handed or right-handed bow, check the archer’s eye dominance.
Eye dominance does not always match the hand a person writes with. For example, someone who is right-handed may be left-eye dominant. Knowing this before buying equipment can help you select a bow that feels more natural and supports proper form.
A local archery instructor or pro shop can help you check eye dominance, or you can follow a brief eye-dominance demonstration from a trusted archery resource.
Here's a simple test to Determine Eye Dominance
Decide Between a Bow Kit and Individual Equipment
Genesis bows may be purchased as a complete kit or as an individual bow. A kit can be a convenient choice for beginners because it may include arrows and other basic equipment.
You may also purchase your arrows and accessories separately. Ranger Bri frequently purchases archery equipment through Lancaster Archery Supply, a Pennsylvania-based retailer that ships equipment directly to customers.
When choosing arrows, make sure they are compatible with your bow and the archer’s draw weight. A qualified archery professional can help confirm that your equipment works safely together.
Have Your Bow Professionally Set Up
Even when purchasing a new bow, it is a good idea to take it to an archery pro shop before using it.
A professional can:
- Inspect the equipment
- Adjust the bow for the archer
- Tune the bow
- Confirm that the arrows are appropriate
- Make sure everything is aligned and functioning properly
Deeply Rooted Outdoor Education uses Howling Archery in Pasadena, Maryland, for bow maintenance, setup, and tuning.
Choose the Right Target
You will need a target that matches your bow’s draw weight.
This is especially important for young archers using lightweight bows. If the target is too dense or heavy-duty, arrows shot from a low-poundage bow may bounce off instead of safely entering the target.
For very lightweight equipment, look for targets made specifically for youth bows. Some families also use carefully constructed paper or foam targets designed for low draw weights. This ArcheryTalk discussion includes several DIY ideas and target recommendations for very light bows.
Whatever target you choose, inspect it regularly and replace it when it becomes worn or damaged.
Use a Backstop for Backyard Practice
A backstop net is strongly recommended for backyard archery. It can help:
- Catch arrows that miss the target
- Reduce the time spent searching for arrows
- Protect nearby property
- Give neighbors greater peace of mind
Your backstop should be placed behind the target and should be large enough to cover the area where an arrow could reasonably travel.
Remember that a backstop is an additional safety measure and not a substitute for proper instruction, supervision, or a suitable shooting location.
Check Your Local Archery Laws
Before practicing at home, check your county, city, and state laws to confirm that archery is permitted on your property.
Local rules may address:
- Whether bows may be used in residential areas
- Required distances from homes, roads, or property lines
- Fencing or backstop requirements
- Rules for parks and public land
Do not assume that backyard archery is permitted simply because you have enough outdoor space.
Where to Practice in Maryland
If your home or neighborhood is not suitable for archery, consider practicing at an established range.
Two Maryland options identified in Ranger Bri’s recommendations are:
Hammerman Area at Gunpowder Falls State Park
The Hammerman Area provides outdoor recreation opportunities through Maryland’s public lands system.
Lake Needwood Archery Range
Lake Needwood is another option for archers looking for a designated place to practice with their own equipment.
Before visiting any range, confirm its current hours, equipment requirements, fees, age restrictions, and supervision policies.
Start With Instruction
Buying a bow is exciting, but quality instruction is one of the most important parts of getting started.
A trained instructor can teach beginners how to:
- Handle a bow safely
- Load and retrieve arrows correctly
- Use proper stance and posture
- Aim consistently
- Follow range commands
- Build skills without developing unsafe habits
Practicing proper technique from the beginning creates a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Ready to Take Your Next Shot?
Archery can become a rewarding individual activity, family hobby, or lifelong sport. Begin with appropriately sized equipment, have your bow professionally set up, select a safe practice location, and learn from a qualified instructor.
Deeply Rooted Outdoor Education offers opportunities for children, families, and community members to explore archery in a welcoming and supportive environment.
[View Upcoming Archery Events]