A

Anchor Point – The consistent point on your face where you draw the string to before releasing.

Animal Round – A round using animal-shaped faces with kill and wound scoring zones.

Arrow Puller – A rubber or gripping aid used to safely remove arrows from bosses or foam targets.

B

Barebow – A bow style shot without sights or stabilisers relying on instinctive or gap shooting.

Boss (Butt) – The backing material that stops the arrow; the target face is fixed to it.

Bowhunter – A shooting style with equipment restrictions inspired by hunting setups.

C

Compound Bow – A bow using cams and cables to reduce holding weight at full draw.

Course – The full outdoor layout of targets walked and shot during a field round.

Cub – An age division for younger junior archers.

D

Division – A competition grouping based on age and/or shooting style.

Draw Length – The distance an archer draws the bowstring from brace height to anchor.

Drop Scoring – A scoring system where later arrows score fewer points.

E

End – A set of arrows shot before scoring and collecting.

Equipment Check – A pre-competition inspection to ensure bows and arrows meet rules.

F

Fan Shot – A layout where each arrow is shot from a different peg at the same distance.

FAST! – A safety call meaning all archers must immediately stop shooting.

Field Round – A round using black-and-white circular target faces at marked distances.

G

Grouping – How closely arrows land together regardless of score.

Ground Marker (Peg) – The marker indicating where an archer must stand to shoot.

H

Hunter Round – A round using all-black target faces with a white centre spot.

Holding Weight – The amount of draw weight held at full draw.

I

IFAA – International Field Archery Association; rules commonly followed by Scottish field clubs.

Instinctive Shooting – Shooting without consciously aiming using sights or gaps.

K

Kill Zone – The highest scoring area on an animal or 3D target.

L

Longbow – A traditional bow with a simple limb shape and no mechanical aids.

Line-Cutter – An arrow that touches a scoring line and is awarded the higher score.

M

Marked Distance – A distance that is clearly stated on the target.

Midge Net – A vital piece of Scottish field archery equipment on still summer days.

N

Nock – The slotted end of the arrow that clips onto the string.

P

Peg – The shooting position marker.

Pile (Point) – The weighted tip of an arrow.

R

Recurve Bow – A bow with limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung.

Round – A complete format of targets, distances and scoring.

S

Scorecard – The card used to record arrow scores.

Sight – An aiming device allowed in some shooting styles.

Stabiliser – A rod used to balance the bow (not allowed in all classes).

T

Target Face – The printed or moulded surface showing scoring zones.

Traditional Archery – Bow styles emphasising historical or instinctive shooting.

U

Unmarked Distance – A distance the archer must judge visually.

V

Veteran – An age division for older adult archers.

Vital Zone – A mid-level scoring zone on some 3D targets.

W

Walk-Up – A layout where each arrow is shot from a progressively closer peg.

Wound Zone – A lower scoring area on animal targets.

Why the Mind Matters More Than the Gear

Bows and arrows are tools. The real engine of your shooting is your mind. In field archery, where every target sits in a new setting and no two shots are the same, mental control separates a good round from a frustrating one.

Focus in the Wild

See the Shot Before You Take It

Visualise the shot: your point of aim, the clean release and the arrow landing where you intended.

Scottish tip: if your mental image includes hitting a tree your subconscious might just oblige — aim for the spot not the scenery.

Stay in the Moment

Don’t drag the last target into the next. Each arrow is its own challenge. Good field archers reset at every peg — mentally and physically.

Patience – The Quiet Skill

1) Weather Patience

Rain? Wait for the lull. Wind? Time your release. Scotland will test your patience daily — the trick is accepting it not fighting it.

2) Course Patience

A long course isn’t a race. Pace yourself. Many scores are lost in the final targets because the mind is tired long before the bow is.

Reading the Landscape

A good field archer notices:

• Ground slope (affects footing and sight picture)
• Light and shadow (targets can vanish in gloom)
• Wind direction (watch grass, leaves and treetops)

Scottish Mental Wisdom

• A missed shot is tuition not tragedy
• Calm breathing beats tense shoulders
• A flask of tea can lift your focus as much as a new bowstring

The Archer’s Reward

The best moments aren’t always the high scores — they’re the quiet pauses between shots when the air goes still and the hills stretch out in front of you. In that moment every drop of rain and every stubborn midge feels worth it.

The Basics – Without These You’re Not Shooting

1) Bow

Match your chosen style (barebow, longbow, compound, etc.). Check string, limbs and fixings before you leave home.

2) Arrows

Bring at least 6 for practice and ideally 12+ for events. You will lose one eventually — probably to a shrub that has never lost anything in its life.

Match spine/length/point weight to your bow and number them for easy recovery and scoring.

3) Quiver

Hip or back — personal choice. It should safely carry arrows and small essentials.

Accessories
Comfort & Efficiency

• Arm guard – saves forearm and improves confidence
• Finger tab/glove – protects draw fingers and improves consistency
• Bow stringer – safest way to string recurve/longbow
• String wax – helps strings survive Scottish damp

Clothing
Scottish Edition

• Quiet waterproof jacket
• Layering (base/mid/outer)
• Boots with grip
• Hat + thin gloves

Weatherproofing the Gear

• Waterproof sleeve (or zip-lock bag) for scorecards
• Small towel/chamois for grip and hands
• Arrow puller for foam and tight bosses

Handy Extras

• Pencil (works better than pen in drizzle)
• First aid basics (blisters happen)
• Snacks and water
• Insect repellent (midges don’t care about your grouping)
• Whistle for emergencies on remote courses
• Spare string and small tool kit if you have space

Scottish wisdom: always pack a flask. A warm drink fixes most problems.

Why Etiquette Matters

Field archery is social: you’ll spend hours walking, shooting and scoring with your group. Good manners make the day smooth; poor manners make it feel like a long hike in the rain (even when it isn’t raining).

The Golden Do’s

• Be ready: arrows in hand before stepping to the peg
• Be quiet: stop talking when someone is at full draw
• Rotate fairly: follow the shooting order
• Share the load: help with scoring, carrying and course tasks when needed

The Big Don’ts

• Don’t coach mid-shot unless asked
• Don’t touch another archer’s gear
• Don’t crowd the target while scoring
• Don’t pull arrows until scoring is complete

Fieldcraft: The Extra Skills

1) Reading the Ground

Watch footing, slopes and light. Notice where arrows are landing — it can reveal hidden influences.

2) Arrow Recovery

Mark where you think the arrow went before you start searching. Work as a group in a line — faster and fairer.

3) Course Awareness

Stay aware of other groups and lanes. Listen for “FAST!” and respond immediately.

The Scottish Forecast: Expect the Unexpected

In Scotland you can start in sunshine, shoot through hail and finish in drizzle — all in one afternoon. Preparation keeps you comfortable and comfort keeps you accurate.

Layer Like a Pro

1) Base Layer

Wicks sweat away. Avoid cotton — it holds moisture like a sponge. Merino or synthetics work best.

2) Mid Layer

Fleece or light insulation for warmth. Easy to remove if the sun makes a surprise appearance.

3) Outer Layer

Quiet waterproofs matter — loud, crinkly fabric is distracting at full draw. Make sure sleeves don’t catch the string.

Your Feet Will Thank You

• Waterproof boots with proper grip
• Warm socks; liner socks can reduce blisters
• Gaiters for wet grass and deep mud

Hands, Head and Midges

• Brimmed hat to keep rain off your eyes/glasses
• Thin gloves for warmth without losing string feel
• Midge net and repellent for still, damp days

Rainproofing Your Gear

• Carry a small towel/chamois to dry grip and hands
• Keep scorecards in a waterproof sleeve
• Wipe arrows and fletchings when you can

Wind: The Invisible Opponent

• Plant your feet especially on exposed pegs
• Shorten your hold time — wind punishes indecision
• Accept that some days “best arrow” means “least affected”

Why Scoring Matters

Scoring isn’t only about winners — it’s how you track improvement. Field archery uses different scoring systems depending on the round so knowing what applies prevents confusion (and soggy scorecard arguments).

Field & Hunter Rounds
The 5–4–3 System

• Centre spot = 5
• Next ring = 4
• Outer ring = 3

Example: Spot + outer + spot = 5 + 3 + 5 = 13.

Animal Rounds
The Drop System

Animal faces have kill and wound zones and your score depends on which arrow hits and from which peg. First-arrow accuracy gives the best points; later arrows score less.

Example: miss first arrow, kill with second = reduced score (still good, but not top).

3D Scoring

3D formats vary by event. Some use two-arrow totals by zone, others use hunting-style one-arrow scoring. Your organiser will specify the scoring method — check before you start.

Scorecard Etiquette

• Scorer writes; group confirms
• Call clearly then repeat for confirmation
• Line-breakers count for the higher value
• Use a waterproof sleeve or bag in Scottish weather

Before You Even Get There

• Check the format: Field, Hunter, Animal, 3D (or a mix)
• Find out whether distances are marked or unmarked
• Make sure your kit fits your division/style rules

Pack Like a Scout

• Spare string, spare arrows, spare nocks
• Waterproofs (even if the forecast says “dry”)
• Snacks that survive being sat on
• Pencil/pen that works in drizzle

On the Day

1) Registration & Gear Check

You’ll sign in, get scorecards and may have your equipment checked. Arrive early if you can — rushing makes everything harder.

2) Group Assignments

You’ll shoot in a group (often 3–5 people). Groups rotate around the course together, scoring and confirming as you go.

3) Shooting Rotation

Typically the first shooter rotates to last after each target so nobody always shoots first or last. It keeps things fair and keeps tempers calm.

4) Scoring Without Tears

• Only the appointed scorer writes
• Scores are called out and confirmed
• Disputes go to the group’s captain/judge per event procedure
• Line-breakers count: if an arrow breaks a scoring line it gets the higher score

The Unwritten Rules (Etiquette)

• Stay quiet when someone is at full draw
• Don’t block views while scoring
• Keep pace — nobody likes a slow group
• Congratulate good shots (and laugh at your own misses)

Post-Competition

Ensure scorecards are signed as required. Stick around for prizegiving if you can — even if you don’t win, there’s often cake and Scottish clubs take cake seriously.

Why Safety Matters More Than Your Score

Field archery involves sharp objects flying fast through outdoor terrain that isn’t always predictable. The safety rules aren’t optional — they exist so everyone goes home with the same number of eyes they arrived with.

The Golden Rules

1) Only Nock When It’s Safe

• Never nock an arrow until it’s your turn and the lane is clear
• No casual “test draws” behind the line
• No aiming in random directions even “just checking”

2) Stop Immediately on “FAST!”

If anyone shouts FAST! you stop immediately. Lower your bow, step back and wait. It means something (or someone) is downrange where it shouldn’t be.

3) Never Go Forward Until Everyone’s Done

All archers finish shooting before anyone retrieves arrows. No stepping forward early — not even “just to check my grouping.”

Mind Your Surroundings

• Watch for roots, wet leaves, steep edges and slippery logs
• Move carefully between pegs — especially in winter
• Carry kit safely (arrows in a quiver, not tucked through a belt)

Arrow Retrieval

• Stand to the side when others pull arrows
• Brace the target, pull straight, use an arrow puller when needed
• Don’t yank and twist aggressively — it damages arrows and targets

Wildlife & Visitors

In Scotland you may meet deer, dogs, sheep and the occasional walker who thinks your course is a nature trail. Stop shooting, make safe and guide them out of danger.

What Is 3D Archery?

3D archery swaps flat target faces for life-sized foam animals. You might see stags, boar, turkeys, wolves and occasionally something exotic that has clearly never set hoof in Scotland. The point is to make shots feel more like bowhunting — without harming animals (and without needing a freezer).

Scoring Zones

Most 3D targets include moulded scoring zones:

• Kill – highest score
• Vital – mid score
• Wound – lowest score while still “on” the animal

Exact scoring depends on the specific 3D round format used by the event (standard-style scoring vs hunting-style scoring).

Standard vs Hunting Format

• Standard-style: often two arrows per target, totals count
• Hunting-style: often one arrow only — miss and it’s zero

Some 3D events are unmarked — you won’t be told the distance — so you’ll learn quickly whether your range judgement is reliable or merely confident.

Scottish Challenges

• Terrain: gullies, slopes, bog edges and awkward footing
• Wind: foam deer don’t move but arrows certainly do
• Gorse & bracken: perfect camouflage for missed arrows
• Weather: rain can make zones hard to see

Scottish 3D Wisdom

• Mentally mark where your arrow lands before you walk forward
• Be gentle pulling arrows — foam tears and club treasurers have long memories
• Aim where the vitals would be not where it’s “easiest” on the angle

Why These Rounds Matter

In IFAA-style field archery, three rounds form the backbone of many outdoor competitions: Field, Hunter and Animal. Each brings a different challenge — and in Scotland each also brings the challenge of weather.

Field Round
The Black & White Classic

Target: black centre (5), white ring (4), black outer (3).

Distances: marked — you’ll know how far you’re shooting.

Layouts: straight shots, fan shots and walk-ups may appear depending on the course design.

Scottish note: on bright days the white ring glows. On foggy days it can feel like the target is hiding from you on purpose.

Hunter Round
The All-Black Beast

Target: all black with a white centre spot. Same 5–4–3 scoring as Field.

Distances: marked, often chosen to sit awkwardly between “nice” reference points.

Scottish note: black target + shaded woodland = the purest test of “Can you actually see what you’re aiming at?”

Animal Round
Hitting the Critters (On Paper)

Animal faces include a kill zone and a wound zone. You shoot up to three arrows and scores drop by arrow order and peg position. First-arrow accuracy is everything.

Scottish note: some clubs use locally themed animal faces. If you see a cardboard stag that’s part of the course — not a meal plan.

Strategy Shift

• Field: consistency, ring control, calm execution
• Hunter: light reading, aiming discipline, patience
• Animal: first-shot focus and clean decision-making