What Exactly Is Field Archery?

Imagine golf — but with bows instead of clubs, arrows instead of balls and targets shaped like circles, deer or other critters.

In field archery you move through an outdoor course in woodlands, moorland and sometimes the odd Highland glen, shooting at targets set at varying distances. Some distances are marked; some are left as a guessing game (which is where you discover just how optimistic your “eyeballing” skills really are).

It’s a different rhythm from target archery. You’re not standing in a straight line shooting the same distance over and over. Every target brings a new shot: uphill, downhill, under branches, in shadow or with a stiff breeze arriving uninvited from the North Sea.

Why Do It in Scotland?

Because it’s glorious. You get:

• Ancient forests and rolling hills as your backdrop
• Wildlife (mostly to admire, not to shoot at — unless it’s a foam 3D deer)
• Weather that changes faster than you can nock an arrow

Yes the rain can be sideways. Yes midges can mount a small-scale invasion. But there’s nothing quite like loosing an arrow while standing on heather with the smell of pine in the air.

The Basics: How It Works

A field archery course is split into targets. Each target has a shooting position marked by a peg or stake. You step up, shoot your arrows (often three or four depending on the round), score them, pull them and move on.

Many Scottish clubs follow International Field Archery Association (IFAA) rules, which cover everything from shooting positions and equipment to how targets are laid out and how scoring is handled.

Common Rounds You’ll Encounter

• Field Round – Black-and-white circular targets at marked distances
• Hunter Round – All-black targets with a white spot
• Animal Round – Animal-shaped faces with different scoring zones for “kill” and “wound”
• 3D Rounds – Foam animal models placed along the course

Tip: The first time you shoot an animal round you may feel oddly guilty hitting a cardboard deer. Don’t worry — it doesn’t feel a thing.

What You’ll Need

• A bow you can draw comfortably — not the biggest fanciest thing in the shop
• Matched arrows — same length and weight, clearly marked
• Comfortable clothing — layers for the weather plus sturdy boots
• A quiver — hip or back whichever keeps your arrows handy

Optional (but sensible): waterproof hat, midge net and snacks that survive rain.

Scottish Survival Tips for Beginners

• Expect mud. Accept it as part of the sport.
• Mind your footing — mossy logs are nature’s banana skins.
• Listen for “FAST!” — it means stop immediately and make safe.
• Don’t rush — accuracy beats speed (midges may disagree).
• Be friendly — field archery is better with good company.

The Joy of It All

Field archery in Scotland is more than a sport — it’s a walk in the wild with purpose. You’ll learn patience, precision and how to judge distance on sloping ground in shifting light. And the best bit? That satisfying thunk when your arrow lands exactly where you meant it to.