Dynamic Archery

   Dynamic Archery is the practise of shooting arrows while crouching, walking or running. For most people, the sport of archery consists of standing still and shooting your arrow with all the time in the world to perfect your shot.
   Can you do that while someone else is shooting back at you? Can you aim correctly after running through the woods to get a better shooting position?

   During our Advanced Bushcraft and Ranger courses we discuss and practise archery. It enables us to connect with our own heritage and also learn an important skill. It is fun and challenging especially when you have a few other archers out there who will by trying to out shoot you. 

   We start with the basics during the Advanced Bushcraft and the Basic Ranger Scout courses. We slowly add on additional challenges once you become comfortable with the basics. For the Advanced Ranger, and the Ranger Challenge courses we pull out all of the stops and put you into situations where dynamic movement in necessary. 

Why learn archery?

   The bow and arrow have been used in Ireland from the Neolithic period. The technology was lost during the late Bronze age and into the Iron age. It was the Viking invasions that brought back the use of the bow and arrow in warfare and for hunting. If you have a chance to go the museum of natural history in Dublin, it is well worth the effort. There are quite a few arrow heads and a couple of yew wood bows recovered from the bog in Ireland. Some are dated around 3700 BC. Bows were used for hunting and warfare for most civilisations and here in Ireland we were no different.
   It is fascinating to look back on your own heritage to see what your own ancestors used for hunting and warfare. Here in Ireland there are stories of the Fir Bolg, Tuatha De Dannen and the Formorians that predate the Celts. They used the bow with stone arrow points to feed and protect their families.

   By learning dynamic archery you will be able to move through the woods quietly while keeping alert to all other around you. When you have a chance to use your bow and arrow for a shot you may be in a crouch, you may be crawling on the ground or on your back. You need to be able to loose an arrow in any of these positions.

   Dynamic archery is used for sport and for bow hunting deer and other wild game in other countries. If you are going to North America you could arrange to go bowhunting. Here in Ireland it is illegal to hunt with the bow and arrow. If you enjoy challenging yourself in the woods and wilds then I would suggest that you travel to a country that will allow you to head out into the woods with a bent stick and a couple of pointy objects.

   If you not interested in bowhunting, Dynamic Archery is still an excellent sport in which you can sharpen your senses, heighten your awareness, challenge your friends and be able to sneak up on anyone and loose a padded arrow to hit them painlessly. This sends a message to your target that they may need to spend more time in the woods practising their Ranger skills.