This blog post is repurposing a Thread from last November, so it's in an easy place to reference!

How the heck do I know anything and why would you listen to me? I was a competitive trad archer (meaning I didn't use bows with sights or triggers, simplified answer) and a level 2 archery instructor for years. I've taken third in nationals shooting a 30lb Martin recurve (quite light, some might even call it a kid bow). I started shooting at 14 and I'm closer to 40 than 30 right now. So here are some pointers for writing archery in your stories!

First pointer for writers: if the string makes noise (like in movies), let the bow down and don't shoot it! The string is compromised! It should be quiet. The sound in movies/TV is added in post production.

Second pointer: the hand holding the bow should be relaxed, especially for a recurve bow (can't speak for a 100lb artillery longbow). If your character has the bow in a death grip (as might happen under pressure) the arrow will not fly nearly as true.

Third pointer: your arrows matter! A bow will shoot arrows with a certain spine weight (how bendy the shaft is). So, if your character is picking arrows up off the ground to shoot, the bow won't shoot nearly as well. In extreme cases, the bow could freaking explode.

Pointer four: a bow can never be safely dry fired (shot without an arrow). As above, they can freaking explode! Having met a poor fellow who did this, the arm of his bow splintered, sending wood shrapnel through his forearm. It required emergency surgery. Could be a cool thing to see in a story though!

Pointer five: bows will shoot differently depending on temperature and humidity. A seasoned archer will have an idea how their bow reacts in different situations. Sometimes the string needs to be removed and twisted tighter or looser to adjust.

Pointer six: and as far as stringing a bow, a character who is accustomed to archery will either have a stringer or do a variation of a step-through method. It is not safe to string a bow by bracing the tip of a limb on the ground. You actually never want to put the tips on the ground if you can avoid it! You’ll often see folks resting the end of their bow on top of their shoe. If it gets ground into the dirt too much, it can delaminate, moisture can get in, and the bow can, guess what! Explode!