The Archery Bow
Mike Eggert
The history of the archery bow is a long and storied one. Evidence
suggests that it was used in ancient history in every part of the world
with the exception of Australia.
The early designs were usually constructed from saplings or small
branches, with the string generally made of animal hide. The arrows
were normally nothing more than sharpened sticks with a notch in the
end for the string. Specimens dating more than 50,000 years old have
been found, as well as cave painting depicting hunters using them.
The archery bow was utilized for many other things throughout history
as well. During the Middle Ages the construction improved, using a
composite of bone, wood and animal tendons for the string, much more
powerful and accurate instruments came to be known. It was only a
matter of time before it was incorporated into warfare. Its use as a
military weapon reached its peak near this time, eventually being
refined into what is now known as the English Long Bow.
Fast forward to today. Modern, compound archery bows are the most
sophisticated pieces of technology ever seen, with power and accuracy
rivaling that of some firearms, not to mention the unsurpassed stealth
no other weapon of equal power can lay claim to.
If you have never shot one you owe it to yourself to give it a try.
These modern marvels will take only moments to learn, but a lifetime to
master. Steady hands, great eyesight, controlled breathing, and a bit
of natural born ability are required to truly become a master. However,
with a few basic instructions you can begin to enjoy a target shooting
experience that is very exciting. There is something about that first
time you are able to place your arrow in the bull’s-eye that is not
easily explained. You must experience it for yourself to truly
understand.
If you are a hunter, the archery bow will add an element of difficulty,
and a challenge to your hunting experience. Even with your modern
equipment, you will get a feeling of what it must have been like
knowing that all that stood between you and starvation was that next
shot.
And for the fisherman, you can utilize the archery bow in your favorite
sport as well. You will need to check your local regulations, but many
areas do allow sport fishing with them during certain times of the year
and occasionally only for certain species of fish. You may have heard
the old saying, “as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.” Well believe
me, unless you are actually using a barrel, shooting fish with one is
not nearly as easy as it might first sound.
Ever evolving through history we have reached the pinnacle of its
existence today. But, even with the use of our space age materials
implemented in the construction of the modern archery bow, the
fundamentals have never changed. The same basic principles apply today
as they did centuries ago. I find it absolutely amazing that this
weapon, used for sport, war, and recreation has so gracefully withstood
the test of time.
For even more archery bow information please visit our site
http://archery.factslink.com
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