Archery is so old that we don't really know how old it is, or who invented it or where. We do know that it is older than modern civilisation, much older. In fact it appears that inventing ways to propel various projectiles through the air with great force was one of the first tasks to which emerging man was to apply his new-found aptitudes. First it was stones hurled with the aid of strips of animal hide ( a safe bet anyway) and then long thin sticks were hurled through the air with the aid of a spear thrower or atlatl. Then finally a bent stick with a cord of twisted animal fibres was used to propel smaller and thinner sticks for great distances with amazing force and accuracy.

The sling and the atlatl have fallen by the wayside many generations ago and the few that are used today differ little from the ones used by the cave dwellers. But not so the bow and arrow. The inventive genius that began way back in the dim reaches of antiquity continues today. Reading about the long history of the development of archery is almost as enjoyable as participating in it, so here are a few selected volumes from and about the past glory of our sport to get you started.



Witchery of Archery
Witchery of Archery
by Maurice Thompson

Witchery of Archery is the book that got archery started as a sport, and began the trends of growth and diversification that continue today.

First published in 1878, The Witchery of Archery recounts the adventures of the author; his brother, Will; and their trusty servant, Caesar, as they hunt for birds and other game in the wilds of the post Civil War Florida Everglades.

This delightful little book is as readable and enjoyable today as it was 120 years ago. If you haven't read it, read it. If you have read it, read it again.

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Hunting with the Bow and Arrow
Hunting with the Bow And Arrow
by Saxton Pope

First published in 1923, Hunting with the Bow and Arrow, is another must-read classic from the early days of archery as a sport.

Saxton Pope was a medical doctor who by circumstance became the personal physician to and best friend of Ishi, the last known unspoiled Native American Indian. The two soon teamed up with the well-known archer and bow maker, Will "Chief" Compton and Arthur Young.

Will Compton taught Dr. Pope and Art Young how to make and use archery equipment. Their combined adventures, after the death of Ishi, led to this and several subsequent books and earned Saxton Pope the well-deserved title of the father of modern bowhunting.

Every sports-minded person interested in the history of archery will find Hunting with the Bow and Arrow a fascination and extremely informative read.

Price:$49.95 (AU$39.95)
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Longbow, A Social and Military History
Longbow, A Social and Military History
by Robert Hardy

Robert Hardy, the well known and respected English actor, is a recognised authority on the English longbow, and he has written the definitive history of this, the most formidable of pre-gattling-gun weapons of war.

Hardy traces the development and evolution of the bow and arrow from its earliest appearance in Paleolithic cave drawings to the battles of Crecy, Agincourt and Bosworth, in the 100 Years War where the longbow was the decisive weapon.

There are lots of illustrations as well as detailed descriptions of the training and way of life of the average English bowmen and a synopsis of modern developments and bow building. All-in-all a great read for anyone interested in archery or military history.

Price:$49.95 (AU$39.95)
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I Remember Papa Bear
I Remember Papa Bear
by Dick Lattimer

I Remember Papa Bear is the definitive history of Fred Bear and the Bear Archery Company from Fred's first bow hunt in 1929 to his death in 1988.

The author, Dick Lattimer is one of the most respected names in archery and a member of the Archery Hall of Fame. He was Fred's friend, confidant, companion, and employee for the 23 years that he directed the advertising for Bear Archery.

In many ways, the history of Fred Bear and Bear Archery is the history of modern archery, and this book will interest anyone involved in any aspect of our great sport.

Price:$49.95 (AU$39.95)
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Native American Bows Vol 1
Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers, Vol. 1
by Steve Allely

Archery developed in many separate civilisations in all parts of the world, but nowhere did it evolve into the variety and sophistication of function and form as it did in North America.

Native Americans and their elegant weapons have long held a fascination for archers, history buffs, collectors, and anyone who appreciates traditional skills. From museums and private collections around the world the exceptional Indian archery pieces from eastern North American are brought together in one book.

In the Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers, Vol. 1 over a hundred historic bows, scores of arrows, and more than a dozen quivers from thirty-eight tribes are illustrated. This book is beautifully detailed with full-page pen and ink drawings that give dimensions, decorations, and construction details. Hardcover, 144 pages, profusely illustrated.

Price:$79.95 (AU$63.95)
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Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers, Vol. II
Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers, Vol. II
by Steve Allely

Here is the long awaited second volume of the Encyclopaedia of Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers This book deals with the archery equipment of the western tribes in the same way that the first volume deals with the eastern tribes.

This large-format book is beautifully detailed with many full-page pen and ink drawings giving dimensions, decorations, and construction details with all bow tips and arrows drawn in full-size scale.

Volume two covers Sioux, Cheyenne, Crow, Blackfoot, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Navajo, Anasazi, and many more American Indian tribes indigenous to the eastern areas of the North American continent. This is a hardcover book in large format with 96 heavily illustrated pages.

Price:$69.95 (AU$55.95)
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Encyclopedia 2-Vol Set
Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers, 2 Volume Set
by Steve Allely

This two-volume set of the Encyclopaedia of Native American Bows, Arrows, and Quivers is the most comprehensive compilation of indigenous North American weaponry ever attempted, and who could blame you If you can't decide which volume to order first.

They are equally enticing and once you have one in your archery library, you are certain to want the other one there as well. The answer is to buy them together as a set and save a full 15% off their combined price.

Price:$129.95 (AU$103.95)
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Art Young: Bowhunting Legend
Art Young: Bowhunting Legend
with Mike Lapinski

Archery past to present. Watch the first hunt ever filmed in this one-of-a-kind DVD. See incredible vintage footage of Art Young, a pioneer bowhunter who provided the inspiration for the Pope and Young Club. Art braves the elements of the rugged Alaskan territory to harvest trophy moose, bear, and Dall sheep.

Our bowhunting legacy evolves as noted author and bowhunter Mike Lapinski guides us back through time relating Art Young's era to modern archery. Discover that other than equipment, archery remains basically the same - a challenging, close-range sport.

From Art's Alaskan expedition in 1922 to modern day archery hunts, you'll experience thrilling hunts for a variety of big game and gain appreciation for the efforts Art and other dedicated bowhunters gave to the development of the sport of bowhunting. Total running time is 60 minutes.

Price:$39.95 (AU$31.95)
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Archery Tips and Tricks from NZAP QUICK TIPS

Trophies Don't Make Good Coaches

So you think that your archery coach must be great. After all, he was Mooloolaba champion two years on a row and almost came in third in the Queensland finals. With credentials like that he must be good. Right? Well maybe and maybe not.

As in cricket, rugby, or nearly any other sport you can mention, a rack full of trophies on the wall doesn't necessarily mean the person who earned them will be a good coach on the field or at the target butts. In fact, the best coaches often don't have a single trophy or title and are at best only competent archers. A good example is the legendary coach, Al Henderson, who guided hundreds of successful archers to the awards podium in a long career and wrote the definitive book on the subject, Understanding Winning Archery. yet never claimed to be a great archer himself.

Another more current example is coach Bernie Pellerite, founder of the highly respected NFAA Shooter’s School and author of the iconoclastic book Idiot Proof Archery who has trained hundreds of successful shooters yet has never won or even entered a single major competition.

The reasons for this paradox probably lie deep within the human psyche, well beyond the reach of these brief paragraphs. Suffice it to say that in selecting your next coach, don't be overly influenced by a mantle-place full of plastic figurines. Look instead at past results and most of all for a repour, understanding of and sympathy with your personal archery goals.