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.
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