Bullsey! Let me tell you, it's a phenomenal feeling to hit your first bull's-eye with a bow and arrow. Better yet, I recall the first time I split an arrow. I was 15 years old and it was in the dead of summer. I had been practicing my quick draw in a barn, and suddenly nailed the nock of an arrow from twenty yards away. It was awesome! That day I was stoked that my father had gotten me into youth archery a few years back. The consistent practice continued to pay off. In no time I was rocketing flu-flu arrows into the sky and piercing airborne targets. I believe that this is a sport/hobby that can be enjoyed by most kids.
Most people I know have never even shot a real bow. Okay, well they may have dabbled in youth archery as a pre-teen and tested one of the 15 pounders, but I am referring to the real deal. You see, once you pass that youth archery stage, you can really move on to the exciting stuff. I'm not talking about hunting. Although many people do enjoy this as a sport. I am merely referring to target practice with a custom bow. Once you've progressed to that next level, you'll probably want a fine bow, designed just for you. My parents had a long bow crafted for me back when I was 17 years old. I was stoked. This had to be the coolest gift I ever received. A huge step up from the long bow I learned on back at that youth archery camp. This bow even had a specific draw and poundage to suit my frame and strength. I shot that baby every day of the week in my back yard. This is a major advantage to living on a farm. Bails of hay or straw work perfectly for archery practice. Just be sure you stack a couple behind your target as well. Bows have great penetrating power.
I'll bet there is a camp or program near you that teaches youth archery. Get enlisted for a summer course and have a ball learning the ways of the bow and arrow. Online you can find a number of websites that offer bows for any age range. Have a youth bow hand crafted just for you. Just be warned, this hobby is addictive, and just may become your new way of life. Your face will glow when you pierce that first bull's-eye!
