So I'd like to have a try at archery and I've researched my local clubs of which there are 3 very close by. Unfortunaely all 3 have a minimum of 3-4 months waiting list for a beginners course at the moment!? I have found somewhere a little further away which is a large stockist and supplier but also gives one to one lessons for beginners and I have my first lesson booked for this week.

What I'm looking for is some advice really. How does the sport work? Do I need some sort of licence? Are the levels of accomplishment? Can I do a beginners course at one place but then join another more local club without having to redo a beginner course?

Can anyone give some general advice or guidance please?

Hi Bobby.

No, you do not need a license to have a bow and practice with it. The only time an archery license would be required is for hunting.

Be careful of where you choose to practice archery, though -- All large citys and most larger towns do not allow "back-yard" archery (practicing archery in a back yard); there is too much chance of hitting people, instead of only the paper/haybale/whatever target. Yes, it is a real danger: I have seen arrows bounce off paper targets and fly more than twenty yards to the side -- the arrow hit at an angle; I have had a few of my own arrows bounce back almost fifteen yards -- they hit nearly straight-on; and I have seen "crack shots" miss by more than ten feet. It doesn't happen all that often, perhaps once out of every ten thousand or so, but it does happen. Safety, for yourself AND others -- especially others, is a REAL concern -- which is why we have rules.

Check with your local government -- NOT the police -- about practicing archery within city/town/township limits. They will have all the information you will need regarding legal archery practices. Get the facts, not "No, you can't because I don't want you to" -- which is what many cops will tell you. I have yet to meet the cop who will recite the exact ordinance prohibiting something, instead of just saying "It's against the law". I have a great amount of respect for the police, but many of them do allow their job to go to their heads...