COMPETITIVE WINGSHOOTING FOR THE ARCHER
Although wingshooting has been around as long as the bow and arrow, organized competitive wingshooting for the archer is just now getting underway. Few pinnacle moments in any personal sport are as rewarding or gratifying as connecting with a wingtarget in flight with a bow and arrow. And it’s addictive!
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So, what is this new sport all about?
Let’s use the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) format to explain. This way we can keep it informative and to the point.
Why is it called wingshooting and is it the same as aerials?
Unlike aerials where the target is often thrown straight up, wingshooting targets are thrown in such a way as to simulate game birds in flight. For the bowhunter, this translates into developing the ability to shoot game birds on the wing.
How difficult is it to hit a wingtarget in flight with a bow and arrow?
The two most frequent comments I hear on this subject are: "It’s impossible to hit a target out of the air with a bow and arrow (from the non-archer) and "I would never be able to do that" ( from the archer). The answer is it’s possible on both counts. A successful wingshooter must develop 3 things: good basic shooting technique, concentration, and hand-eye coordination. Byron Ferguson makes it look easy because he has mastered all three.
With proper instruction and practice, archers can become very proficient at wingshooting.
What type of bow and arrows are best for wingshoooting?
The most popular bows used for wingshooting are recurves and longbows. When compound bows are used, the sights are usually removed so as not to interfere with making the shot. ( Remember, you are shooting at a moving target.)
For safety reasons and ease of arrow retrieval, flu flu arrows are used in wingshooting competition.
How big are the wingtargets?
Wingtargets come in 4 different sizes which determine the level of competition. Level 1 competition uses 15 - inch diameter wingtargets while Level 4 uses 6- inch diameter targets. Level 2 and Level 3 competitions use 12 and 9- inch diameter wingtargets, respectively.
What is the distance from the shooting line to the target launcher?
Wingtargets are shot from 12 yards or 20 yards depending on the type of round.
How is a Round scored?
In an Impact Only (I/O) Competition, scoring is based on the number of targets hit in a round. A fletch (where only the arrow fletching hits the target) is considered a miss.
In a Points Competition, scoring is determined by where the arrow hits the target.
THE FUTURE OF ARCHERY’S COMPETITIVE WINGSHOOTING
In 2005 , state tournaments were held in Ohio and West Virginia. Many of these competitors had never wingshot before. At the close of these tournaments, several archers had developed into competent wingshooters.
The 2006 tournament season promises to be an exciting time for archers and spectators alike. (Archery wingshooting has proven to be quite an entertaining spectator sport.) Competitions are slated for many regions around the country.
Future plans include a televised National Wingshooting Championship Tournament. Another goal is for archery wingshooting to become an olympic event.
For more information about learning to wingshoot, wingshooting clinics, or scheduling wingshooting competitions, contact us by at blueridgeoctober.com
