Many archers carry a field box, but the marshal’s box has a few more things in it. Looking at the picture below, let’s cover its contents from left to right.
We begin with a jar full of hardware. When you’re out setting up a walk-through range, you may need screws or nails, so have some handy, as well as a drill.
Some spare targets: above the jar of hardware is a styrofoam apple from the dollar store as well as some balloons. No matter how old you get, breaking balloons is fun.
Next we see a bottle of mosquito repellent. In front of that is super glue, spare arrow points, and some spare fletching .
Center top, we see some spare rope and note cards with a pen – you may forget to bring scorecards or you may have something happen that you will need to report while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Next: sunblock. If you’re going to be in the sun all day, reapply every hour.
The last item on the top is a four pound sledge hammer. You may have to drive spikes or hammer something together. Once, I was out on a range that was so windy it blew over a target and hundreds of dollars of arrows got broken. Remember, if it’s a windy day, lock it down.
Bottom row left to right, we start with a range marker. If you’re new to a range, you don’t want anybody losing their way. Next to the field marker is a first aid kit for yourself. When you’re out in the woods, it’s easy to get a small scratch or cut, so it never hurts to have a spare Band-Aid.
Next to the first aid kit is a multi-tool. This serves two purposes: it’s great to have spare tools in the field, or you can give it away as a prize.
Speaking of prizes, next to the multi-tool is a drinking mug, another great prize. Inside the mug is a spare bow string, yet another great prize. Next to the bowstring is a tent stake – remember what I said about locking things down.
Next we see a 100-foot measuring tape. Even if it’s walk-through range, keep the targets between 20 and 100 yards distance.
Last, spare arm guards and shooting gloves, and some fluorescent orange tape. Remember, when you’re a marshal, you have to help out the beginner. It’s always wise to have spare equipment and to mark your trails.
This month’s safety tip: go back and double-check that first aid kit.
I’ll be at Archers to the Wald, and I’d be happy to field questions or take any comments.
Till next month, in service….
Deryk Archer
As an addition, If your helping beginning archers, you will have a need for additional nocks, (get 2 or 3 sizes, colors don’t matter). Also nock sets which come in at least 2 sizes, and the pliers to set them. And a can of really really cheap hair spray. Like 50 cents a can at the dollar store. Check the label, you want the can that is high in lacquer content. When sprayed on your feathers it will help with the arrow fletching on a rainy day.