Tag Archives: On Target

On Target: The Robin Hood Shoot

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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This month’s On Target is the Robin Hood shoot, or “Shootin in da hood.” In this shoot, archers are trying to “split” a cardboard arrow inserted in the gold center of the target. It’s been along time since I’ve seen this shot on any range, so here are some easy tips to build it.

I found some 1-1/4″ diameter cardboard tubes, glued them end to end to make a cylinder about 4-5″ long, wrapped them up with some white duct tape, and added electrical tape to look like the crest of an arrow.  Next I super-glued some feathers on it to look like fletching.

While waiting for the glue to dry, you can make a homemade compass. I drew two circles, one inside the other.

I prefer to hand paint this target instead of using a modern target because it gives it a more period look.

Target painted

Next, cut six more sheets of cardboard to the same size as the target face. Drill holes in the corners and zip tie it all together. Zip ties are faster because you don’t have to wait for glue to dry. In addition, glue makes the cardboard harder and less arrow-friendly.

Now that the cardboard is all zip-tied together, take a 1-1/4″ inch spade bit or a gouge and cut a hole through the center of the gold, going through all six sheets of cardboard.

Now, insert the cardboard arrow into the hole. It should be a snug fit. If you want, you can glue or tape the cardboard arrow to the inside of the hole or the back of the cardboard target face. Make sure the cardboard arrow projects no more than 3″ from the target face. You don’t want it to stick out more than that, because some archers may be using crossbows, and crossbow bolts are much shorter than regular length arrows. If someone split the cardboard arrow with a crossbow bolt, you would have to take the target completely apart to get the crossbow bolt out.

This should be a all-day shoot because you’re going for a “dead center hit.” If you have a tie at the end of the day, give each archer 6 shots, awarding 10 points for dead center, five points for the gold ring, and one point for the black ring.

Completed target

This month marks the second year I’ve had the privilege of writing On Target. I just want to remind you all to feel free to pass this article along. If you have any questions, call or Facebook me.

This month’s safety tip: at the castle muster on April 9th we caught a lot of sun, so be sure to use sunscreen, especially if you’re fair skinned.

‘Til next month, in service

THL Deryk Archer

On Target: Going Back to the Drawing Board

19 Sunday Mar 2017

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I’ve always felt archery was more fun with 3D or moving targets.

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Like the squirrel that falls over, this whole target is only 12 inches tall. Thinking bigger would be better, I made a multiple fish target that was over 3 feet tall.

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In my backyard, which is wind free, it worked perfectly, but on an open range I found out it didn’t work quite so well. Every time the wind blew, the target fell over, and I realized I had built a giant sail. I took it home and added more weight to the base. In the next two pictures you can see that, when struck, it would rock backward but not completely fall over.

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But sometimes it would rock forward, fall over, and break any arrows already stuck in it. Not good!

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Finally, I realized that anything over a foot tall just doesn’t work properly. This was one of those times I learned more from making a mistake. So when you’re building, make sure the target won’t damage other archers’ equipment.

I just want to remind everybody that I’ll be at the unofficial Archery Muster at Earl Byron and Countess Ariella’s castle in Wexford on April 9. In addition, I will be Marshal-in-Charge at Blackstone Raid, where the prize is a bow and all the extra equipment to go with it.

I have been asked if people can repost my articles, and the answer is yes! The things I write are for the enjoyment and the safety of all archers of all kingdoms, so feel free to use any information I put in this article.

This month’s safety tip: be sure to warm up if you’re going out to shoot for the first time, and don’t shoot for more than 30 minutes until you get back into shape.

‘Til next month, in service,

THL Derek Archer

 

On Target: Putting the Magic Back in the Wand Shoot

16 Thursday Feb 2017

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In my 20+ years of experience, many of the archery ranges I’ve been on have had a wand shoot. The wand shoot is a very simple shoot; basically it is just sticking a quarterstaff in the ground and shooting at it till someone knocks it over. As simple as is sounds, it is one of the most fun and popular shoots around. This article will explain how to implement a wand shoot in order to add that special magic to any boring old range.

Today, to make the wand shoot easier and safer, the marshal takes some duct tape and puts it on a piece of cardboard. I prefer woodgrain duct tape; it serves very well. If a marshal has a less experienced group of archers, he’ll put additional strips of duct tape on each side and score the near misses.

Next, I made a flat target with three different wands. You’ll note that the first wand on the left is thicker and taller than the wand in the middle. The wand on the far right, you’ll note, is at the very top of the grass so it looks like it’s way off in the distance. Even  though this target is placed at 20 yards, it provides an optical illusion that the wands are further down range. You will also note that I put a black dot on the biggest wind. This is meant to be a nest for an animal, and also makes a perfect bull’s eye for a tiebreaker.

multi-posts

Lastly, I took a pool noodle and put some bends in it so it looks like a tree branch (remember, nothing in nature is perfectly straight or perfectly round). I added a little vine work from the $1 store and it looks like an average, everyday tree branch, once again using the wood grain duct tape.

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Now you know how to make the magic yourself, but if you’d rather come experience the magic without having to build the wand yourself, then I want you to know that I’ll be running the novelty range at the Archery Muster being held at the castle of Their Excellencies, Earl Byron and Countess Ariella, on April 9. Can’t make that one? A shame, but you’ll have one more chance. For the first time, I will be marshaling archery at Blackstone Raid at the end of April. And you won’t want to miss that shoot because the first prize at Blackstone will be a complete beginner’s set up bow, arrows, quiver, arm guard, and glove.

This month’s safety tip is a repeat: these will be novelty ranges, you’ll be shooting at things you’ve never seen before, so be aware of all safety precautions and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the marshals.

‘Til next month,

In service,

THL Deryk Archer

On Target: Dumpster Diving

19 Thursday Jan 2017

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This month’s installment of On Target: the art of dumpster diving, or one man’s trash is a marshal’s treasure.

Here are some of the things I’ve dug out of the trash over the years.

First, a styrofoam block.  Cover it with some clear tape so that it doesn’t send pieces all over the range when it gets hit. Put a piece of cardboard in front of it, lined off to look like a brick wall, and you can put things on it to shoot.

Next, I found this mutant alien lizard at a game. It had a futuristic blaster in its hand, but I covered that with a round piece of cardboard (out of the trash) to look like a shield, and now I have a troll from Lord of the Rings.

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Last, I found this beat up target of a deer. Taping it together made the perfect stencil, which I used to make the beautiful target you see at right.

Anybody can buy something at the store, but doing it yourself is so much more fun and rewarding. The smiles you see on the range will bring you plenty of satisfaction.

This month’s safety tip: if you are reaching into a trashcan, remember that you are trespassing, so be sure to ask the store manager first. The person may even assist you. Also, there could be nails, rusty cans, or broken glass, so be careful.

I hope you all had a happy New Year, and I look forward to seeing you when the weather changes.

‘Til next time.

THLord Deryk Archer

On Target: Archery Stocking Stuffers

01 Thursday Dec 2016

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This month’s On Target: Stocking stuffers for the Archer you love!

targetIt’s Christmas time and we’re all just a little lost about what to give that archer in our life. I found this cute little Christmas tree ornament you both can enjoy. Everybody that looks at it will say, “Where did you find that?” The truth is, I’ve forgotten… but if you Google “archery ornament” you’ll find some like it.

Now just like the “Marshals Field Box,” your archer may need nocks, fletching, glue, and points. For those all day trips, a modern shooter may need some jerky, power bars, and carb mixers to go in their water. Also, the hunter in him or her might need field dressing gloves and doe scent.

Finally, remember “GLG” – Guys (and Gals) Love Gadgets. No matter how many pocket knives or multi-tools we have in that overstuffed pocket, one more is always welcome. And at the end of the day, who doesn’t need a corkscrew or a bottle  opener?

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I hope this helps you out with your Christmas shopping.

This month safety tip: whether you’re driving to the range or driving to Mom’s house, it’s Christmas and people are always in a rush and not very careful. Drive safely, my friends!

In service,

THLord Deryk Archer

On Target: “Ancient Chinese secret”….The Rocket Arrow

23 Wednesday Nov 2016

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For weeks now, I’ve been studying the rocket arrow and gunpowder. First I must say that much Chinese Warfare in history was written years after the fact, so historical information is shaky. Gunpowder was the first chemical explosive invented somewhere between the early and mid 9th century. The Chinese word for gunpowder is “huo yao xuo yau.” The Chinese wasted little time developing flamethrowers, rockets, bombs, and landmines. Another culture, believed to be Italian, even developed a torpedo rocket.

Here are the rockets that I’ve personally developed:

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diagram-of-deryks-arrowParental discretion is advised, keep this away from children! The rocket I made did move and would have gone further if I added more fuel. For safety reasons, I will not be telling anyone what I used for fuel, but it was not gunpowder. A demonstration was held at Archers to the Wald and with the marshals’ and sites’ permission, I’ll be doing demonstrations throughout the upcoming year. The video below was taken at Archers to the Wald by Lady Catalina Iannarella d’Colliano.

This month’s safety tip: again, please do not do this at home. I’ve been studying this and doing tests for months.

Yours in service,

THLord Deryk Archer

On Target: Archery for Kids

22 Saturday Oct 2016

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bows

When it comes to children’s archery, make sure “The Size is Right.” Many a well-meaning parent has handed their equipment to their son or daughter not realizing how oversized it is for a 10-year-old. Tiny fingers, inexperience, and nerves already make that first shot very difficult. Added to that, many adults shoot 35-pound bows and higher. Most children should be shooting 25-pound bows and lower.

In the picture at right you can see the difference between a 6-foot longbow and a 3-foot youth bow. Also, you can see the difference in the length of the arrows, I have a slight overdrawn so I used 29-1/2 inch arrow. For a youth, the length can be much shorter.

In addition, youth arrows might have factory tips which don’t always have the appropriate weight, throwing off the balance of the arrow.

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Remember archery is for the whole family, but the equipment has to match the size of the shooter.

This month’s safety tip: be sure to go to your local fletcher and he’ll help you make the right decision.

In service,

THLord Deryk Archer

On Target: The Marshal’s Field Box

23 Friday Sep 2016

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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.

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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

On Target: Hot Weather Bow Safety

15 Friday Jul 2016

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This month’s edition of On Target: Why we protect our bow from the heat and why we inspect bows at events.

Two things you should never leave in a car with the windows up are a small child and your bow. When the windows are up the inside temperature of the car can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit or more. This could cause the bow to delaminate and warp. Make it the last thing you pack and the first thing you take out when you reach the event.

When you reach the event, whether you are a once-a-week shooter or once-a-year shooter, make sure the first thing you do is have the bow inspected by Marshall. Notice in the first picture, this bow looks perfectly fine.

July Archery 1

In the next picture, after the bow is strung, you can see the crack (see the note card that fit in the crack easily).

July Archery 2

Notice in the next picture, by putting a line on the note card, how deep the crack is. The bow is no longer usable.

July Archery 3Tie a fluorescent orange ribbon around the bow so you do not accidentally use it again. WARNING: do not try to fix it, dispose of it, or make it a wall hanger.

July Archery 4

This month’s safety tip:remember when you’re at the archery range at Pennsic, you’re a long way from the store. Take water, snacks and sunblock with you, especially if you have small children.

Till next time be safe and enjoy the War.

THL Deryk Archer

On Target: the Flailing Witch Doctor

15 Tuesday Mar 2016

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Ninja w tiki mask

This month we’re going to make a flailing witch doctor target.

Take three pieces of cardboard, sized 2.5 feet by 3 feet, and glue them together to make a single, thicker piece.

Once again lay down the stencil of the Ninja that we made last month, but this time add a paper Tiki mask. You can buy them at any Dollar store.

Trace the ninja body onto the cardboard, but glue in the Tiki mask in place of its head. This will make him look like a witch doctor.

Cut out the eyes of the Tiki mask and glue oversized googly eyes in their place.

You can add some muscles with a black Magic Marker and then add some white paint to give the illusion of a dead person – after all, he is a witch doctor.

Ninja muscles drawn tiki mask

Cut apart his neck, arm, wrist, and knees, then loosely tie the cut edges of the parts of his body together. This way, when he is hit with an arrow, he will flail away like a wild man. His weapons are a skull “ball and chain” and a bone flail. Add a grass skirt so he looks like a real witch doctor.

Complete target

This target will be at the Castle archery muster next month on the day after Coronation, so once again please come defend the castle from this fierce invader!

This month’s safety tip: at the Castle Muster, we’ll have a very complex novelty shoot so as you keep one eye on your target, keep an ear out for the Marshall in Charge. Always be ready for a call of “HOLD!”

‘Til next month, in service,

Deryk the Archer