Bow and arrow enthusiasts are well served in New York State. There might not be too many places in New York City where you can safely fire off arrows but, if you are inclined to do so, there are plenty of opportunities to do so nearby.
Controlled Archery
The world sees New York as the city – Manhattan, Central Park, The Bronx, etc – and knows little about the whole of New York State. For a budding archer wanting to take Archery Lessons In New York, there might seem little opportunity for them to practice what they learn. You cannot take your bow to Central Park and fire off arrows at random. Even target shooting has to be undertaken in places like archery clubs/fields where arrows can be fired without endangering lives.
However, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is responsible for huge areas of parkland throughout the State and one of their responsibilities is to regulate sport fishing, hunting and trapping. At certain (seasonal) times of the year, the public can apply for permits to hunt game animals in many of the Parks under the jurisdiction of NYSDEC.
These permits can be for hunting with a bow and arrow – known as bow hunting. As well as restrictions on what can be killed and when and where you can kill it, there are limitations on the types of bows that can be used and the sort of arrows that you can use. By and large, the requirements are reasonable and would not deter anyone with a serious interest in bow hunting as a sporting activity. Some Parks; like Napeague and Newton Battlefield only allow bow hunting. Other parks link bow hunting with the sporting use of antique guns like muzzle loaders while some allow all forms of hunting weapons. In general, the season for hunting the bigger game starts around late August/early September.
Non-Lethal Hunting
For those who try Archery Lessons In New York but have absolutely no desire to go hunting, competitive target shooting is an excellent sport and provides ample opportunities to practice and hone the skills you have been taught. The popularity of this type of archery can be gauged on the fact that, in 2003, the World Archery Federation (FITA) held the World Archery Championships in New York City. (Incidentally, in the total medals tally, the US drew with Korea).
They offer classes and individual tuition for anyone above 4 years of age.
