Archery Safety: What Every Beginner Should Know

A lot of people’s first thought about archery is: “Wait… aren’t we shooting sharp arrows at high speed? Is that safe?”

The answer: absolutely — when done the right way.
In fact, archery has one of the lowest injury rates of any sport (lower than soccer, basketball, and even tennis). Why? Because we follow simple, consistent safety rules that keep everyone safe every time.

Here are the basics I teach every new student before they take their first shot:

🎯 Listen for Range Commands

Archery ranges have a rhythm. When the whistle blows or the command is called, everyone knows when to step up, when to shoot, and when to go pull arrows. Following those commands keeps the whole group moving smoothly and safely.

🏹 Always Point Your Bow Downrange

Sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying: your bow should always stay pointed toward the targets. Even if there’s no arrow loaded, don’t turn around with it or swing it toward people.

✋ Don’t Walk With Your Bow Downrange

When it’s time to collect arrows, leave your bow on the rack or at the shooting line. Walking downrange with it is distracting, unnecessary, and unsafe.

🧘 Respect the Equipment

Your bow isn’t a toy — treat it like a precision tool. Don’t “dry fire” (shoot without an arrow), don’t mess with other people’s gear, and always set it down properly when you’re not using it.

🤝 Be Aware of Others

Archery is social! You’ll often be shooting right next to other people, so give them space, don’t crowd, and encourage them to follow the same safety habits you’re learning.

Final Thoughts

Safety in archery isn’t complicated — but it is non-negotiable. These simple rules make the range calm, focused, and enjoyable for everyone.

👉 Before you take your first shot with me, I’ll walk you through each of these in person. Once you know the rules, you’ll realize archery is one of the safest (and most fun!) sports you can try.