Can I Practice Archery In The Woods?

There are multiple places where one can practice archery ranging from the backyard of your home to the quiet forests on the outskirts of the city.

If you are specifically wondering if you can practice archery in the woods, the answer is yes.

Keep reading to find out all that you need to know!

Is it Legal?

Yes, it is legal in most cases. You can practice archery on public property if there is no public hazard and the place is suitable for archery practice. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with your local police ministry.

Practicing on public property may be both wise and foolish. It all depends on the scenario and the location where you practice. Check first, but if it is legal to hunt and fire a gun in the region, it should be allowed to shoot a few arrows at an archery target. In most states, there is a particular property set aside for hunting and fishing that is open to the public.

You can also practice on private property. If you have any friends or family who own vast plots of land or hunting areas, you can also ask them if you may borrow a corner of their land for archery practice. 

How To Practice Archery Safely?

Finding a cliff face and hiking to the bottom of it is a fantastic idea. When shooting directly towards the face of a cliff, you have nothing but dirt and rocks as a backdrop to your target. This makes shooting considerably safer. Never shoot into the air, and never shoot over cliffs or ledges.

First and foremost, ensure that there are no people in the area. You would want at least 50 meters of space where you know there will be no other people. When shooting on public recreational grounds, safety should always come first. Always keep an eye out for other hunters, shooters, and hikers, and dress brightly in hunter safety clothes.


Always use a backstop to keep arrows from flying behind the target. It must be large enough so that any arrows that miss will hit the backstop.

Where Else Can I Practice?

If you are struggling to obtain legal permission to practice archery in the woods, there are tons of other ideal locations!

Many local archery stores include a few indoor shooting lanes for prospective clients to try out their bows. Similarly, several local archery clubs around the country do not offer outdoor shooting but do have indoor shooting. Some universities and high schools also allow archery practice during certain hours. Never hurts to ask.

Watch this video to find out if you can practice archery in your backyard:

Wherever you decide to shoot, you would want to be very certain that you are safe and have the authorization to fire. If not, then, there are always other brilliant spots for practice.

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