From the day I shot my first arrow, I fell deeply in love with traditional archery. You might say it was love at first flight. And whenever people walk by, they have a very primal reaction to it. In fact, sometimes they get so swept away by the romance and mythology of it all, I have to remind them that you don't want to be on the business end of an arrow.

They walk over with big wide eyes and say, "Are those real feathers? Is that a wooden arrow?"

Most people these days have very little experience with archery. And those that do are more familiar with the modern compound bow, which is so far off from the original bows, some traditional archers joke that if you want a compound bow and carbon arrows, why not just buy a gun?

Surprisingly, there are many resources for buying or making a traditional long bow or recurve bow. Recurves are easier to find perhaps. Arrows are a bit trickier, because the arrows have to be matched not only to the bow, but to the person shooting the bow. You have to take into account things like what kind of tip to put on it, how much does it flex (spine), weight, how long should it be (draw length), and personal artistic preference, like what cut and color of feathers and cresting go on it. If your fletcher asks you what kind of arrows you want, please don't tell them 'Something cool like Legolas."

Some of the things you need in your archery kit include a bracer, a finger tab or glove, a quiver, 2 bowstrings (in case one gets damaged), beeswax, regular arrows, junk arrows (for shooting at rocks or steel targets), a sun hat, and sunscreen. Some archers that make their own arrows also carry things like glue and a serving tool and arrow tips and parts to do emergency field repairs. But I warn you, if you get too good at that people will keep you so busy fixing their arrows you may not have time to shoot your own.

Before shooting discuss the safety rules of the particular range you are on. Most of them are just common sense, like never nock an arrow and point it at a person or pet.

Archery is more fun in groups, so check out your local archery store for information on local clubs or organizations. Some stores only carry compound equipment so they may not be of much help. The SCA (a re-enactment group) may have archery as part of it's activities. http://www.sca.org/

There are both target shooting groups and hunting groups, so decide which appeals to you.

Also, see if your local college has classes.

If you want to make your own bows and arrows go see my friends at Paleo Planet: http://b16.ezboard.com/bpaleoplanet69529

Archery events often have catagories for all ages, men, women and children. They have a place for long bows, self-bows, and recurves. Many of them are for charity and won't cost you an arm and a leg to attend. Some are weekend events with camping and cookouts and music. You can shoot a lot or you can shoot a little or you can just hang out and have fun.

Quiver: A container for arrows. There are hip quivers, ground quivers and back quivers.

Bracer: A leather cuff to protect the arm holding the bow from getting cut by the bowstring. Absolutely necessary for beginners. Optional for others.

Finger Tab or Glove: You wear it on the hand that pulls the bowstring to protect your fingers. Make sure when you order one you specify left or right hand.

Bowstringer: A device to help you put the string on the bow. Make sure you get the right kind for your bow.

Beeswax: Get a cake of it to rub on the bowstring to condition the string and keep it from getting the 'frizzies'.

Nock: The notch on the end of the arrow opposite the point.

Nocking an arrow: Putting the arrow on the bowstring.

Broadhead: A sharp wide arrowhead made for hunting. Most target ranges don't allow them so ask first.

Target Point: A tip designed for shooting at bales and other targets.

Blunt: A blunt arrowhead designed to stun small game and birds.

Flintknapping: The art of chipping rock to make things like arrowheads.

Fletcher: A person who makes arrows

Fletching: The feathers on an arrow or the act of putting feathers on an arrow.

Bowyer: A person that makes bows. (Rhymes with lawyer).

Tillering Tree: A device used for making sure a bow is bending correctly.

And just for fun: Toxophilus means "archery-lover."