Stay Focused. Stay Safe. Hit Your Target.

Shooting a bow and arrow for the first time can be intimidating, but learning how to safely handle these devices will help boost your confidence when taking aim. Brace yourself with patience and determination, because hitting your first target is a rewarding experience you'll never forget! Below is some information and resources you can use to learn the basics of safe and responsible bow handling.

The basics of learning to shoot are outlined below, and you can also get started learning with our interactive Introduction to Archery online learning module. This content covers the basics, including different types of archery, information on using archery equipment for recreation and for hunting, and safety considerations … all at your own pace! A fact sheet, outdoor skills YouTube videos, and other resources are also available. After reviewing introductory information, we encourage you to attend a virtual or in-person learning opportunity with friendly and knowledgeable staff for hands-on experience.

Basics of Archery in Ohio

The Benefits of Practicing Archery

Safety and Responsibility
Learning how the bow operates and how to safely handle it will ensure maximum enjoyment at the range or in the field. 

The Challenge
While taking aim with a bow, your senses and focus are sharpened. Practicing shooting skills can improve concentration and confidence.

The First Step in Learning to Hunt
Archery equipment is popular with hunters hoping to harvest wild game. Learning to safely handle and shoot a bow is a natural first step in a journey into hunting for food.

Why Hunt?
Learn more about how nature, local food, and a variety of motivations are linked through hunting in “Why Hunt?”, a publication of the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Established in 1982, this conservation organization works to inspire an ethical relationship between people and nature through the legacy of Aldo Leopold.

Why Hunt? A Guide for Lovers of Nature, Local Food, and Outdoor Recreation (Aldo Leopold Foundation)

Archery Considerations

What Makes Archery Different?
The shooting sports generally refers to archery and firearms being used for various kinds of recreational shooting. Examples of types of archery include target archery, field archery, 3D archery, and bowhunting. Learn more about the different types of archery with Archery 360 by visiting the link below.

We will use the term archery to refer to a variety of bows, which are devices that store energy in a limb system and transfer energy to an arrow when the string is released. This differs from a firearm, which are mechanical devices that use pressure from burning powder to force a projectile through and out of a metal tube. Compared to firearms, bows are a short-range tool.

There are many types of bows, but they generally fall into four categories: traditional longbow, recurve, compound, and crossbows. The main differences are based in the way they are structured. Note that while traditional longbow3, recurve, and compound bows use arrows, crossbows use bolts. Learn more in our interactive learning module or fact sheet.
Introduction to Archery Learning Module
Introduction to Archery Fact Sheet

Archery 360 is a collection of resources and articles, offered in collaboration with archery-centric organizations by the Archery Trade Association.
Types of Archery (Archery 360)

Archery Safety

Archery safety is important with any type of bow. There are a variety of considerations that may change based on the type of equipment you are using and the locations you are using it, but the basics are:

• Only point the bow and arrow/bolt in a safe direction
• Only nock an arrow/bolt when it is safe to shoot
• Be sure of your target and what is in front of, immediately behind, and beyond it
• Never shoot over a ridge
• Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area and a safe backstop or background
• Avoid dry-firing a bow, as it may cause serious damage to the bow and injure the user
  

Learn more about archery safety in a video from Archery 360. Archery 360 is a collection of resources and articles, offered in collaboration with archery-centric organizations by the Archery Trade Association.
Archery Safety Video (Archery 360)

Build Your Skill: Learning Opportunities

There's no better way to learn than getting out in the field and giving it a try. If you don't know anyone who can take you out hunting, consider participating in a hands-on learning opportunity with the Division of Wildlife, with one of our Wild Ohio Harvest Community events. Our staff is committed to guiding you through the process of learning essential hunting skills in a patient and pressure-free environment. This can also be a great place to meet other new hunters!

Check out our calendar of upcoming Wild Ohio Harvest Community experiences, classes, and courses (virtual and in-person). These opportunities are provided by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and other skilled and knowledgeable conservation organizations across the state.
Wild Ohio Harvest Community Calendar of Events

Take an Archery Class
Below are archery ranges at Ohio State Parks that periodically offer archery classes.

• Pymatuning State Park
• West Branch State Park
• Shawnee State Park
• Pike Lake State Park
• Mosquito Lake State Park
• Mohican State Park
• Kiser Lake State Park
• Hueston Woods State Park
• Hocking Hills State Park
• Grand Lake St. Mary’s State Park
• Caesar Creek State Park
• Cowan Lake State Park
• Dillon Lake State Park

Below is a list of city parks, metro parks, and cooperative archery ranges that periodically offer archery classes. These archery ranges are made possible through an ODNR Division of Wildlife Shooting Range Cooperative Grant.

• Carter Park Archery Range (Kings Mills, OH)
• Hampton Hills Metro Park (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)
• Liberty Park (Streetsboro, OH)
• Silver Creek Park (Doylestown, OH)
• Garby Big Woods (Piqua, OH)
• Oak Grove Park (Washington Township, OH)
• West Winds Metro Park Range (Holland, OH)
• Bellbrook Sugarcreek Metro Park
• Lake Metro Parks (*Range to open in 2018)
• Cleveland Metro Parks
• Centerville Washington Park District
• On Target Outfitters (Canfield, OH)

Participate in a Partner Event
Many conservation organizations and conservation clubs throughout Ohio offer learning opportunities for anyone to try their hand at outdoor activities. These organizations are dedicated to instructing new and continuing participants, opportunities can range from beginner level to advanced, and some are specifically for new participants. This is also a great way to meet other people who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with new hunters.
Search Conservation Clubs in Ohio (Google)

Other Learning Opportunities
Many businesses and organizations offer outdoor recreation courses seasonally and year-round in Ohio. L.L. Bean, Cabela's, and Field & Stream are just a few that provide opportunities at different levels to learn how to shoot, hunt, fish and cook wild game in addition to other outdoor recreation courses.

Learning Resources: Preparing to Practice Archery

Overview of Shooting Archery
Important parts of getting ready for a session at the range include making sure you have the equipment you need, reviewing statewide and local regulations, and finding a place to practice.

Using the Right Equipment
The equipment you will need or borrow will depend on the type of bow you are interested in and personal preference.
If you are thinking about taking the next step into hunting after learning to shoot, it is important to know that only certain kinds of hunting equipment may be used when hunting different wildlife species.
The resources listed below are great places to start.
Introduction to Archery Learning Module
Introduction to Archery Fact Sheet
Wild Ohio Harvest Community – Outdoor Skills [YouTube]
Allowable Hunting Equipment

Archery 360 Resources
Find introductory information from a beginner’s guide to choosing the right gear on Archery 360. Archery 360 is a collection of resources and articles, offered in collaboration with archery-centric organizations by the Archery Trade Association.
Introduction to Archery (Archery 360)

Review Statewide and Local Regulations

Statewide Regulations
Ohio laws in their entirety can be found by consulting the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) or the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). These laws are subject to change. It is your responsibility to be aware of the most current laws when shooting firearms.

Ohio Revised Code (ORC)
Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)

Local Regulations
Be aware of local hunting regulations (e.g. city regulations) before discharging a bow.

Practice at a Public Shooting or Archery Range

Public Shooting and Archery Ranges
If you’re learning to handle firearms or archery gear, or simply want to sharpen your skills, there are a number of public shooting and archery ranges at wildlife areas and Ohio State Parks available to you.

The ODNR provides public shooting ranges so Ohio’s sportsmen and sportswomen have safe places to practice with their hunting implements. Safe shooting environments and knowledgeable range attendants foster an attitude of firearms safety and respect, where shooters can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safe firearms use and take the next step to attend a hunter education class and become a hunter.

In Ohio, there are several public shooting ranges, and they are ranked by class:

Class A: supervised, rifle and pistol target ranges
Class B: unsupervised, rifle and pistol target ranges
Class C: unsupervised, clay target shotgun ranges
Class D: unsupervised, offer archery target ranges 
Class O: other public ranges 

All Class A ranges have handicap accessible parking, shooting benches, and restroom facilities. No range attendant or restroom facilities are provided at Class B and Class C shooting ranges.

About Public Shooting Ranges & Buy a Shooting Range Permit
Find a Public Shooting Range

Find More Shooting Ranges
There are other directories of shooting ranges in Ohio and the nation. "Where to Shoot" by NSSF even offers a mobile apps of their directory.

Where to Shoot - National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
Shooting Ranges in Ohio - rangelistings.com

Stay Informed and Support Your Wild Ohio

There's More to Come!
The Division of Wildlife works hard to keep Ohioans informed of all the latest wildlife-related happenings around the state, provide opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation and teach the importance of wildlife conservation. Don't lose touch - follow us on social media, get the Wild Ohio Magazine, and sign up for email alerts. We are planning more opportunities for beginning hunters in the very near future!

Wild Ohio Harvest Community
ODNR Division of Wildlife Facebook
Your Wild Ohio - Angler Facebook
ODNR Division of Wildlife Instagram
ODNR Division of Wildlife Twitter
ODNR Division of Wildlife LinkedIn
Wild Ohio Magazine
ODNR Division of Wildlife Weekly Email Updates

Support Ohio's Wildlife
We can't manage wildlife populations without you! The Division of Wildlife does not receive general tax dollars to manage Ohio's native wildlife, so contributions are always appreciated. Here are some ways your dollars can support wildlife conservation in your Wild Ohio:

• Your annual fishing license or hunting license
• An Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp
• An Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp
• Wildlife license plates
• Make a donation, or give through the tax check-off program

Donate to Ohio's Wildlife Conservation
Purchase a Specialty Wildlife Conservation License Plate
Purchase an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp
Make a Tax Donation
Make a Memorial Donation

Help a Biologist and Report Wildlife Sightings

Report your wildlife sightings online and help Ohio biologists track a number of different species, including black bear, bobcat, river otter, ruffed grouse, turkey and more.  For more information on how you can help, please follow the link below.

Report Wildlife Sightings Online