[Archers] Got ideas for the next, next Seasonal Challenge?

[Garth G. Groff]

Noble friends,

Here's what I sent to Lord Jonathas:

Hardly seasonal challenge material, but now we always open practice with 
a short novelty shoot. We've tried various odd shoots, including castle 
windows, multiple small targets, etc. At practice yesterday, I set up an 
apple on a styro wig head. Each archer had six arrows to hit the apple 
at 10 yards. Hitting the wig head was an automatic disqualification, as 
was missing on all six arrows. I recommended anyone who hit the apple to 
stop, lest they hit the wig head on their next shot. Winners were to go 
to a second round shoot-off of three arrows until only one archer was 
left. As it turned out only one archer (a beginner) scored in the first 
round, so he won a modest prize (Yes, I also hit it, but as the prize 
providers, Lady Sarah and I shoot only for fun).

Archers used to straggle into practice on Isenfir/Caer Gelynniog's range 
for as much as an hour after the advertised start. Since I was the only 
marshal at most shoots, inspections and fitting up novices with loaner 
gear held up the range and made other shooters really frustrated. Rather 
than nag people, which would probably drive them away, I came up with 
the prize shoot idea as a more positive way to encourage earlier 
arrivals. The shoot is announced in advance by email. The message warns 
that anybody who comes late cannot  join the prize shoot, but will be 
welcome in the following Royal Rounds. Response has been very good. Yes, 
a have a separate category and prize for youngsters, with somewhat 
relaxed rules. Winners of the previous shoot in either category cannot 
win twice in a row, but may shoot for fun. This keeps better archers 
from winning every time.

Just an idea to consider for your ranges.

Kind regards,


Lord Mungo Napier, Shire of Isenfir TA Marshal