Archery Merit Badge

Archery
Merit badge requirements

Last BSA update effective January 1, 2004
Last checked for accuracy on

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  1. Do the following:

    1. State and explain the Range Safety Rules.

      1. Three safety rules when on the shooting line.
      2. Three safety rules when retrieving arrows.
      3. The four range safety whistle commands and their related verbal commands.

    2. State and explain the general safety rules for archery. Demonstrate how to safely carry arrows in your hands.

    3. Tell about your local and state laws for owning and using archery tackle.

  2. Do the following:

    1. Name and point out the parts of an arrow.
    2. Describe three or more different types of arrows.
    3. Name the four principle materials for making arrow shafts.
    4. Make a complete arrow from a bare shaft.
    5. Explain how to properly care for and store arrows.

  3. Do the following:

    1. Explain how to proper care for and store tabs, arm guards, shooting gloves, and quivers.
    2. Explain the following terms: cast, bow weight, string height (fistmele), aiming, spine, mechanical release, freestyle, and barebow.
    3. Make a bowstring for the bow you are shooting and use it.

  4. Explain the following:

    1. The importance of obedience to a range officer or other person in charge of a range.
    2. The difference between an end and a round.
    3. The differences among field, target, and 3-D archery.
    4. How the five-color National Archery Association (NAA) or Federation Internationale de Tir a l'Arc (FITA) target is scored.
    5. How the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) black-and-white field targets and blue indoor targets are scored.
    6. The elimination system used in olympic archery competition.

  5. Do ONE of the following options:

Option A - Using a Recurve Bow or Longbow
  1. Name and point to the parts of the recurve or longbow you are shooting.
  2. Explain how to properly care for and store recurve bows and longbows.
  3. Show the nine steps of good shooting for the recurve bow or longbow you are shooting.
  4. Demonstrate the proper way to string a recurve bow or longbow.
  5. Locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.
  6. Do ONE of the following:

    1. Using a recurve or longbow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, NAA,or NFAA rounds:

      1. An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 60 points.
      2. A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 80 points.
      3. A FITA/NAA olympic (outdoor) round and make a score of 80 points.
      4. A Junior indoor* round I and make a score of 180 points.
      5. A FITA/NAA indoor* round and make a score of 80 points.
      6. An NFAA indoor* round and make a score of 50 points.

      OR

    2. Shooting 30 arrows in five-arrow ends at an 80-centimeter (32-inch) five-color target at 10 yards and using the 10 scoring regions, make a score of 150.

      OR

    3. As a member of the NAA's Junior olympic Development Program (JOAD), qualify as a Yeoman, Junior Bowman, and Bowman.

      OR

    4. As a member of the NFAA's Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.

* The indoor rounds may be shot outdoors if this is more convenient

Option B - Using a Compound Bow

  1. Name and point to the parts of the compound bow you are shooting.
  2. Explain how to properly care for and store compound bows.
  3. Show the nine steps of good shooting for the compound bow you are shooting.
  4. Explain why it is necessary to have the string on a compound bow replaced at an archery shop.
  5. Locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.

  6. Do ONE of the following:

    1. Using a compound bow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, NAA,or NFAA rounds:

      1. An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 70 points.
      2. A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 90 points.
      3. A Junior 900 round and make a score of 200 points.
      4. A FITA/NAA olympic (outdoor) round and make a score of 90 points.
      5. A FITA/NAA indoor* round I and make a score of 90 points.
      6. An NFAA indoor* round and make a score of 60 points.

      OR

    2. Shooting 30 arrows in five-arrow ends at an 80-centimeter (32-inch) five-color target at 10 yards and using the 10 scoring regions, make a score of 170.

      OR

    3. As a member of the NAA's Junior olympic Development Program (JOAD), qualify as a Yeoman, Junior Bowman, and Bowman.

      OR

    4. As a member of the NFAA's Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.
* The indoor rounds can be shot outdoors if this is more convenient

Merit badge requirements courtesy of Troop 586 Farmington