Get archery lessons in Toronto - Contact cardiotrek@gmail.com or visit CardioTrek.ca.

Learn more about archery in Toronto by visiting archerytoronto.ca, or the Toronto Public Archery Range Facebook page
or by joining the Canadian Toxophilite Society.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Adventure Fiction Books with Archery

  1. "The Longbow Girl" by Linda Davies: This adventure novel follows Merry Owen, a skilled archer who discovers a buried treasure and embarks on a quest to save her family's farm.

  2. "The Last Archer" by S.D. Smith: Part of "The Green Ember" series, this adventure book centers around Jo Shanks, an archer who joins the resistance against an evil empire.

  3. "The Archer's Cup" by Michael Cadnum: In this adventure tale, Will, a talented archer, sets out on a perilous journey to fulfill his destiny.

  4. "The Archer's Son" by M.K. Hume: This historical adventure novel follows the life of Arthur, son of an archer, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of medieval England.

  5. "Archer's Quest" by Linda Sue Park: This adventure book features Kevin, who travels back in time to the time of Robin Hood and experiences archery adventures.

See Also

Prehistoric Fiction Books with Archery

Historical Fiction Books with Archery

Fantasy Books with Archery

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Biography of Ben Pearson: Master Bowyer and Archery Pioneer

Early Life and Apprenticeship

Ben Pearson, a legendary figure in the world of archery, was born on March 15, 1898, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in archery, often crafting makeshift bows and arrows with the guidance of his father. Fascinated by the art of bow-making, young Ben sought to refine his skills and learn the craft from accomplished bowyers.

At the age of 15, Ben Pearson embarked on an apprenticeship with a local bowyer. Under the tutelage of his mentor, he honed his craftsmanship and developed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating high-quality bows. With an unwavering commitment to his craft, Ben quickly gained a reputation for his precision and dedication to perfection.

Founding Ben Pearson Archery

After years of dedicated learning and perfecting his craft, Ben Pearson decided to take his passion for archery to the next level. In 1927, at the age of 29, he founded his own archery company, "Ben Pearson Archery," in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His vision was to create top-notch bows and archery equipment that would be cherished by archers worldwide.

From the outset, the company gained recognition for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and quality. Ben Pearson's bows were known for their exceptional performance, durability, and smooth shooting, quickly winning over the hearts of archers across the country. As the demand for his bows grew, so did the company's reputation.

Innovations and Contributions to Archery

Ben Pearson was not content with merely crafting traditional bows; he constantly sought to push the boundaries of archery technology. Throughout his career, he made numerous significant contributions to the archery world, earning him the reputation of a true archery pioneer.

One of his most notable contributions was the introduction of the takedown bow in the late 1930s. This innovative design allowed archers to disassemble their bows into three parts, making it easier to transport and store them. The takedown bow design revolutionized archery equipment and quickly became popular among archers who needed versatility and convenience.

Archery Legacy and Impact

Ben Pearson's passion for archery was not limited to his business endeavors. He was deeply involved in promoting archery as a sport and actively supported various archery organizations. His dedication to the sport earned him widespread respect and admiration within the archery community.

Throughout his life, Ben Pearson remained committed to producing top-quality bows, and his dedication to craftsmanship never wavered. His bows became sought-after items, used by numerous archery champions and enthusiasts alike. The name "Ben Pearson" became synonymous with excellence in archery.

Legacy and Honors

Ben Pearson's contributions to archery were recognized in his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and accolades for his innovations and craftsmanship. In honor of his significant contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame in 1974.

Final Years and Passing

After decades of dedication to his craft and the archery community, Ben Pearson passed away on December 21, 1971, at the age of 73. However, his legacy lives on through his company, the impact of his innovations, and the countless archers who continue to cherish and use his bows.

Today, the name "Ben Pearson Archery" continues to be associated with quality, innovation, and a deep love for the art of archery. As a true pioneer and master bowyer, Ben Pearson's influence on the world of archery will be felt for generations to come.

Monday, July 31, 2023

Prehistoric Fiction Books with Archery

  1. "Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel: Set during the Paleolithic era, this book follows Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl, who is taken in by a Neanderthal tribe. Archery and hunting are crucial skills in this prehistoric society.

  2. "The Inheritors" by William Golding: This novel explores the interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and while not primarily focused on archery, hunting and survival skills, including the use of bows and arrows, are depicted.

  3. "People of the Wolf" by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear: The first book in the "First North Americans" series, it is set during the Ice Age and features the adventures of a young hunter named Rumbler.

  4. "The Plains of Passage" by Jean M. Auel: Part of the Earth's Children series, this book continues Ayla's journey, and her archery skills and ability to use the bow and arrow are highlighted.

  5. "The Shelters of Stone" by Jean M. Auel: Another installment in the Earth's Children series, archery continues to be a significant aspect of Ayla's life as she navigates prehistoric times.

More books by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear:

  1. "People of the Sea": Part of the "First North Americans" series, this book is set during the Archaic period and follows the story of Sees Far, a young woman who becomes a skilled archer and hunter.

  2. "People of the River": This book is another installment in the "First North Americans" series, focusing on a prehistoric culture along the Mississippi River. Archery and hunting are vital skills for the characters in this book.

  3. "People of the Lakes": Set in the Great Lakes region during the prehistoric era, this book features characters who rely on archery for hunting and sustenance.

  4. "People of the Lightning": This novel is part of the "First North Americans" series and is set in the prehistoric Southeastern United States. Archery is showcased as an important aspect of survival and tribal life.

  5. "People of the Owl": Set during the Late Woodland period in what is now West Virginia, this book follows the adventures of a young girl named Tslagi, who becomes skilled in archery as she tries to save her people.

  6. "People of the Raven": The book is part of the "First North Americans" series and is set in the Pacific Northwest during the late Ice Age. Archery is used for hunting and in inter-tribal conflicts.

 

See Also

Historical Fiction Books with Archery

Fantasy Books with Archery

Sunday, July 30, 2023

How were archers supplied with arrows during long wars?

During long wars, supplying archers with arrows was crucial for maintaining their effectiveness on the battlefield. Armies employed several strategies to ensure a steady and sufficient supply of arrows. Here are some of the methods they used:

  1. Ammunition Carriers: Armies often employed specialized soldiers whose primary responsibility was to carry extra arrows into battle. These ammunition carriers, sometimes called "arrow boys" or "arrow runners," would bring fresh quivers of arrows to the archers during lulls in the fighting or as needed.

  2. Supply Trains: Large armies would have supply trains that followed them during their campaigns. These supply trains carried various provisions, including arrowheads, shafts, and fletchings (feathers on the back of the arrow). When the archers ran low on arrows, they could requisition new supplies from the supply train.

  3. Workshop Units: Some armies had mobile workshops or forges that accompanied them. These workshops were manned by skilled craftsmen who could repair damaged arrows or even produce new arrows during the campaign.

  4. Local Production: Depending on the availability of resources, armies might set up temporary arrow-making facilities in captured territories or allied regions. They could use local materials and labor to produce arrows, reducing the burden on the main supply lines.

  5. Looting: In some cases, soldiers might scavenge arrows from the battlefield, especially after a significant engagement. While scavenged arrows might not be of the same quality as professionally made ones, they could still be used in a pinch.

  6. Conservation and Retrieval: Archers were trained to retrieve and reuse their arrows whenever possible. During lulls in the battle, they would collect arrows that had missed their targets and were still in good condition.

  7. Allies and Trade: Armies might rely on their allies or trade partners to supply them with arrows, especially if they were operating in foreign lands where local resources were scarce.

  8. Stockpiling: Before a long campaign or major battle, armies would stockpile arrows to ensure they had a significant reserve to draw upon when needed.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of these strategies varied depending on the time period and the resources available to the armies. As warfare evolved and technology advanced, different methods of resupplying archers emerged. However, regardless of the method, maintaining a consistent supply of arrows was essential for keeping archers effective on the battlefield.

Monday, June 5, 2023

How much does it cost to rent The E. T. Seton Archery Range for a private event?

Hello!

Question: How much does it cost to rent The E. T. Seton Archery Range for a large private event?

 

So... Here's the thing...

Renting the entire archery range located at E. T. Seton Park (otherwise known as the Toronto Archery Range) is prohibitively expensive.

Here's what a person or organization would need:

Archery Equipment for all of the users taking part during the event. If the people taking part in the event don't already have their own equipment then they would need to purchase the equipment, which will cost about $400 per person to get all the bows, arrows, shooting gloves, etc. Alternatively, the organizers could rent equipment or find someone willing to loan equipment, but they would still want a rental fee and a deposit in case of breakage or theft.

To book your event you need to contact Toronto City Hall if you want to do any large scale event that would make private use of the archery range. The cost of renting the entire archery range is $3,500 per day.
 
When booking you need to provide proof that you have liability insurance of at least $4,000,000 for the event. The insurance company may require that event organizers hire an experienced archery instructor to make certain that people taking part in the event are doing so in a safe manner.
 
After booking the archery range you will be responsible for putting up signs prior to the event to let local archers know that the range would be closed on that day, otherwise there will be archers there wanting to use the range and they will be upset that it is closed without warning.
 
You may need to rent portable washrooms for your event. The nearest bathrooms within E. T. Seton Park are otherwise a 6 minute walk away and they are only open seasonally.
 
You will be responsible for all trash pick up when your event is finished. Failure to pick up trash after any large event can result in a fine for littering to the person or persons who organized the event.
 
This information may be out of date, so please contact Toronto City Hall to get the up-to-date info regarding the cost and the amount of liability insurance needed. Please direct any questions you might have to Toronto City Hall.

ALTERNATIVES

#1. Toronto also has a lot of Archery Tag locations, which are indoors, and have their own liability insurance. It is significantly easier (and cheaper) to simply rent an Archery Tag location for the desired time period.
 
#2. If your event is not that big, you don't actually need to book the entire archery range for a private event. You can simply show up and share the space with other archers who use the range. Eg. The Toronto Zombie Survivalist group used to have annual meetings at the archery range and at the time they had over 50 members. They didn't book the space. They simply shared the space with local archers.

CONCLUSIONS

For the vast majority of events (birthday parties, Zombie Survivalist Meetings, etc) you don't need to book the archery range. You just show up and use it. The only times someone would ever really need to book a large private event is if they were organizing a large scale archery competition, an archery themed wedding with lots of guests (and you don't want random people wedding crashing), or a similar large scale event (possibly corporate) where you don't want other people making use of the space during that time period.
 
Note

All people using the range must follow all safety bylaws at all times. Anyone caught disobeying the bylaws are subject to a $4,000 fine plus possible criminal charges for reckless endangerment with a firearm. Please read and follow all safety bylaws.




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