Most people I know got started with archery because of a parent’s influence. Bowhunters is popular where I live in Minnesota, so that’s the way in for many. But my story is a bit backwards. I starting archery after my son developed an interest from John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice book series.

After devouring those books, my son wanted nothing more than to try archery himself. Soon after he started shooting and got involved with a local JOAD club near our home, I decided to give it a try myself. My son lasted a few years before his interests led him elsewhere, but I’m still going strong ten years later and have since started shooting in the senior pro class.