Archery Merit Badge Answers: A ScoutSmarts Guide


If you’re preparing to earn the Archery merit badge, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll be providing you with all of the answers that you’ll need to complete every answer in your Archery merit badge worksheet. In the process, you’ll also learn how to care for archery equipment use a bow, and even compete!

You’ve reached part 2 of my ultimate guide to the Archery merit badge! If you’re new to ScoutSmarts, you should first check out part 1 for the answers to requirements 1-3a of the Archery merit badge.

If you’ve just come over from part one, congratulations! You’re halfway done. Once you finish this badge, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to look like a champ on the range and take great care of your archery equipment for years to come. BTW, great job making it this far! 😀

It’s time to get back into it! Take a minute to closely review and think through requirements 3-5 of the Archery merit badge:

What Are The Archery Merit Badge Answers?

  1. Do the following:
    • 3a. Explain the proper use, care, and storage of, as well as the reasons for using tabs, arm guards, shooting gloves, and quivers.
      3b. Explain the following terms: draw length, draw weight, mechanical release, and barebow.
  2. Explain the following:
    • 4a. The difference between an end and a round
      4b. The differences among field, target, and 3-D archery
      4c. How the five-color World Archery Federation target is scored
      4d. How the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) black-and-white field targets and blue indoor targets are scored
  3. Do ONE of the following options:
    • Option A – Using a Recurve Bow or Longbow
      5a. Name and point to the parts of the recurve bow or longbow you are shooting.
      5b. Explain how to properly care for and store recurve bows and longbows.
      5c. Demonstrate and explain USA Archery’s “Steps of Shooting” for the bow you are shooting.

      5d. Demonstrate the proper way to string a recurve bow or longbow.
      5e. Using a bow square, locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.
      5f. Do ONE of the following:
    • I. Using a recurve bow or longbow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, USA Archery, or NFAA rounds:
      • a. An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 60 points
        b. A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 80 points

        c. A World Archery/USA Archery indoor round and make a score of 80 points
        d. An NFAA indoor round and make a score of 50 points
        (The indoor rounds may be shot outdoors if this is more convenient.)
    • II. 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 points.
      III. As a member of the USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development Program (JOAD), earn your indoor or outdoor green, purple, and gray achievement award pins using a recurve bow or longbow.
      IV. As a member of the NFAA’s Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.
    • Option B – Using a Compound Bow
      5a. Name and point to the parts of the compound bow you are shooting.
      5b. Explain how to properly care for and store compound bows.

      5c. Demonstrate and explain USA Archery’s “Steps of Shooting” for the bow you are shooting.
      5d. Explain why it is necessary to have the string or cable on a compound bow replaced at an archery shop.
      5e. Locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.
      5f. Do ONE of the following:
    • I. Using a compound bow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, USA Archery, or NFAA rounds:
      • a. An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 70 points.
        b. A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 90 points.

        c. A World Archery/USA Archery indoor round and make a score of 90 points.
        d. An NFAA indoor round and make a score of 50 points.
        (The indoor rounds may be shot outdoors if this is more convenient.)
    • II. Shooting at an 80-centimeter (32-inch) five-color target at 15 yards and using the 10 scoring regions, make a minimum score of 160 points. Accomplish this in the following manner:
      • Shoot 15 arrows in five-arrow ends, at a distance of 10 yards.
        AND Shoot 15 arrows in five-arrow ends, at a distance of 15 yards.
    • III. As a member of the USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development Program (JOAD), earn your indoor or outdoor green, purple, and gray achievement award pins using a compound bow.
      IV. As a member of the NFAA’s Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.
3b) Explain the following terms: draw length, draw weight, mechanical release, and barebow.

Yay, it’s vocab time! 😛 While vocabulary might not seem like the most fun part of archery, learning some key terms will help you understand this sport, be able to talk about it with others, and even improve your skills. Here are four super-important phrases to know to look like an archery range pro:

Draw Length

This is the distance between the bowstring’s resting position and its position when it’s drawn back as you prepare to release an arrow. This measurement is important to know, as a bow with an incorrect draw length can reduce your accuracy and may even cause injuries to yourself and other archers around you!

The draw length is measured from the nock groove (where the arrow fits onto the string) to the deepest part of the bow grip. Then, an additional 1¾ inches are added to this number to get the total draw length. Right now, I challenge you to get your bow and figure out your own draw length. Then, write it down!

Draw Weight

Draw weight is the force needed to draw the bowstring to its full draw length, typically measured in pounds. A higher draw weight means the arrow is released at a higher speed, but requires more strength and stamina to use. A lower draw weight makes a bow easier to use, but the arrow won’t travel as fast or far as you might want it to.

The ideal draw weight varies from archer to archer based on their physical strength and the type of shooting they are doing. Faster doesn’t always mean better! Like in any sport or art form, you’ll figure out the balance that works for you. I’d recommend starting with an easier draw weight, and then working your way up as you gain confidence. 🙂

Mechanical Release

A mechanical release (also called a release aid) is a device used by compound bow archers to release the bowstring. It’s designed to create a smoother, more controlled release than could be achieved by hand, which can increase the accuracy of your shots. There are various mechanical releases you will need to know, including wrist-strap releases, handheld releases, and back tension releases.

Barebow

Barebow is a type of archery where a bow is used without any sights, stabilizers, or other aiming aids. Often, this refers to recurve barebow; however, it can apply to any type of bow. Archers who shoot barebow must rely on instinct, experience, and skill to aim their shots accurately.

To help you remember the main points more easily, here’s another handy cheat sheet!

TermDefinition
Draw lengthDistance between the bowstring’s resting position and its position when it’s fully drawn
Draw weightForce required to draw the bowstring to its full draw length
Mechanical releaseA device used by compound bow archers to release the bowstring
Barebow Style of archery in which the archer uses a bow without sights, stabilizers, or other aiming aids
4a) Explain the difference between an end and a round.

An end is a group of arrows shot consecutively before going to the target to score and retrieve them. In most competitions, an end typically consists of three to six arrows shot in succession by each archer. A round is the number of strikes at the target or target faces at the given distances. Here’s a useful chart!

EndRound
A group of arrows shot before the scoring and retrieval.Number of strikes at the target at a given distance.
4b) Explain the differences between field, target, and 3-D archery.

We’ve all seen archery in the movies done in a variety of ways. What do you think of when you picture archery? Maybe you think of the iconic target, or maybe your mind jumps straight to The Hunger Games, Brave, Hawkeye from the Avengers, or some other movie/show where the archers are the stars. 

But did you know that there are three different types of archery? While field, target, and 3-D are all forms of archery, they have different rules, settings, and equipment that set them apart. Luckily, I am here to tell you all about each archery type!😁

Field Archery

Field archery involves shooting at targets of varying (usually unmarked) distances in a woodland area. The targets can be at different heights and angles, and the lighting and terrain can make this type of archery particularly challenging. This is also the most closely related to bowhunting when it comes to shooting conditions.

In field archery, archers move around a course as though they are hiking through the woods. Sounds fun, right? This type of archery can help improve an archer’s estimation skills and versatility due to the challenging environment. These skills can translate directly into bow hunting, and are great to practice.

Check out this exciting video (9:02) to see what field archery is like in real life! Btw, the intro is great, but you can skip to about 3:20 to see the archers in action.

Target Archery

This is what people typically think of when they hear the term archery. Target archery is usually practiced on a flat, open field, with targets placed at specific distances. This can range from 10 to 90 meters, depending on the style of archery and the level of the competition. 

You probably already know this, but the targets have concentric circles. Points are awarded to archers depending on where on the target the arrow lands. This type of archery requires precision and consistency, and is featured in the Olympic Games. Keep practicing, and it could be you up there one day! 😉

Target archery is likely what you’ll be doing with your troop during camps! Here’s another great video (7:51) of an actual target archery range. Start at the 1-minute mark and watch until the 2-minute mark to give yourself a better idea of what target archery involves.

3-D Archery

This form of archery involves shooting at life-size model targets (usually made from foam) at varying distances. Like field archery, 3-D archery usually takes place in an outdoor setting with varied terrain, but unlike field archery, it doesn’t typically use paper targets. The foam targets also have different scores on them.

This short video (1:39) shows a 3-D archery range. This type of archery will make you feel like a real-life hunter… even though the targets don’t move. 😛

Wow! Would you look at that — another convenient cheat sheet:

Archery TypeDescription
Field archery Shooting at targets of varying distances outdoors.
Target archery Flat, open field; target at a specific distance (10–90m).
3-D archery Foam, life-size game models, outdoors and at varying distances.

In all three types of archery, the archer might use a variety of bows (like compound, recurve, or longbows), and the specific rules and scoring can vary widely based on the organization and specific competition. All of that still may sound a little confusing, but you’ll understand it sooner than you think!

4c) Explain how the five-color World Archery Federation target is scored.

The World Archery Federation, also known as World Archery, uses a five-color target for many of their archery competitions. These targets comprise five concentric circles (a circle inside a circle, inside a circle), each a different color, and each color is further divided into two rings, making a total of ten scoring zones.

From the center outward, the colors and their corresponding scores are as follows:

  • Gold: This is the center of the target. The inner gold ring is worth 10 points, and the outer gold ring is worth 9 points.
  • Red: The inner red ring is worth 8 points, and the outer red ring is worth 7 points.
  • Blue: The inner blue ring is worth 6 points, and the outer blue ring is worth 5 points.
  • Black: The inner black ring is worth 4 points, and the outer black ring is worth 3 points.
  • White: The outermost color on the target. The inner white ring is worth 2 points, and the outer white ring is worth 1 point.
ColorInner RingOuter Ring
Gold 10 points9 points
Red 8 points7 points
Blue 6 points5 points
Black 4 points3 points
White 2 points1 point

If an arrow lands on the line between two zones, the higher score is awarded! Any arrows missing the target or hitting the target outside the scoring zones score 0 points, so try not to miss! 😛 Just kidding — it can take a while to get the hang of it, but you’ve got this!

The World Archery target archery rounds are typically shot from distances of up to 70 meters for recurve archery and up to 50 meters for compound archery. The target size varies based on the type of bow and distance being shot, with larger targets used for longer distances.

If you want to see this action unfold, here’s a video (17:45) where you can see how this target is scored. Plus, if you skip to the 2:20 mark, it shows a wonderful closeup of the target, where the scores are marked clearly. Watch and learn!

4d) Explain how the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) black-and-white field targets and blue indoor targets are scored.

The National Field Archery Association, also called the NFAA, uses different types of targets for their field and indoor archery events. These targets are generally smaller and less common, but you’ll probably come across a few if you participate in archery long enough. Here’s how they’re scored:

NFAA Black-and-White Field Targets

The NFAA’s field archery targets consist of a series of black and white rings. You might see these traditional field targets on an outdoor field archery course. The scoring is typically counted as follows:

  • The white center ring, which is also the smallest, is worth 5 points.
  • The next ring, which is black, is worth 4 points.
  • The outermost white ring is worth 3 points.
  • If an arrow lands on a line between two zones, a higher score is awarded.

Here is an incredibly helpful video (1:23) that explains NFAA field archery. If you want to cut straight to the chase, skip to the 40-second mark. Here, you get a view of the target and a good description of the point system!

Inner white ring5 points
Black ring4 points
Outer white ring3 points

NFAA Blue Indoor Targets

For indoor archery, NFAA uses a five-spot blue and white target or a single-spot target. On the five-spot target, archers can choose which of the five circles they want to aim at with each arrow. The single-spot target has a similar scoring structure but is only one circle instead of five. 

Each spot on these targets is divided into four scoring areas:

  • The innermost white spot is worth 5 points.
  • The next ring, which is blue, is worth 4 points.
  • The second outermost white ring is worth 3 points.
  • The outermost blue ring is worth 2 points.
Inner white ring5 points
Inner blue ring4 points
Outer white ring3 points
Outer blue ring2 points

In the five-spot target, both centric white rings are worth 5 points to encourage shooters to spread their shots across all five targets (as any arrow outside the white on a chosen spot results in a zero score). More options for scoring more points! 🙂

Again, if an arrow lands on a line between two zones, a higher score is awarded. In competition, the archer typically shoots a certain number of ends, and then the scores are added up to determine the final score.

Check out this helpful video (2:27) where you can see both a single-spot target and a five-spot target. Note: the single-spot target in the video doesn’t alternate colors, but the same scoring system is used. It still offers a good overview of NFAA indoor field archery!

5) Do ONE of the following options:
Option A – Using a Recurve Bow or Longbow
Option B – Using a Compound Bow

Requirement 5 is the big one! In it, you’ll need to complete a set of equipment care and shooting requirements with either a compound bow, or a recurve bow/longbow. Since most Scouts will likely be using a recurve bow (or a longbow) because compound bows are a bit more advanced, those are the options I’ll be explaining to help you complete this requirement!

5a) Name and point to the parts of the recurve bow or longbow you are shooting.

For this requirement, get ahold of your bow (not nocked) and take a close look. There, you’ll see a bunch of differently colored parts that ultimately help you to fire off arrows! But, do you know the names of these useful parts? You will! In a typical longbow or recurve bow, these are the following segments:

  • Riser: The riser is the middle part of the bow, where the archer grips. It often has mounts for attachments like sights, clickers, stabilizers, etc.
  • Limbs: These are the upper and lower parts of the bow that flex when the bowstring is drawn. The limbs store the energy that is used to propel the arrow. They are connected to the riser.
  • Bowstring: The bowstring is attached to both ends of the limbs. It’s what you draw back and release to shoot an arrow.
  • Arrow rest: Attached to the riser, the arrow rest is where the arrow sits on the bow. This can be a simple shelf.
  • Nocking point: This is the point on the bowstring where the arrow’s nock (the notch at the end of the arrow) fits. The nocking point ensures consistent placement of the arrow on the string.
  • Sight: The sight is an optional attachment used to aim at the target. It’s mounted on the riser. 
  • Stabilizer: This is an optional rod (or set of rods) that extends from the bow, usually from the riser. It helps balance the bow and reduces vibration upon shooting. 
  • Clicker: This optional accessory provides a signal (usually an audible “click”) when the archer has drawn the bow to the correct draw length. Clickers are mostly used in Olympic recurve archery.

Here is a really useful video (7:23) that covers the different parts of a bow and how beginners can use them to their advantage.

Note: This video goes into a lot of depth, and while you might enjoy watching, you don’t need all of this information. Below are the time stamps to skip to:

  • Riser: 0:48 
  • Limbs: 2:30
  • Bowstring: 4:50
  • Arrow rest: 1:50
  • Nocking point: 5:40
  • Stabilizer: 6:24

This video does not cover sights or clickers!

5b) Explain how to properly care for and store recurve bows and longbows.

Remember when we talked about how important it is to care for your arrows? Well, it’s just as important to take care of your bow! Caring for and storing your recurve or longbow properly is important to maintain its longevity and performance. The last thing you want is to have to replace it sooner than you would like!

Tips to Care for Your Bow

  1. Unstring When Not in Use: Especially for longbows and recurve bows, you should unstring the bow when it’s not in use for extended periods. This helps relieve tension and prevents the limbs from becoming set or twisted.
  2. Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your bow out of extreme heat, cold, or humidity. These conditions can damage the materials the bow is made from. 
  3. Store Horizontally or Hang Vertically: When storing, place the bow horizontally on a rack or hang it vertically from a peg by the top limb. Don’t lean it against a wall or corner for long periods, as this can cause the bow to warp or twist. If hanging, don’t hang it by the string loop, as this can stretch the string.
  4. Regular Inspection: Regularly check your bow for signs of damage, like cracks, splits, or twists in the limbs. Also, inspect the bowstring for wear and fraying. 
  5. Keep it Clean: After use, wipe down the bow with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or moisture. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth and then dry the bow thoroughly.
  6. Use Bow Wax: Apply bowstring wax to the string regularly to keep it in good condition. This prolongs the life of the string and can prevent fraying.
  7. Avoid Dry Firing: Never shoot (“dry fire”) the bow without an arrow. This can damage the bow as the energy that is normally transferred into the arrow instead goes back into the bow.
5c) Demonstrate and explain USA Archery’s “Steps of Shooting” for the bow you are shooting.

USA Archery’s National Training System (NTS) provides a comprehensive guide for shooting, breaking down the process into eleven steps:

  1. Stance: Stand perpendicular to the target, with your feet shoulder-width apart. If you’re right-handed, your left foot should be closer to the target (and vice versa).
  2. Nock: Place the arrow on the arrow rest of your bow, fitting the notch (nock) of the arrow onto the bowstring at the nocking point.
  3. Hook and Grip: Position your bow hand on the bow grip with your knuckles at a 45-degree angle. Rest the string on the first joint of your three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers), just below the arrow nock.
  4. Set-Up: Raise your bow arm to shoulder height, extending the bow towards the target, but don’t draw the string yet.
  5. Draw (Draw to load): Pull the string towards your face, aiming to bring the string to the corner of your mouth. Your elbow of the string arm should be in line or just above the arrow.
  6. Anchor: Settle the string hand against the side of your face. The string should touch the corner of your mouth and the tip of your nose.
  7. Transfer and Hold: Move the draw force from your arms into your back muscles. Hold your position steady, maintaining your form.
  8. Aim: Line up your sight with the target (if you’re using a sight). If shooting instinctively, this is where you’d focus on the target and visually align the arrow.
  9. Release: Let the string slip out of your fingers to send the arrow toward the target. The action should be relaxed and natural, with your fingers remaining in a curled position.
  10. Follow-Through: Keep your bow arm up and steady until the arrow hits the target. The string hand should naturally move back alongside your neck. 
  11. Relax/Recover: Lower your bow arm and relax your body. Prepare for the next shot.

This might seem complicated, but it’ll become second nature if you practice! In case you’re a visual learner, here’s a one-minute video demonstrating these steps:

5d) Explain the proper way to string a recurve bow or longbow.

Stringing a recurve or longbow correctly is key for maintaining the bow’s structure and avoiding potential injury. However, there’s a lot of energy generated in the bending of a bow that could spring back and hurt you if you’re careless! So remember, as exciting as archery is, safety always comes first!

A Step-By-Step Guide to Stringing Your Bow

You’ll need your bow, bowstring, and a bow stringer(Amazon link example – A bow stringer is a tool designed to help safely and effectively string bows and is highly recommended, especially for beginners!)

  1. Identify String Ends: First, identify your bowstring’s top and bottom. The top loop of the string is typically larger than the bottom loop.
  1. Attach the String: Attach the larger loop of your bowstring to the top limb of your bow and the smaller loop to the bottom limb. The top loop should slide up and over the end of the top limb, while the bottom loop should fit into the groove at the end of the bottom limb. The string should hang loosely off the bow.
  1. Attach the Bow Stringer: Now, attach the bow stringer. One end of the bow stringer attaches to the top limb of the bow (this is usually a pocket), and the other end (usually a saddle) slips over the bottom limb and the already attached bowstring.
  1. Step on the Bow Stringer: Stand on the bow stringer with both feet shoulder-width apart. The bow should be perpendicular to the ground, with the bowstring facing you.
  1. Pull Up on the Bow: While keeping pressure on the stringer by standing on it, pull upward on the bow’s riser (handle), flexing the bow and creating slack in the string.
  1. Slide the String: With your other hand, slide the top loop of the string up the limb and into the string groove at the end of the top limb.
  1. Slowly Release the Pressure: Carefully let the pressure off the bow by lowering it, all while ensuring the string stays in both limb grooves.
  1. Remove the Bow Stringer: Once the bow is strung correctly, remove the bow stringer.

You must inspect your equipment both before and after use. If the bow or string shows signs of wear or damage, do not string the bow. Doing so could potentially break it or cause injury. Again, if you hurt your equipment, you can hurt yourself, and if you hurt yourself, you can’t use your equipment! 🙁

That’s a lot to take in! Here’s a video (1:48) demonstrating stringing and unstringing a recurve bow to help you get the hang of it.

5e) Using a bow square, locate and mark with dental floss, crimp-on, or other method, the nocking point on the bowstring of the bow you are using.

First off, let’s talk about what a bow square actually is! A bow square (amazon example), also called a T-square, is a T-shaped tool that archers use to measure and find the correct nocking point. It clips onto the bowstring and lies flat against the bow’s arrow rest. This helps archers to fire arrows straight!

Steps to Locate and Mark a Nocking Point:

  1. Position the Bow: Secure your bow and hold it with the string facing you, with the limbs pointing away.
  2. Attach the Bow Square: Clip the bow square onto the string so that the horizontal part (the cross of the ‘T’) sits flat on the arrow rest.
  3. Locate the Nocking Point:
    • For recurve bows: The nocking point is typically 1/8th to 1/4th inch above square. Meaning, when you look at where the bow square meets the string, your nocking point will be just a bit above the 90-degree angle.
    • For compound bows: The nocking point is often right at the 90-degree point or just slightly above it, so lower than a recurve bow’s point.
  4. Mark the Nocking Point: Once you’ve determined the correct location, take a piece of dental floss and tightly wrap it around the string at the desired nocking point. Knot and trim off the excess. Metal crimps could work also.
  5. Test it: It’s always a good idea to shoot a few arrows after setting up a nocking point to ensure that it feels comfortable and that the arrows fly straight.

Setting up a good nocking point correctly can dramatically improve an archer’s accuracy and consistency. While it might seem tricky at first, with a little practice and patience, you’ll get the hang of it! Happy shooting! You’re now 100% prepared to complete the final requirement.

5f) I. Using a recurve bow or longbow and arrows with a finger release, shoot a single round of ONE of the following BSA, USA Archery, or NFAA rounds:
a. An NFAA field round of 14 targets and make a score of 60 points
b. A BSA Scout field round of 14 targets and make a score of 80 points

c. A World Archery/USA Archery indoor round and make a score of 80 points
d. An NFAA indoor round and make a score of 50 points
(The indoor rounds may be shot outdoors if this is more convenient.)
II. 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 points.
III. As a member of the USA Archery Junior Olympic Archery Development Program (JOAD), earn your indoor or outdoor green, purple, and gray achievement award pins using a recurve bow or longbow.
IV. As a member of the NFAA’s Junior Division, earn a Cub or Youth 100-score Progression patch.

This one is on you, Scout! Using everything we’ve covered here, put your knowledge to the test by shooting at actual targets. To be honest, I personally didn’t score high enough the first time when trying to earn this merit badge, so feel safe taking as many shots as you’d like! 😛 Have fun and be safe out there, archer!

Congrats on Finishing the Archery Merit Badge!

I hope you learned a ton in this guide and now have a new awesome hobby to share with your friends! Archery is both a fun sport and an art form in some ways, but be careful and always remember the range safety rules. Now get out there, shoot straight, and have a blast!😀

If you found this post helpful, I’ve also written guides to many of the Eagle-required merit badges. I’d definitely recommend checking out my comprehensive difficulty rankings for every Eagle-required merit badge if you haven’t seen it already!

Great work, Scout! You’ve just learned everything necessary to answer each of the requirements in your merit badge workbook and earn your Archery merit badge!! I hope you found my guide helpful and, until next time, I’m wishing you the best of luck in your Scouting journey.

(Click here to return to part 1 of my guide to the Archery merit badge!)

Cole

I'm constantly writing new content because I believe in Scouts like you! Thanks so much for reading, and for making our world a better place. Until next time, I'm wishing you all the best on your journey to Eagle and beyond!

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