Archers from across Pictou County and as far away as New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island lined up at Hector Arena Saturday to take shot at prostate cancer.
Roughly 70 archers including young children and their grandparents practiced their aim on realistic-looking targets during Saturday’s fundraiser for cancer research. Organizers were hoping for about 80 people but did not have a particular fundraising target in mind.
“It’s really popular as you can see,” said organizer Matt MacDonald. “You get outside, it’s a sport you can do in your back yard, you don’t need anything special. It’s a cheap sport to get into.”
Equipment includes carbon fibre arrows, with some tailored to sports shooting and others better suited for hunting big game.
He added that archery is an excellent sport for families of all ages and abilities to get into, pointing to four-year-old children practicing their first shots with a bow and arrow.
MacDonald said that archery was a sport whose members shared “a lot of camaraderie,” with more experienced members helping out beginners.
While many people shoot arrows simply for sport and practicing their aim, hunting is popular across the province, with archers shooting animals to eat.
While no license is needed to buy a bow and arrows, those wishing to hunt must attend a one-day bow hunter’s course to familiarize themselves with outdoor shooting safety.
Aside from that, no license or specialized training certificates are needed for would-be archers.
“It’s not a restricted sport,” said MacDonald.
It is a stark contrast from firearms, as anyone wishing to buy a gun in Canada must attend and pass safety and training courses and in some cases, obtain written permission from their province.
While the law is relaxed for archers, firearms owners must abide by strict rules governing the storage, use and transport of such weapons or risk criminal penalties.
