Primitive archery is one of the most exciting and challenging events at the Anasazi Free-Trappers Rendezvous. Our archery course takes you through the natural terrain of Stone Cliff Canyon, and the events are open to adults and children alike. All archery at this rendezvous is primitive — longbows only, no modern equipment.
Primitive Archery Walk-Thru
What Is It?
The Primitive Archery Walk-Thru is a trail-style course through the terrain of Stone Cliff Canyon. Archers move through a series of stations, each presenting a target at varying distances and positions. Like the firearms walk-thru events, you shoot, mark your score, and move to the next station. The course is set in the natural landscape, so you may be shooting uphill, downhill, through gaps in the trees, or at targets partially concealed by terrain — just like a real hunting scenario.
The archery range is located on the west side of Traders’ Row — follow the signs.
Rules & Regulations
- Bows: Primitive longbows ONLY. No fiberglass bows, compound bows, recurve bows, or any modern bow designs.
- Strings: Dacron strings are acceptable.
- Arrows: Bring your own bows and arrows. Plastic nocks are acceptable. No fiberglass arrows.
- No: Fiberglass bows or arrows, compound bows, sights, mechanical releases, or broadheads.
- Shooting style: Instinctive shooting (no sights or aiming devices).
- Location: West side of Traders’ Row — follow the signs.
- Additional rules are posted at the event.
- Registration medallion required to compete.
How to Get Started
What you need: A primitive longbow and arrows that meet the tackle requirements above. Bring your own — bows and arrows are not provided. If you don’t own a longbow, check with traders on Traders’ Row — bows and arrows are sometimes available for purchase. Bring plenty of arrows, as you may lose a few on the course in brush or beyond targets.
First-timer tips:
- If you’re used to shooting a modern compound or recurve, be prepared — a primitive longbow is a different experience entirely. The draw weight, arrow speed, and accuracy are all less forgiving.
- Practice instinctive aiming (shooting without sights) before you arrive. Focus on the target, not on your arrow tip.
- Wear sturdy footwear — the course goes through natural terrain.
- An arm guard is recommended, even for experienced archers.
- This is one event you don’t want to miss — the course through Stone Cliff Canyon is considered among the best in the West.
When: Friday and Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm (Friday), 9:00am–4:00pm (Saturday)
Children’s Archery
What Is It?
Children’s Archery is a competitive archery event for kids 11 and under, held above the Council Fire Area. This is a scored event with awards, just like the adult and junior archery categories. Young archers shoot the course and compete for placement in their age division. This is a one-day-only event on Saturday morning — don’t miss it.
Rules & Regulations
- Ages: 11 and under.
- Equipment: Children’s longbows only. Same tackle restrictions as the adult event — no fiberglass bows, compound bows, sights, mechanical releases, or broadheads. Plastic nocks and Dacron strings are acceptable. Bring your own bows and arrows.
- Supervision: Adult supervision is required.
- Awards: Awards are given for placement, same as other archery divisions.
- Crossover rule: Children may choose to register as a Junior and receive a competition medallion, but doing so makes them ineligible for all Children’s events (Kids Games, Children’s Archery, Candy Cannon, etc.). This is a one-or-the-other decision made at registration.
- Additional rules are posted at the event.
How to Get Started
What you need: A children’s longbow and arrows — bring your own. If you need equipment, check with traders on Traders’ Row.
First-timer tips:
- This is a one-day-only event on Saturday morning, so plan accordingly — if you miss it, there’s no second chance.
- This is a great way for kids to experience real competition in a supportive environment. The archery community at rendezvous is encouraging and welcoming to young shooters.
- Kids should wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to listen carefully to the safety instructions from the range supervisors.
- Register at the Registration tent and declare whether your child will compete in the Children’s division or the Junior (12–15) division. This decision is made at registration and cannot be changed.
When: Saturday only, 9:00am–12:00pm. Above the Council Fire Area.