Frequently asked questions

I have never shot a bow before. Can I still come?
Yes! That is who the club is for. We are recreational and beginner-focused. If it is your first time shooting, one of our instructors will teach you the basics.
Do I have to be a Northwestern student?
You need to be Northwestern-affiliated, which includes undergraduates, graduate students, part-time students, faculty, and staff. That also means you cannot bring friends from outside Northwestern.
Can I try the club before paying anything?
Yes. The first Friday and Saturday practices of each quarter are free, so you can come and see what it is like before paying dues.
Where do you send out announcements?
We send out announcements via our email list and GroupMe. Links to join both are at the bottom.
Do I have to come every week?
No. There is no commitment. Plenty of people come once to try it and never come back, and that is completely fine.
Can I join partway through the quarter?
Yes. Join anytime by signing up for a practice.
Do you compete?
Some of our exec members and more serious archers go to competitions for fun, but nobody is required to.
Do you have a coach?
Yes. A Level 4 USA Archery coach attends some of our practices, though not all of them. Most of our officers are Level 2 USA Archery Instructors.
How can I get more involved or become an officer?
We are always looking for people to help out. If you are interested in getting more involved or becoming an officer, talk to us.

When and where do you practice?
At Blomquist Recreation Center. Most weeks we practice Friday 8:15–9:45 PM and Saturday 7:15–8:45 PM, but the schedule can change, and some weeks have no practice at all. We will announce any changes ahead of time.
Do you practice during breaks and finals?
No. We do not practice during Weinberg reading period, finals week, or any break.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Yes. Equipment and space are limited, so signups are capped and filled first come, first served. If a practice is full you can join a waitlist.
What if I signed up but cannot make it?
Remove yourself from the signup list or waitlist as soon as possible so someone else can take your spot.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
Please try to arrive on time, since it makes check-in much easier for our exec members. Leaving early is fine. However, our free practices fill up fast, so if you get a spot for one, please try to stay for most of it. Someone else would have been glad to have it.
What should I wear?
Closed-toed shoes, long hair tied back, and nothing loose or baggy. Avoid brimmed hats and large accessories. We recommend wearing a lightweight, short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans or pants with belt loops or pockets.

How much does it cost?
Aside from the first two practices each quarter, paid practices are $5 each, or you can pay $40 up front for the whole quarter. We take Venmo, Zelle, and cash, collected in person during practice. We cannot make change for cash.
What if the dues are a burden for me?
Please look into the Student Activities Assistance Fund (SAAF), or reach out to us directly and we will see what we can do. We do not want cost to keep anyone out.

Do I need my own bow?
No. We provide equipment and instruction for beginners. Club equipment is barebow recurve.
Can I bring my own bow?
Yes. An exec member may check your equipment before you shoot, to make sure the draw weight is not too heavy for our range (especially powerful compound bows) and that nothing else about it is unsafe.
I am left-handed. Do you have a bow for me?
Yes. We have two left-handed bows. They are the blue ones.
Do you provide arm guards and finger tabs?
Yes. We have arm guards and finger tabs you can use at practice.
What style of archery do you shoot?
Mostly barebow recurve — a recurve bow shot without sights or stabilizers. It is a good style to learn on and it is what our club equipment is set up for.