But, with advances in equipment construction and design, archers exhibiting feats of skill like William Tell might not hold a candle to today's bowmen capable of arrow-splitting accuracy. While it's hopeful that the average sportsman would have more sense than to attempt to duplicate Tell's apple shooting exhibition, with practice he can expect to be fairly proficient with a bow. Archers released five arrows at 10 yards and five arrows at 20 yards at a target 40 cm in diameter with five concentric scoring rings ranging in value from 1-5 points, with five for the center ring. The average score was 36 out of a possible 50 points. Along with the aesthetic qualities inherent of archery, the fact that it can be done by just about anybody makes shooting arrows an ideal year-round recreational pastime.
Competitive archery ranges from informal shooting up to and including Olympic competition.
And, in addition to earning a place among the target shooting sports, the bow and arrow has gained in popularity for its use by sportsmen in the field.