About Pole Archery

The tall pole bending at an angle as the fork is lowered to the ground

The difference between pole archery and traditional archery is that archers shoot at vertical targets rather than horizontal targets. In pole archery we use flat tipped arrows to shoot at artificial targets known as “birds”. There are 37 birds mounted in 5 rows placed in metal pins, known as the “fork”. The fork sits on top of a pole that is a total of 110 feet in the air. The largest bird, known as the “King Bird” is placed at the very tip of the fork. Pole Archery is also known as Popinjay in Europe.

The fork is loaded with birds

The tall pole standing upright with the fork loaded at the top
The archer stands at the base of the mast and shoots their arrow upwards at the birds.

The fork is down

The fork lowered to the ground, with its birds in rows
Points are scored for each of the birds that are knocked off by the archer, ranging from 1 point for single birds in the first three rows; 2 points for birds called “kullas” in the fourth row, and 3 points for birds called “sides” in the fifth row.

Archer’s stance taking aim

An archer leaning back as he aims an arrow straight up at the pole
During the first shooting of the year, the first person to shoot the King Bird is known for the remaining season as the “King Shooter” and has the right to shoot first at all subsequent meets.
The blue and yellow feathered King Bird lying on the grass
On the very tip of the fork is mounted the “King Bird” which is worth 4 points.
An archer in a green club shirt drawing his bow while other members look on

Getting ready for the next shot

Shootings take place every Wednesday evening during the summer, starting in late April and ending in early September. Each shooting lasts a few hours, with the winner being the archer that has accumulated the most points.

Please visit our Schedule Page for a complete list of shooting dates and competitions.

Photos by Dennis Swayze

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