An archer is someone who shoots arrows with a bow. To become a skilled archer requires steady hands, sharp eyes, and countless hours of practice. Ancient archers could hit targets from hundreds of feet away, and the best modern archers can split an arrow already stuck in the bullseye.

For thousands of years, archery was essential for hunting and warfare. English longbowmen were famous for their devastating accuracy in medieval battles, and Japanese samurai trained in archery as part of their warrior education. Native American archers used their skills to hunt buffalo and elk across the Great Plains.

Today, people practice archery as a sport and hobby. Olympic archers compete for gold medals, while others enjoy archery at summer camps or in their backyards. Some archers hunt deer with modern compound bows, while others prefer traditional wooden bows like those used centuries ago.

When you picture an archer, you might think of Robin Hood splitting arrows in Sherwood Forest, Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, or Merida from Brave proving her skill in competition.