The S.V.Y.F took place in its usual location, Ombersley, but for the time of year the weather was unusual being clear and dry. It kicked off to its usual start of "Bacon Butties" and a cup of tea. Following the light refreshments it was off for the first installment of  36 3Ds and paper targets by wandering down into the  marshy region of the woods to shoot a 3D fish across the pond from one of the many bridges. As with most of the targets at S.V.Y.F this was a deceptive trying to avoid the various trees along the way. Having overcome the first shot of the day we proceeded to work our way through the target that we either long or tricky and on occasions both.

This was definitely not an easy shoot for a tall longbow archer or even a normal size Free-Styler. requiring some distinctly odd shooting positions (sorry Ruth). Moving on past the Long (well very long) mountain Goat and the hidden Cobra we meandered through the picturesque woods criss-crossing many bridges with a variety of name. (my son liked "Little John Bridge" best). Heading towards the much anticipated S.V.Y.F Venison Burger. Fortunately we made to the lunch stop whilst they still had plenty of burgers. Following a delicious burger we moved onto the first part of the course, i.e. target 1, well what a surprise this was. Position next to the small open fire so their was a combination of smoke and heat haze covering the rather small bird hidden behind the U shaped roots of a fallen tree. A close shot but tricky never the less (unless you were sighted). Having killed the bird we were off through a slightly dryer section of the woods with the a variety of long and short tricky shots; including the classic Stoat next to the peg. This was a very short shot with the danger of shooting myself in the foot but 2 arrows and it was dead. This side of the course had the added complication of a rather chilly and gusty cross wind making some of the shot more luck than judgment but once we had moved away from the open fields the woods protected. Having passed the lunch hut for a second time and topped up on tea it was time for the last few targets. By this time the light was starting to go and the with it distance perception. Their was a rather interesting down the hill behind the tree duck, which died well, and finally a long Stag across some open water. Fortunately none of the group dropped short and some even hit the target.

Damn Bush Long Mountain Goat Where's The Target

Having had a throughly enjoyable day, thanks to S.V.Y.F and particularly the course layers, it was time to pack up and head home. I must look at booking in for the next shoot.

Reverberations of a Heavy Bow