Historically, archery is mainly used for hunting. However, its use for hunting greatly declined with the popularity of firearms which is more accurate and efficient. Archery is still used for hunting in some cultures but this practice is mostly considered as a sport with technological upgrades on the bow and arrow to improve the archer’s accuracy. Before the advancement of tools used in archery, bow would consist of wood with a string and the arrow would also consist of choice wood and metal at the end for piercing and feathers at the end (fletching) to stabilize the flight.

Modern archery is used either in hunting or competitive archery. Hunting with bow is still practiced because it fosters a humane way of hunting. Competitive archery is a popular sport as it is represented during Olympic Games. Modern bows still have wood but it has additional components that increase its durability. Fiberglass, carbon fiber and metals are also integrated to modern bows. Modern arrows are now from aluminum while there are other forms of arrow that are made up of reinforced plastic with carbon fiber. Modern archery will also require additional equipments especially during competitive archery for protection. Archers use an arm-guard and modern bows use special release aids which may emulate an actual trigger for guns.