Name: Madeleine Ferris
Age: 72
WOMEN IN ARCHERY Q&A
How did you start in Archery?
Noel and I thought we’d try Archery while we were living in Geelong, Victoria – and were totally hooked from day one. I shot Recurve until 1985 and then switched to Compound.
How Many Years Have You Been Involved In Archery?
44 years – since 1976
Who’s Your Local Club?
Darling Downs Field Archers and the Toowoomba Company of Archers.
What Type of Archery Do You Shoot?
Target archery and (my first love) Field Archery. I’ve shot them all over the years, whether FITA Field (now WA), IFAA Field, ABA, or 3D (ABA and 3DAAA). I’m not able to shoot so much nowadays because of my carer role, but get down to the club whenever I can. I really enjoy clubs shoots after all those years of competition and solo practice!
Do You Hunt?
No, I’ve never been interested in hunting – I’m afraid. The closest I’ve come is to shoot at beautiful foam 3D animal targets. And they stand still for you!
Favourite Archery Memory?
I’ve had so many, but my first FITA World Field Championship (1990 in Norway) was the most memorable for me. Also my first IFAA World Field Championship – also in 1990 – in Australia. I had never shot an IFAA round before then, had no sight settings in yards, and came 2nd in a tie-break shoot-off. It started a lifelong love of the IFAA rounds.
What About Archery Appeals To You?
Whether an archer shoots recurve, compound, barebow or longbow, Target, unmarked or marked Field, 3D or any other form of archery, we are all united in our pursuit of using our learned skills to hit the middle of the target. Also out on the range, whether shooting for practice or in a competition, the external world just fades away. All your focus is on executing each step required to shoot one perfect arrow, relax and repeat.
Are Any Family Members Involved In Archery?
Noel did archery until around 15 years ago, but unfortunately developed health problems.
First and Current Bow?
My first Recurve bow was a Bear. My first Compound bow was a Hoyt Pro Medallist. (Ahhh, the days of steel cables, tear drops, teeny weeny round wheels, 50% let-off, and aluminium arrows).
I now shoot a Hoyt Prevail at 35 lbs, 28.25” draw, Scout strings & cables, Scout front stabilizer (no rear), my trusty Sure Loc sight, Specialty Archery scope/lens, Stan SX release aid, and 670 Easton Pro Tour arrows with 120g points.
What Are Some of Your Great Achievements In Or Outside of Archery?
Apart from 4 World Cups, quite a few international tournaments and countless Australian National Championships, I’ve been privileged to represent Australia at 18 World Championships in Target, FITA Field and IFAA Field archery. My highest achievements were 5th at the 1990 FITA World Field Championship in Norway, 6th at the 1999 World Target Championships in France and 1st at the 1998 World IFAA Field Championships in New Zealand.
Do You Have Any Sponsors?
Pat’s Archery
Any Last Words?
I would LOVE to see more girls and women in Archery. It’s such a great sport, whether you shoot with family members, for recreation at your local club, or get involved in regional, state and national level competition and beyond. Archery can also develop determination, confidence, resilience, self reliance, analytical skills, friendships and much much more. Still lovin’ it.