Affilliations
Field Archery is a modern archery discipline that takes place on a multi-target course across various terrains, including fields and forests, similar to a golf course. The Pasadena Roving Archers (PRA) range, established in 1934-35, is the oldest continuously operated Field Archery range in the world. This sport involves shooting at marked distances on uneven ground, with varying target sizes and environmental challenges like wind and shadows, requiring skills known as "fieldcraft." PRA hosts four types of field archery competitions each month: Field Round, Hunter Round, 3D Round, and Animal Round.
The Pasadena Roving Archers (PRA) was founded in November 1935 after members of the Pasadena Target Archers experienced field archery at a tournament. This sport, similar to golf, involves shooting at 28 targets along a course. Initially, the course included challenging shots, including climbing trees, but was redesigned by 1940 to its current layout. The original clubhouse, built in the late 1930s, still has visible footings, while a larger clubhouse was built in 1945 but was destroyed by arson in 2002.
By 1950, PRA became a leading field range in the U.S., hosting a national tournament in 1949 that drew over 1,500 participants. However, competition and declining interest led to a membership drop in the 1960s. To boost numbers, PRA offered free lessons. A significant membership increase occurred in 1975 when the Pasadena Target Archers disbanded, transferring their members to PRA.
In 1972, PRA partnered with the city of Pasadena to offer official archery lessons, which now serve over 10,000 students annually.
Each of our board members and committed supporters is a volunteer, contributing thousands of hours annually to help the club.
