When we were young, the tales of Robin Hood and his band of merry men or William Tell and his prowess with the bow used to enthrall us. I, for one, was very interested in picking up a bow and arrow and splitting an apple placed on someone's head from a distance. From the history of human evolution, do you remember all those pictures and cave paintings, which showed men with bows and arrows chasing animals and 'bringing home the bacon'? Or surely, you remember that popular game you might have played as kids - Cowboys and Indians! All proof of our fascination with bows and arrows and satisfying the long-buried instinct to hunt, because it made survival possible. Of course, today you don't need to hunt for your food, but archery is still popular, but as a sport only.

Today, you might no longer be fascinated with bows and arrows, but your children sure will be! Therefore, if you have a budding archer at home, encourage his/her interest by picking up a bow that is age-appropriate and just right for your kid. Playing with arrows can be dangerous, so do remember to instruct your child in the necessary safety rules and precautions and never let them be unsupervised when practicing with the bow.

What constitutes the ideal bow for your youngster? Walk into the nearest sporting goods or hunting supplies' store and take tips from the expert advice available there. You can also check out archery schools or instructors who will help your child adapt to the bow and learn how to use it safely. Another alternative - take a walk through cyberspace and you might just find what you are looking for!

To get you started, here's what's important when you are making a decision as to which bow you want to buy for your YOUNG CHILD MODELS archer:

? For raw beginners, it is better to get a pre-hunting starter kit, which comes with all the necessary paraphernalia and instructions your child might need.

? Confirm with the seller or any other available expert whether the bow you've chosen, is the best one for your child.

? Check on "draw length" and "draw weight" of the chosen bow. The former refers to the fully extended length a bow can be stretched to, while the latter refers to the maximum weight, which can be let-off by the archer, when the bow is fully stretched.

? Remember to pick up the appropriate safety gear along with the bow-and-arrow set - gloves, safety goggles, protective vest and finger protectors.

? As your child grows, it will become necessary to replace the existing bow with one appropriate for his/her latest age, height and body weight. Therefore, don't buy an expensive bow set at the first instance itself, since your child will go through several bows by the time he/she is fully grown up.

? Research and compare the different models and styles of bows which are commercially available, in short, do your homework thoroughly, before you take the plunge with your wallet. However, make sure the bow you pick is of good quality and is durable.

Having gotten a fair idea of what you need to look for, why wait? Take your budding archer with you and hit the stores! William Tell, here I come!