Archery in Poland

2 Sep 2008 / #1

My wife and I are moving to Poland for a year to teach English. We will be living in Bielsko-Biała. I was wondering if anyone knew of any archery ranges, indoor or outdoor, that are within a reasonable distance?

I'm also assuming that there are no legal restrictions on bringing a compound bow into the country as a foreigner? At least, none that I could find online.

Thanks,
Ben

Guest

3 Sep 2008 / #2

it's a weapon, i am sure there are strict restrictions.. especially for a foreigner. you definitely need to talk to someone at a polish embassy or a consulate.

ukpolska

3 Sep 2008 / #3

There are no legal restrictions on the sport of archery in Poland, and I would very much doubt it if there were any restrictions on bringing them to Poland as they will go with the main luggage and not as hand luggage; however, it is still best to check. And there are many clubs in Poland as my wife's cousin in part of the Medieval reenactment society in Poland, and they are affiliated to the Archery Society of Poland. LINK there is a email link at the bottom of the page where you can ask advice.

Related: Archery Clubs in Poland/Bielsko-Biała

I'm going to be in Bielsko, again like I am every year. Does anyone know of any archery clubs or maybe places to get lessons from in and around Bielsko-Biała?
Maybe some indoor/outdoor shooting ranges where I can borrow equipment, pay a by-the-hour fee and shoot?

Here I found the list of archery clubs in Poland [orca.mila.edu.pl/~e_rybarczyk/kluby.htm] and the 1st on the list is in BB but I've got no idea about archery, so not sure IF it even still exists, I've just googled it up.

OP dangasaur 1 | 2

3 Sep 2008 / #4

Thanks for the info. What I might do is wait till I get over there and then have a friend ship my bow. I'm more worried about it getting stolen in transit if I don't check it with my luggage on my initial flight over.

loco polaco 3 | 352

3 Sep 2008 / #5

hunting is definitely not allowed and i think you have to be a memebr of a club to be able to legally shoot your bow.

it seems you have to licensed to be able to compete but i haven't found anything about recreational shooting.

OP dangasaur 1 | 2

4 Sep 2008 / #6

Got a response from the embassy.

In Poland a compound bow or traditional bow is not considered a weapon and therefore has no restrictions. A crossbow is considered a weapon and is regulated.

Regarding airline travel, as long as the bow and any other equipment that may be construed as a weapon (according to airline terms which basically ANYTHING) is checked, declared, and contains no products or materials otherwise restricted, it is safe to travel with.

I'm still not set on whether I'll be taking it or not. I may wait till I get there and see how close the range is before deciding.