Practicing a Steady Aim

Since medieval times, able-bodied men within German communities banded together in Schützen (guard) groups whose job it was to protect their villages from marauding bands of criminals or invading armies. The first German “shooting” club was founded in 1139, with later groups in the 13th and 14th centuries formed with the intent of sharpening the members’ skills with crossbows.

Through time, these groups grew into social, religious-based, veteran and sporting clubs, where members tested their marksmanship against the others in the group or other clubs. Targets were fashioned