Ground Quiver: Archery Glossary | Legend Archery

A ground quiver is a device used to hold arrows in readiness on the ground near the archer, rather than being worn on the body or mounted to the bow. It typically consists of a long, narrow container made of leather, fabric, or synthetic materials, with compartments or slots for organizing arrows. Many models include a rigid frame or stabilizing base to keep the quiver upright during a session.

Ground quivers vary in capacity, from compact designs holding a handful of arrows to larger floor quivers that accommodate a dozen or more. Some also feature additional pockets for accessories such as spare bowstrings, finger tabs, or small tools — making them a practical station for organized range sessions.

Advantages of a Ground Quiver

Improved Arrow Organization

A floor quiver's multiple compartments let archers sort arrows by type, length, or fletching and arrange them in a specific order for a given round. This level of organization supports consistency between shots in ways a hip or bow-mounted quiver cannot match.

Reduced Physical Strain

Because the arrows rest on the ground rather than on the archer's body, a ground quiver distributes weight away from the back and shoulders. This reduces fatigue over long sessions and allows a more natural shooting stance — a meaningful benefit during extended target practice or competition.

Ease of Access

Reaching into a ground quiver requires no awkward reaching behind the back or twisting to the hip. Proper placement — within arm's reach but outside the shooting stance zone — means the archer can draw an arrow with minimal postural disruption. When extracting an arrow, grasp it below the vanes with the thumb down and keep the point directed downrange at all times.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Knock-over risk: A ground quiver is more vulnerable to accidental kicks or wind than a worn quiver, which can create a safety hazard or competition penalty.
• Limited mobility: For mobile disciplines like hunting or roving field courses, a container for holding arrows that stays at your feet is impractical — a hip or back quiver suits those contexts better.
• Transport and setup: Ground quivers are bulkier than other quiver types in archery and may need more time to set up, especially when shooting at multiple locations.

Regulatory Status

The ground quiver is explicitly permitted under World Archery and Archery GB rules across multiple divisions, including field and 3D archery. Rules in certain divisions also prohibit attaching a quiver to the bow, making the ground quiver a compliant alternative for archers who compete under those restrictions.

Whether you are a dedicated target archer or a bowhunter evaluating your gear setup, understanding the distinctions between quiver types helps you match equipment to your shooting context.