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It is safe to shoot an arrow when the target is:

  1. Directly in front of the shooter

  2. In front of a safe backstop

  3. Visible and stationary

  4. At least 20 yards away

The correct answer is: In front of a safe backstop

Shooting an arrow is safe when there is a safe backstop in place because this ensures that if the arrow misses the target, it will not travel unpredictably into unrestricted areas where people, animals, or property can be harmed. A proper backstop absorbs the arrow's energy, preventing it from continuing to fly. This adds an essential layer of safety to archery practice, allowing shooters to focus on their aim while knowing that stray arrows are contained. While the other options may seem reasonable under certain conditions, they do not offer the same level of safety. For example, having a target directly in front of the shooter or merely ensuring the target is visible and stationary does not account for the potential for a missed shot to cause harm, especially if there is no backstop. Similarly, the distance of at least 20 yards does not guarantee safety without a secure backstop, as arrows can travel much farther than that, depending on their type and the shooter's strength. Thus, a safe backstop is the critical factor that ensures safe shooting practices in archery.