Does a woman's carrying of a bow and arrow constitute imitation of men, thus making the sport of archery forbidden for her?

Scholars have differed regarding the authenticity of the chain of narration for the story of Umm Sa'id bint Abi Jahl, who passed by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, carrying a bow. However, the Marfu' Hadith (raised directly to the Prophet) that states: "The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men," is authentic.

It is forbidden for a woman to imitate men in matters that are specific to them, such as clothing, gait, and speech. However, if something is common to both genders, or if its customary meaning has changed such that it is no longer exclusive to men, then it is not forbidden. A woman's practice of archery and training in it is permissible if it is in a place safe from the gaze of men, without the supervision of a non-mahram man, and without imitating men in dress or actions.