How to Get Started with Your First 3D Archery Tournament
3D archery is quickly becoming a very popular sport in the hunting world. It is a great way to keep your bowhunting skills sharp during the off-season. It's also a great way to let loose and have some fun. If you're new to 3D archery and its tournaments, here are a few things that you should know:
Understanding the Basics
Although the tournament itself can be held in a number of different areas, it will typically be set-up similar. It is always a walk-through course with a wide variety of 3D animal targets, including everything from deer, bear and cougars to elk, turkeys and antelopes. There could be 10-20 targets or more like 30-40 targets at the tournament. You may have some up-close shots or shots that need to be taken from 50 to 60 yards away. It just depends on the division that you've selected in the tournament. There are score cards, but it can be just for fun.
Getting Your Gear Together
The great thing about 3D archery tournaments is that you don't really need anything new. You just need you regular setup for when you would go out into an open field and bowhunt. The additional equipment is very minor and may include folding stools and hip quivers. In reality, this is basically just up to you. Some tournaments allow binoculars and rangefingers, but some do not. Therefore it is important to pay attention to the rules before you sign up to make sure it is what you are looking for.
Where You Need to Go
As a general rule, you can probably find somewhere that is holding a tournament within an hour or so from where you live. These are typically held during the spring and summer every weekend. You can check with a local archery shop or search online for local 3D archery tournaments. You can even give us a call and we'll try to point you in the right direction.
3D archery is the next big thing, and you would be crazy not to take part it in. Do it alone or get a group of friends or family members for even more challenging fun. Plus, this is a great way to sharpen your skills for when hunting season starts back up.