3D Shooting and Preseason Practice

3D archery season is in full swing, and it is an important piece in preparing yourself for the upcoming bow season.  I have been hunting hard the last three years, and 3D competition has been a major part of my bowhunting success.

First, for those of you that do not know what a 3D shoot is it is similar to golfing.  You are shooting at a target, at an unknown distance, and trying to get as close to the green (or kill zone in this case) as possible. 

Most 3D shoots have a 12-10-8-5-0 scoring system.  The scoring system is determined on a club-by-club basis.  Also, some shoots only go up to 10 ring scoring, while other shoots go up to 12 ring scoring; again, depends on the club or group.

Typical 3D target vitals

12/10 ring is considered a heart shot, 8 ring is lung and liver, a 5 score is hitting a target anywhere on the target other than the vitals, and a 0 score is missing the target completely.  Comparing 3D shooting to golf is like the 12/10 ring being the hole, the 8 ring being the green, the 5 ring being the fringe or fairway, and a 0 shanking the ball off in the rough.

Typical deer target (McKenzie)

3D targets are life-like and a course can be made up by different species.  Commonly, most 3D courses are made up of deer, pigs, and turkeys.  You may also run into alligators, elk, moose, lions, and other North American, African, and even pre-historic game animals.  Mckenzie and Rinehart are most commonly used on 3D courses.



Rinehart Raptor Target

There are also different divisions at a 3D shoot.  There is the unlimited division which requires moveable sights and long (30"+) stabilizers, the hunter division which is non-moveable sight and smaller stabilizer (12" or under), along with women's, kids, and traditional hunter divisions.  These divisions can have different names depending on the club rules, but ultimately determines which stake you will shoot from.

Now that you know what a 3D shoot is, how do you find them?  There are a couple different ways to locate 3D shoots in your area.  A good way to start is if your state has a bow hunter association, you can contact your state representative.  In Iowa, the Iowa Bow Hunters Association has a calendar that clubs can submit a 3D event to.  I also use 3Dshoots.com to find shoots in my area.  3Dshoots.com has a large database for all 50 states of where and when 3D shoots are held.

3Dshoots.com database search

So, how does a 3D shoot help you prepare for bow season?  I've always been told practice makes perfect, which is true, but 3D shooting is a different kind of practice.  It is good practice to go out in your backyard and shoot at a target, but usually you know what distance you are shooting from and are also on level ground with no obstructions.

A 3D shoot puts a bow hunter in a more realistic hunting scenario.  A 3D shoot will help you in the tree stand judging distance.  Each target is at a different distance, and a rangefinder is not allowed on the course so understanding your bow and the ability to judge distance is important.  This helps in the stand because there will be a situation where you will not have time to range a deer walking through the woods.

Varying conditions increase difficulty

A 3D shoot is challenging.  While the foam targets do not move, walking up and down hills, carrying your bow, being with friends, and hot summer days all have an effect on your concentration and stamina.  All of these factors produce a situation that is similar to having that Booner walk by your stand in November. 

Bringing your bow hunting buddies with you to a shoot is always a good idea.  Not only is it fun, but having your friends watch you shoot provides a pressure-packed situation that will help you come bow season; no one wants to get beat by their friends or shoot bad.  3D shoots are also a good opportunity for families to spend time together.  My wife and I both try to go to shoots together when it works for both of us.


Bring your buddies to the 3D range

One last piece of advice I will give you as you shoot at either a 3D shoot or in your backyard is GRAAS.  GRAAS stands for:

Proper Grip

Grip - loose not tight on the bow

Relax - your arm and muscles
Anchor - find that spot every time (this is different for each individual)
Aim - hold the pin in the kill zone
Squeeze - the trigger...no punching!

GRAAS is something I think about every time I draw back on a target.  I actually have it taped to my bow so it is always visual.

I will try and update my blog more often with the topics I identified in the first blog.  Next up is bow hunting fitness.

Muddyhunter