3D shoots

[GlennKY]

I have been shooting Trad since I went to State Conservation camp at 11 years old.  I shoot instinctive and practice a lot because I love to shoot.  I have just retired and would like to start going to some of the KY and TN shoots but the only 3D target I have ever shot is a Glenfield in my back yard.  I am confident to 25 yards but really don’t want to embarrass myself when I go out.  What yardages could I expect on these 3D shoots.  I have all winter to practice. 

[Bisch]

Down here in TX, most all Trad shoots average around 20yds, with a good mix of shorter and longer. There are usually one or two, like a buffalo or elk, that may be 40-60yds.

If you end up at a mixed shoot, there is no telling, as a lot of clubs end up with wheel bow guys setting the course, and most of them have no idea what makes a good course for us!

Bisch

[ron w]

Just go and have fun, small targets are 5-15 yards, medium are10-20 and large are 20-35....... sometimes !!! If it’s set up by a trad club that will be close. A mixed club will most times stretch them out..... some times way out! I didn’t like the long shots years ago but now I let’er rip!!!

[Sam McMichael]

I no longer go to mixed shoots, because many of the shots are unreasonably long. On all trad shoots you will have  few shots beyond 25 yards. I go to a couple of events that have some very difficult shots. Usually partially blocked by brush. Don't worry about embarrassing yourself at all. Most trad shoots are somewhat laid back with having fun generally more important than high scores. Sure, you can find guys who are really intent on high scores, but many just shoot for fun, often never turning in a score card. If you are proficient out to 25 yards you will do fine. I think you will find it enjoyable.

[Friend]

ASA 3D's - 25 yards max

IBO 3D's - 30 yards max

Shoot approximately 30 per year and enjoy the variety I encounter

You may wish to consider attending the KY Tradfest in Harrodsburg, Ky and/or the Twin Oaks Spring Classic and/or Twin Oaks Worlds. These are wonderful Trad 3D events.

[Trenton G.]

Just go and have fun. I've shot lots of shoots that were set pretty much for compound shooters. Personally I love the longer shots. I don't hit them every time, but it's fun to watch the arrow arcing in towards the target. Only once or twice have I ever caught any flack for shooting a stick bow. For the most part everyone thinks it's pretty cool and some will even ask if they can try it.

[Bowguy67]

In my area more shoots than not are mixed but tri county sportsman a group of clubs, one of mine in it, offer shoots with dif stakes for kids, Trad or fixed pins, adjustable pins and hot shot stakes. The distance varies according the stakes and bows themselves aren’t differentiated, sights are

[GCook]

What Sam said.

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[SlowBowKing]

Glenn, I’m new to trad, but I can tell you that the few 3D shoots I’ve made it to are great. I went to the Twin Oaks Classic this spring and it was a blast! Everyone I encountered was just glad to see another trad archer and was more interested in getting acquainted and checking out each other’s bows.  90% of the folks there are just competing with themselves, so if they pay any attention to those shooting around them, it’s just to encourage one another. It’s an awesome, positive group of people... hope to see you there in the spring!

[Wudstix]

All this is good info.  The info about compound dudes setting up the course is spot on.

[Trenton G.]

Generally they are very lenient about letting you shoot from closer up if you're not comfortable with the distance as well.

[reddogge]

Most clubs around here, including the two I belong to, put out three sets of stakes, compound, traditional, and youth. Shoot with other traditional shooters and I guarantee you won't be embarrassed. Do practice some shots out to 30-35 yards for those long big targets. Baltimore Bowmen has one at 60 yards across a canyon and a few 50 yarders.

[Mark R]

Here in North East Il. I can be at a different 3d shoot within 45 min. to 1-1/2 hr  drive almost every weekend  from spring to early fall, most in South East Wi., and never had a problem shooting at what ever distance I was comfortable shooting from with in the line to target, we never use a score card, we found its much more fun and relaxed that way, be safe and shoot from the distance you feel like, sometimes longer or shorter than your designated stake, unless you want to keep score then abide by the rules but by all means don't stress enjoy it.

[GlennKY]

I certainly thank all the info and encouraging words.  And to those fellow KY shooters ... yes you will see me at Tradfest... looking forward to it!  I only live about 75 miles from Harrodsburg.

[SlowBowKing]

I hope to make TradFest as well. It’s a pretty good haul for me, but sounds like a good time.