Originally posted by dresnor:
Thanks guys!
I don't feel I am ready to compete since I have only been shooting trad for 2 weeks, but it does look like a lot of fun and is in the plans for the future.
How far do the shot distances on the targets range from? Anything I need to by to help my 3d archery experience?
Riser, I got you e mail, thank you very much! We will have to meet up for sure.
Jeremy
I have to disagree with your concerns about "not being ready to compete" because you're just starting out with trad. Conversely, entering one of these friendly events are VERY educational. You'll be with a group of 6-8+ experienced trad shooters for 2-3 hours. Where else can you get that kind of access to wisdom, experience, have the opportunity to not only see other bows, but will likely be able to shoot them.
You can ask the other archers question after question. It doesn't get any better than that. True, there are some very good "shooters", but it's not about the score. Everyone I've met in the 3d shoots understand the growth of our sport is a direct relation to how we "bring new folks into the fold." It's really an enjoyable time.
You will get better. But by attending these shoots, you will learn things that you can work into your practice at home. This will only provide a stronger foundation, and a faster track to improvement. While I LIKE winning, and am competitive, it is really about doing your best at any level you are-and improving.
Do not be intimidated. Have fun. The other shooters know a new shooter. Guess what? EVERYONE was once a first time shooter at a 3d event.
I remember my first 3d event about 4 years ago. I purchased a Samick Journey with 30# limbs. I had it for 2 weeks, and then I went to a 40 shot 3d shoot at Somerset Bowhunters. I missed several targets, but no one threw me off the course. That was late in the summer. At least I had a chance to experience it, so I could focus on the next year. I did better in year 2, and better in years 3 and 4. I've enjoyed every minute of it.
I'll be glad to shoot with you at these shoots. Just be prepared to take a little ribbing from the rest of the shooters-as long as you're willing to give some back with a smile.
A week before I got my Samick Journey, I wanted to see how a shoot "worked." It was the Maine state 3d shoot at our club. I had the chance to walk the course with some compound shooters, then swerved (found) the trad guys. The 3 man group of the compound shooters I walked with were very willing to answer my questions. They DID tell me that the compound group ahead were "serious", and even talking a target away would draw dirty looks (I think they were "open" class).
I was told by the 3 compound shooters that some compound shooters weren't too fun to shoot with-which is why these guys were shooting themselves. They complimnented each other on good shots, and teased each other on bad shots-all in fun. They told me that the "trad guys were even more fun to shoot with. They trash talk each other all the time. You can hear them laughing the whole shoot. The serious compound guys don't have that approach." I liked that. I found it true. It is fun to shoot in a trad grouping.
Try it. You WILL like it. It's all about being as competitive as YOU can be, having fun, and being supportive of each other. Bring a friend or family member, and hop right in.
What are you shooting for a bow (draw weight, length? Arrows? tip weight? shooting tab? split finger or 3 under release?)?
Most 3d events have different classes of shooters (most for compounders), and go by IBO 3d competition rules-or modify them a bit for each local shoot. There are different stakes or makers on each target, depending on what class you shoot. There are classes from younger to more advanced. Traditional recurve shooting has two classes, aided and unaided. Basically, the unaided class is shooting barebow or shooting off the shelf. Aided class means you shoot off an elevated rest. Check out the IBO rules.
Distances of the stakes/markers vary depending on the class-and they are just "guidelines." Some trad shoots are set for a maximum of 25 yards, some 30 yards, some even longer. The marker isn't set at the same distance. It can be as close as 3-5 yards, out to 25-30 yards. MOST shots are in the 17-23 yard range. Practice at 15,20 and 25 yards and you'll be ok.
Youtube is a great source of education for trad shooting.
Jimmy Blackmon, VAbowdog, Arne Moe, Jeff Cavanaugh, the "Wedge Series" and MANY others have great videos. It is a learning process. Enjoy the journey. You will know more NEXT year than this year. Be patient, and watch the improvement.
Good luck
Topic: Anyone in Maine? (Read 616 times)
