ETAR shot distances

[Vroomvroom]

What’s the average distances shot at ETAR.   Would like to get down to that one of these days. I’m sure the gf would like it. But she doesn’t get out much to shoot.   I was wondering average distances. How do you shoot on the ranges. An arrow each. Or several shots each etc.  just wondering how it works.

[black velvet]

It's not a competition. So shoot wherever you or GF feel comfortable. We have a 3D shoot at our club once a month and many people just beginning come. We advise them to shoot where comfortable an enjoy. They can worry about competition later on. Most have a good time and it keeps them interested in archery.

[Vroomvroom]

Yeah. I knew it wasn’t really a competition. Just wondering is all. I didn’t know exactly how it worked. Or that you pick or choose etc.  rules etc being so many people.  How many attend?

[blackpowderscout]

A LOT!

[Smguinnip]

A couple hundred targets spread over seven courses plus practice range and novelty targets. Plenty to shoot at. One stake to shoot from on the courses but you could have her shoot from any distance between the stake and target. No shortage of stuff to shoot at, no shortage of people either.

[Vroomvroom]

That sounds alright. She’d like that.  I’ve watched a few YouTube videos. I’ve seen where they’ve taken numerous shots each. I’ve seen where they take a turn.   So wasn’t sure of rules if any. Looks fun. Good crowd. Does it seem crowded on the courses? I’d spend half the time at the vendors. Ha.

[blackpowderscout]

Sometimes the courses get crowded but other times it seems like you are alone. Last year it seemed to me like the 2 mountain top courses had the most crowded feeling but it could have just been my timing.

[Vroomvroom]

Yeah that’s similar to the videos I see.  Some a little crowd shooting. Other times looks like just a few people only.    For me up here.  Someone mentioned the rod and gun club 500 miles from here has a small coarse. But unless you’re a member I think you get one free day and that’s it. Hardly no archery suppliers or at least traditional stuff. Very little all in all.   And they had a little archery club a few years ago. Not sure if it’s still happening.  But it consisted of half dozen ppl only.  I was suprised to see they were all trad bows except one.   But I really know no one around me that shoots trad.  Can go to no store to look at things. Other than online.  So you guys are spoiled seeing all these vendors. Try out new bows and equipment. Real treat.   I believe people would look at me sideways if they met me in the woods here with my longbow.      With these new tariffs, might make it too expensive to get a lot of stuff now.   We had a terrible leader up here to put it mildly. He let the border free reign.   Cut our energy down so now we’re scrambling.   If I could ever get a few weeks free during the summer. Which I normally have, but I have to usually use the time to work on a second job.  Otherwise I’d of been to Etar long ago.

[Phil Magistro]

Most targets are a reasonable hunting distance but, as others mentioned, it's fine to move closer.  There are a few targets that are beyond typical hunting distances.  One in particular is fairly long shot across the pond where you can't really get closer.  But there will be plenty for your wife to enjoy.

[Wheels2]

My local archery club caters to compound shooters.  They are the vast majority of members, naturally.  The target guys have taken over, so my biggest complaint is being stuck behind them.  The hunting compound guys are not bad.  No idea why a guy has to use binoculars on a target, move his sights, shoot, and then use binoculars again to look at the shot.  Being stuck behind such a group once, I finally had to ask them why the second look through binoculars.  "Do you think the arrow will move until you go to pull it?"
But we just walk up.  Fine unless you care about submitting a score card.  I am old enough to remember when 3D was set up as a practice round for hunting.  As bow hunter numbers shrink, the target guys have increased. 

[M60gunner]

We don’t shoot competition usually. The guys setting out the critters are usually wheel bow guys so you can end up with some long shots on small targets or stupid easy shots. This weekend we shot the “fun” courses. Pick your spot. This keeps it reasonable for each shooters ability and not having to chase arrows across the desert. We also get there early to avoid the crowds.

[charlie chocks]

People shoot at ETAR? I thought ETAR was for shopping and hanging out!    Honestly, as others have said, shoot from the stake or from wherever you feel comfortable. My wife attended her first shoot in July 2023 (Pinehill in western PA) and she loved it. She was a little overwhelmed at ETAR with the crowds but she enjoyed herself. Your GF will enjoy herself for sure. Relax, take it all in and have fun!

[Vroomvroom]

It would be for shopping if I was there.  Though, if the gf knew how much some of it cost I might never be allowed to do trad archery again.    It’s good you can adjust ranges yourself.   From all the videos, I understood there to be lots of people. Just didn’t realize there could be thousands.   

[blackpowderscout]

It is a BIG place with lots to do so people are spread out doing different things. I don’t do “crowds” such as sporting events and concerts very well but I wasn’t bothered in the least bit at ETAR.