If it's an IBO shoot, recurve is maximum 30 yards. Longbow is about 25 yards I believe. You can check their rule book. Some of the courses I've shot only set one shooting point out for traditional and those tend to be in the 20-25 yard range. Depending on the distance, I'll often take my shot from the compound hunter stake (about 35 yards). When I first started shooting 3d last year, it was all about score's. I wanted to win. I have more fun just shooting against myself now. If a shot seems too easy from the traditional stake, I'll go back to the next stake. Definitely challenges me, which is my whole point now.