First let me define what 3d shooting is. 3d shooting is shooting at 3 dimensional foam animal targets from unknown distances. You walk through the woods, from target to target, scoring after each shot. The distances are unknown to the archer. There is a stake at each target that you must touch with your foot while you are shooting. The distances for youth and women are
usually around 20 yards, with a few targets over 30 yards, and one at 40 yards. For adults, the stakes are usually 5-10 yards farther back depending on the shot. Shooters with longbows and recurves shoot from the stake that the youth shoot from.

There are many different animal targets that you shoot at. The targets range from a raccoon to a Caribou. Different tournaments will not always have the same animals. The best kind of 3d targets are the ones made my McKenzie. McKenzie are the most popular brand name of targets used at 3d tournaments. McKenzie makes picture cards that you can carry with you while 3d shooting that show where the rings are on each of the animals. The rings are placed where the animal's vitals would be. The rings are hard to see from long distances. When you score your shots the inner ring on the animals is worth 10, the larger ring is worth 8, and if you just hit the animal it is worth 5. If you miss some tournaments have certain points awarded for hitting the target on your second shot. Most tournaments have 30 targets and a perfect score is 300.

If you get serious into 3d shooting you will be able to judge distances very well. To score well you must be able to tell how far the targets are. Some of the targets are deceiving and are easy to misjudge their distance. The way I have learned to judge distances is to first look at the target and take your best guess at the distance. Next learn how far 10 yard and 5 yard increments are. After taking a guess of the distance, count off by 10 yard and 5 yard increments. Try practicing this a lot in the woods or in your backyard. Then pace off how far it really is. By doing this you will find how close you are to the actual distance. After shooting at many 3d competitions you should be able to judge distances very well.

Bows used for 3d tournaments are very fast and lightweight bows. The reason for using a fast bow for 3d tournaments is because shooting a faster bow means you can misjudge distances and still hit the 10 ring. A faster bow means flatter trajectory and less arrow drop in between distances. However many people do use slower bows, recurves, and longbows at 3d tournaments. You can still score well with these bows but you must be able to judge distances very well to consistently hit the ten ring. 

3d shooting is a lot of fun. It is a great thing to do with friends and family, and a great way to get spend time outside during the summer. 3d shooting will really help you during bowhunting season. You will be able to tell how far a deer is and will have the confidence to make a good shot. The great thing about 3d shooting is that it puts you in hunting situations. Many people just practice at indoor ranges, which really do not help prepare you for hunting. 3d shooting is the best way to practice for bowhunting. I hope that you will give it a try.

Paul Thedinga