If you’re thinking of getting into 3D archery, whether you’re an experienced archer or bow hunter, or completely new to archery – 3D archery is a blast!

There’s everything from shooting in the backyard with your buddies, local 3D archery clubs, all the way to the local and national tournaments. You may be shooting at a 3D range where you just move from target to target, or you might be hiking a trail through the woods – stopping only to take shots at targets placed along the trail.

3D archery is an awesome sport, and it’s very easy going on the newbie archer. Most 3D shooters are mainly into having a good time, and are very open to helping new people to the sport.

How 3D Archery Works

No matter how or where you’re shooting, the basic rules are always the same. You’re shooting at the removable vital area on the 3D targets, with different specific circles being worth different point values. There are two main variations on the scoring values of the target circles (or “rings”) on the targets: The ASA and the IBO.

The ASA (Archery Shooters Association) and the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) are the two national organizations of 3D archery. Their scoring values are very similar, with only minimal differences in point values.

Don’t worry about learning every little detail upfront, as most other archers at any 3D club or event will be happy to let you in on their particular method of scoring hits on targets.

Some shooters count their score, while others just compete for fun. And if you’re brand new to archery, don’t be overwhelmed. You don’t need to learn everything about archery and 3D shooting all at once – we’ll give you all the details you need to get started.

So What Do I Need?

You can use nearly any type of bow: recurve bows, compound bows and longbows / traditional bows are all great for 3D shoots. No crossbows, however. There are starting to be some tournaments and shoots that are starting to allow crossbows in their own special class, but there aren’t all that many of them to date.

And don’t be freaked out if you see guys shooting bows that look like they’re out of a sci-fi movie. Those are Olympic style, target archers. You don’t need that set up – and you won’t be competing with them anyway. They have their own separate class.

If you’re totally new to archery, just get a quality bow in the style that you feel most comfortable with (recurve, compound or traditional). If you’re a bow hunter or otherwise, you can just bring your usual bow or gear, as most tournaments have a “bow hunting class”.

Bring A Pair of Binoculars

You’ll also need a good pair of binoculars, they’re very important for seeing the vital area and scoring rings on each target – as well as for checking where their shots are hitting after shooting.

You’ll want a quality brand pair of binoculars, go for the range of 8X40 or 10X50. Just be sure that whichever type you get are legal at the events you want to attend. Some organizations don’t allow you to use any magnification more than 8 times.

When it comes to binoculars, the first number tells you how many times the image that your viewing is magnified, while the second number is the size of the objective lens. The larger the objective lens is, the more light is allowed in. The more light equals more image clarity – and that’s exactly what you want for 3D archery.

Don’t bother with binoculars with small objective lenses like 7X20’s or 8X20’s. Bring larger objective lenses, you’ll be able to make out the vital area and the scoring rings a lot easier from farther away.

For those bow hunters looking into getting started with 3D archery, leave your rangefinders at home. They’re not legal to use at either ASA or IBO events. While some people use them if they’re paying just to shoot the course or targets – but not competing for any trophies or prizes.

And this is only when the people running the tournament or event have cleared it as being alright. When in doubt, ask whoever is running the particular shoot or tournament.

For Bow Hunters with Sights

As a general rule in most shoots, you’re only allowed to use a fixed pin sight with up to four pins maximum. And they cannot be changed or adjusted once the tournament starts.

You won’t normally need a ten yard pin, so you might be better off with a setup of 20/30/40/50. If the bow that your going to use is a bit on the slow side, you could go with a setup of 20/30/35/40.

If your sight will let you, you could try a setup of 20/25/30/35 as well. Just go with the best setup that’s worked for you when hunting in the past, and follow the rules regarding bow sights.

Other Important Gear

If you’re completely new to archery, you don’t need to worry to much about equipment this early on. There are lots of companies, all making tons and tons of gear – it’s easy for a new or inexperienced archer to get overwhelmed.

There’s an old saying in the fishing world when it comes to all the different fishing products out there: “Some catch the fish, while most catch the fisherman”.

Keep that in mind every time you see the must have arrows, the best bow sight there is, or the newest bow string to hit the market.

Other than your bow and arrows, all you really need to get started are the basics. A good quality, durable arrow quiver in whatever style you feel most comfortable with (back quiver, hip quiver, etc.).

An arm guard is a must for most archers, as even if the string only touches your arm every few shots – it’ll get real annoying after a hundred or so shots. It’s true that for the most part, with 100% proper form, the bow string shouldn’t ever touch your arm.

But, as most of us aren’t perfect, an arm guard is a good idea. There’s also a saying that if the bow string only touches your arm one in every one hundred shots – you need an arm guard.

Some archers like to use a release (a device that holds and releases the arrow string for you, rather then using your fingers). If you do decide to use a release, you’ll want to invest in a decent, experienced level release, don’t go for a super cheap one.

If you do use your fingers to shoot, you may want to invest in a shooting glove (a normally three fingered glove for your shooting hand). These come in all shapes and styles and are good if you want to avoid getting calluses on your fingers.

An often overlooked accessory when it comes to 3D shooting is arrow lube. Arrow lube will make it far easier to remove your arrows from the targets. As many 3D archery targets can be hard to remove your arrows from.

Clubs, Shoots and Tournaments

One of the best ways to get started in 3D archery is to look up your local club or archery store. If you can’t find any clubs near you, your local archery store may know of some that you’ve never heard of.

Local clubs are great, as they tend to be more laid back and full of archers who just get together to have fun. These types of clubs are a great place to not only learn the nuances and intricacies of 3D archery, but also to ask questions.

Smaller clubs like those are usually made up of other archers that are more than happy to answer your questions and help you along the way. These aren’t usually the places that have the overly serious, competitive type members.

You may have to join one of the national organizations when joining your local club, as some clubs are set up this way. Get a hold of your local club or clubs and ask them about joining – or if you can swing by and check out the club before you commit to joining one of them.

Tournaments and 3D Shoots

If you do join a local club, they’ll probably have their own private shoots (that have nothing to do with tournaments). Typically on weekends, once or twice a week there may be some laid back shoots – those are a great place to learn and get practice.

Tournaments on the other hand are a bit more official and “by the book”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you should be intimidated or put off to the idea of tournaments – far from it.

Tournaments are also mostly made up of people who are friendly, helpful and happy to shoot alongside newer archers. They’re just not as much of a free for all as some guys at a local club, having a non-competitive shoot.

Start by Just Shooting for Fun

Tournaments can also be quite beginner friendly, so no need to get freaked out. If it’s your very first tournament, you may want to sign up as a practice run. There’s a different term for it at different tournaments, but there’s usually a class that lets you got through and shoot the targets – but you’re not competing for any of the trophies or prizes.

That’s a great way to not only get a feel for how a 3D archery tournament works, but also to have some fun getting some shooting in. Plus, the tournaments that offer this option usually charge half the price of a regular entry fee, or less.

After you’ve shot a handful of tournaments this way, not only will you be more experienced with tournaments and how they work, but if you’re a new archer – you’ll be more comfortable with your bow and your other gear too.

At that point, go ahead and compete in your first tournament. You might even find it more fun now that you could potentially win a trophy, or even a cash prize.

Don’t Let the Competition Get to You

Those guys with the bows that look like they’re from outer space might seem intimidating, with all their expensive gear and sponsorship deals. Forget the pro archers, especially if you’re not competing against them anyway.

Many archers only use 3D archery as a practice for hunting, while others are serious tournament shooters. Some just love the sport and like to shoot and have a great time for a day. Remember that most archers at 3D tournaments are really just competing with themselves, trying to get the best score they can.

There’s no reason to be intimidated, and after reading this you’ve already got more knowledge than most people that show up to 3D shoots for the first time. Plus, if I wasn’t clear enough – the 3D archery community is filled with lots of friendly, open and helpful people.

If you have a question, don’t ever be afraid to ask. Most archers love seeing a new person come to the sport and will go out of their way to help you out.

Now Get Out There and Start Shooting!

I really hope this has helped you if you’re looking to get into 3D archery. For those brand new archers reading this, remember that even experienced archers who have never shot in 3D events before often feel out of place when starting 3D archery.

3D archery is really a great sport – and it’s totally addicting too! So if you’re a hunter looking for something to do during the off season, or you’re brand new to archery all together, hit up a local shoot as soon as you can.

If you’re thinking about 3D archery at all, get out there and give it a try. I’m sure you’ll find it tons of fun as many of us do.

Before you know it, you might even find yourself buying or making smaller 3D targets for your own backyard. Like I said – it’s addicting.