Starting Out With a 3D Archery Shoot

Many clubs have found a great way to get peoplethese are up to each club to decide for themselves
involved is to hold a 3D archery shoot. When startingbut again certain organizations have rules about the
out there are a number of things to consider beforetargets so check into them. Most clubs set around 30
just setting some targets out in the woods. The firsttargets for a normal shoot. The type of targets you
and most important thing to do is check that yourchoose is important. Not many shooters are going to
club can legally hold the event and that you have theenjoy shooting at all deer or bear. Mix up your
proper insurance for the event. Once those basestargets to keep things interesting. Get some "exotic"
are covered, the real work begins.targets to change it up. Especially if there are other
Safety is the utmost importance in every aspect.clubs around that do not have those targets. Keep
You have to think about the safety of all youryour guests guessing at what they will shoot next.
guests while attending. There are three main partsThe greatest challenge for some groups is deciding
involved to holding an enjoyable shoot; the course,on which manufacturer to go with. Rinehart,
the targets, and amenities.McKenzie, Delta, and others all have advantages and
First you have to have enough room to set up adisadvantages to them. For the money, Rinehart wins
course with the most important aspect being safety.hands down. They hold up well to wear and tear, last
Trails leading from one target area to the nextfor a very long time, arrows pull easily, and offer
should be clear of debris and easily followed.some unique targets. They do cost more initially and
Trimming brush back, picking up branches, filling holes,are heavier than others, but are the least expensive
or even mowing should all be done before setting outto maintain.
the targets. Placing marker flags or tape along theMcKenzie and Delta targets are also good targets.
trail to follow is a good investment to try to ensureWidely available and easy to carry but are prone to
that your guests don't easily wander.breaking if mishandled. The arrows don't pull easily
While getting your course laid out you will want towith newer targets until they got shot in. The biggest
set up shooting lanes for your targets as well. Thedisadvantage is that you have to replace a third of
same care should be taken when establishing thethe target when it gets shot up. No matter which
lanes. There are different archery organizations eachtarget you choose, make sure that you have
with different "rules" as to how the targets must beadequate storage for your targets between shoots.
placed, check into those rules if you decide to holdFinally the most overlooked part of a shoot, the
an event goverened by those rules. The targetsamenities. You should have a clean and serviceable
should be well anchored to the ground to keep themrestrooms and clubhouse for the guests. If capable,
from moving while shooting. Also there should behave food available, but at the very least some
uniform stake for the shooters to shoot from. Youwater, teas, or sodas. You should advertise your
can place out as many stakes as you care but again,shoot to let people know when the event is being
if you are holding certain types of shoots, check theheld. Set starting times and ending times should be
rules as to yardages and colors.established. Put the shoots in newsletters, online, or
Consider the targets. How many? What typeflyers to get the word out. You can not have a
(deer,bear,boar,etc...)? What manufacturer? All ofsuccessful shoot without shooters.