Tuesday, May 30, 2006
3-D Target Shooting Great Practice
There has been a 3-D practice course on my land for several years. In the past we’ve opened it up on weekends to the public, and may do so again this year.
We have about 20 targets spaced throughout the woods. Some are located downhill and a long shot away. Others are 15-20 yards, and most of them have brush, trees or other types of cover between the shooter and the target.
A few of them are easy, and most represent no problem for someone who is familiar with their bow and accustomed to judging distances. Many are placed in such a fashion that distance is difficult to determine.
Some are placed where the shooter must launch an arrow under overhanging limbs from a designated location. Hunters don’t get to choose their shots, and must take them as they come. One can always pass on a very difficult shot, but at the end of the course, you’ll have fewer points than everyone else.
Why would anyone want to shoot 3-D target course? For one very good reason. It helps make a hunter more familiar with their bow, allows them to more accurately judge the distance, and enables the shooter to practice aiming and shooting under simulated hunting conditions.
We have some large targets and some small ones. A huge standing bear was our first target for years. Shooters stood atop a hill, and shot at the bruin target. They had to shoot under a limb, and some people had to kneel to get an arrow high enough to impact in the vitals.
Coyote and javelina targets were among the smallest although a turkey target can be a difficult shot at fairly close range. Some shots require threading the needle through brush.
The bear, deer and elk targets are most popular, and that is because they are replicas of game that hunters target in this and other states.
The hunter can take his/her time, but there usually are other shooters on the course. The key thing is to toe up to the marker, judge the distance as quickly as possible, come to full draw, aim and shoot.
It sounds easy, and within reason, it is easy. However, the targets are sprinkled here and there around the woods. For every easy target, there are three or four more difficult targets.
Many people say “I can’t shoot that target because it’s too tough or I may lose my arrow.” So what? Shooting often enough to be able to accurately gauge the distance and know where to hold is a major part of what hunting is all about. No one encourages people to take hard shots at deer; in fact, the reverse is true.
We caution people to wait for the perfect shot. In 3-D shooting, it is a means of learning to shoot accurately, and it is a game. Points are given for fatal shots, near-fatal shots, and no points are given for bad shots. The emphasis is always on making a good hit.
I usually shoot the course once or twice a week even though I shoot every day at the archery shop. Shooting is the key to making an accurate shot, and it is the difference between a quick, clean kill that all hunters should strive for, and a bad hit that requires hours of trailing.
Any opportunity to shoot should be taken. Taking a dozen shots every day is much better than taking 100 shots in one day. The first option is enough to keep your muscles tuned up, and the latter method is guaranteed to give you sore muscles.
My 3-D course, or one by any other group or individual, is fun to do. It offers good healthy exercise, and a chance to greatly improve your accuracy. Anything that will make you a better shot when a buck walks out in front of you is a good thing. â??â?? The Whitetail Wizard