Growing up in rural Ohio in the late 1970s, I carried a bow and arrow the way other kids carried a baseball glove. My dad shot an old Shakespeare Wonderbow, and I claimed it for myself at an early age. Back then, a cardboard box served as my target. I’d set it at one end of the yard, walk to the other, and spend hours flinging arrows.
By the time I was 12, I had saved enough money from baling hay to buy my first compound bow. Not long after, I started making trips to a nearby archery range with my brother-in-law. It opened the door to an entirely new world. The range featured proper targets and a massive backstop bale to catch missed arrows. More importantly, it introduced me to something I had never experienced before: shooting at targets scattered throughout wooded trails rather than standing on a firing line in an open field.
In 1984, the International Bowhunters Organization (IBO) was founded and began hosting formal tournaments around the world. As competitive archery, 3D shoots, and bowhunting continued to grow in popularity, the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) was also formed, helping expand the sport even further.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
From Foam Blocks to Realistic Targets
The first commercial 3D targets arrived in the early 1990s. They were a far cry from the flat foam blocks I had shot only a decade earlier. Made from high-density foam and sculpted to resemble real animals, these targets looked like deer, bears, turkeys, antelope, and other game species commonly pursued by bowhunters.
These lifelike targets also introduced scoring systems that added a competitive element to the experience. Both the IBO and ASA use scoring rings embedded within the target’s vital area, but the systems differ slightly.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
IBO targets feature multiple scoring rings within the main scoring zone, with smaller rings worth higher point values. The highest score possible on a single target is 11 points. ASA targets use several smaller scoring circles worth 12 points, along with a smaller 14-point ring that must be called before the shot is taken.
A Return to the Range
Over the past four decades, 3D archery has grown from a niche pastime into one of the most popular forms of recreational and competitive archery. Curious to see how much had changed since my first experience on a woodland course, I recently visited my local range.
South County Archers (SCA) operates a 40-acre, 28-target walk-through course on the historic Jefferson Barracks Park grounds in south St. Louis County, Missouri. The club was founded in 1964 with a mission to promote and support archery, and that mission remains at the heart of everything it does today.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
According to membership officer Jon Adams, one of the club’s primary goals is introducing young people to archery and the outdoors. SCA hosts youth archery classes three times each summer, giving kids an opportunity to step away from screens and spend time outside while learning a lifelong skill.
The club’s membership is made up largely of dedicated archers and bowhunters who enjoy practicing year-round rather than dusting off their equipment a week before hunting season. Many members use the course to sharpen their skills for both hunting and competitive shooting.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
A Place for Every Archer
One thing that sets South County Archers apart is its welcoming approach to different shooting styles. Unlike many traditional archery courses, SCA allows crossbows on the first nine targets of the course. During larger 30-target shoots, Adams says it is not uncommon to see several crossbow shooters participating alongside traditional and compound archers.
The club attracts a diverse mix of archers, including traditional bow shooters, compound shooters with and without sights, and competitors who regularly participate in ASA tournaments. Regardless of equipment choice, members share a common passion for the sport and a desire to continue improving their skills.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Archery’s Role in Rehabilitation
SCA’s commitment extends beyond recreation and competition. The club also works closely with veterans through a partnership with the local VA hospital. Archery rehabilitation sessions are conducted several times each month, helping veterans build confidence, improve mobility, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits that archery can provide.
Why You Should Try a 3D Shoot
Whether you’re a lifelong bowhunter or someone who hasn’t picked up a bow in years, a 3D shoot offers a unique and enjoyable way to practice. Walking wooded trails, judging distances, and shooting at realistic animal targets creates an experience that closely mirrors real-world hunting situations while remaining accessible to archers of all skill levels.
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
