3D Shoot Hunting Class Regulations

3-D archery shoots offer varying shooting landscapes with three dimensional life-like targets which mimic shots you would face in the wild. Many locations with 3-D shooting ranges hold competitions with different classes that have specific regulations and demographics. 3-D shoots are an ideal way to practice outside of hunting season.

  1. Demographic

    • The hunting class at most 3-D shoots is open to anyone wanting to participate. This includes men, women, any ages as well as any skill levels. Many 3-D courses are set up to accommodate archers with disabilities.

    Equipment

    • Archery equipment allowed for use within the hunting class is any bow that can be used in a hunting situation, excluding a crossbow. This includes compound, recurve and long bows of any material and poundage. The class restrictions prohibit any archery equipment which is designed for competition use only.

    Release

    • The hunting class allows archers to use any form of release. This includes any form of natural release using any combination of fingers. Archers may also use any form of mechanical release with or without a wrist strap.

    Stabilizer

    • 3-D shoot regulations restrict the length of a stabilizer used to 12 inches and under. This is measured from the end of the stabilizer to the bow riser. Any stabilizer longer than 12 inches is not practical for hunting use and would not fit within the class.

    Sights

    • Archers competing within the hunting class have the option of bare-bow shooting, which uses the archer's vision and instinct to shoot without sights. They are also allowed to use standard sighting systems with fixed pins. Any sighting systems that use magnification or lasers are prohibited from use in the class. Pendulum-type sight pins that change as the bow angle is changed are not allowed for use in the hunting class.

    Safety

    • General safety rules apply to all classes at 3-D archery shoots, and are there to protect all shooters and bystanders. Archers are to wait until the shooting station is clear from the previous group before preparing to shoot the target. All patrons must stay within the confines of a designated area to ensure they are not in the path of danger. All archers waiting to shoot and bystanders should remain behind the shooter until he is done with his set of arrows.