3D Archery Rules

Three-dimensional archery, or 3D archery, is a bow and arrow sport in which archers shoot at life-size replicas of wildlife, such as deer targets. Some shooters participate in 3D archery for recreation, while others use it as an opportunity to perfect hunting skills. 3D archery rules vary among archery facilities, but many rules regarding safety, shooter conduct and equipment apply across the board. Failure to adhere to archery rules and guidelines usually results in disqualification.

  1. Targets

    • According to the Deerman's 3D Archery Rulebook, targets must be sturdy and solid enough to prevent an arrow from passing through it. Targets should bear visible scoring rings so judges can accurately score competition shots. According to the Archery Shooters Association rulebook, two rounds of 20 separate three-dimensional targets comprise a 3D shooting tournament for a total of 40 shots fired at 40 targets. Range officials dictate target distances from the shooter. Common yardage places targets between 10 and 50 yards from the shooter.

    Scoring

    • Athletes receive scores according to the rings in which their arrows landed. Shooters earn 15 points for shooting inside the smallest ring, 12 points for shooting inside larger vital area ring, 10 points for shooting within the vital area but outside 12 and 15 point rings, and a negative five points for shooting outside the vital area. Missed shots or glance-offs receive a score of zero.

    Conduct

    • Sportsmanlike conduct is vital to a satisfactory shooting experience. Shooting facilities do not allow archers to drink alcohol while shooting. Some ranges, such as the Lost Tribe Traditional Archers of Tennessee, prohibit players from using foul language or wearing clothing that bears crude or offensive content. Athletes must also adhere to shooting time limits and begin shooting only when directed to do so. According to archery.org rules, a facility appoints a Director of Shooting to act as the judge in a tournament. He or she has the right to dictate and enforce safety and conduct measures.

    Equipment

    • Each range stipulates its own equipment regulations. Some ranges allow only traditional wood bows while others allow crossbows. Certain bow types must only shoot wood arrows while other types can accommodate aluminum or carbon arrows, if the shooter chooses. The Archery Shooters Association does not allow sighting instruments, such a binoculars or bow optics, to find range distance, as unknown distance shooting is sometimes a tournament classification. Athletes must also obey clothing guidelines. If a team has a sponsor, they may wear sponsor clothing as long as they have collared, Henley or mock turtlenecks.

    Shooter Classification Divisions

    • Many 3D archery tournaments divide shooters into age, gender or ability classifications. Shooters fall into novice, intermediate and advanced classes as well as youth, women's and hunters' divisions. Youth divisions are often subdivided into age groups. Each facility stipulates its own division classification rules. Deerman's 3D Archery range splits children into categories of 8 and under, 9 to 11, 12 to 14, and 15 to 17. Target yardage increases with each division upgrade.