Learning the sport or hobby of archery is no walk in the park. It takes time, consistency, focus, patience, and a whole lot of practice to master the skills. Fortunately, there is a fun and valuable way to learn archery skills that the whole family can enjoy, even if their bows aren’t quite ready for shooting at live game.
3D target shooting may not sound as exciting as hunting live game, but for the beginner archer, it’s a fantastic way to learn without harming any real animals in the process, and it’s actually quite fun.
One of the keys to archery hunting is getting close enough to shoot the animal without spooking it. This can be extremely difficult, and if you aren’t seasoned for this or don’t practice it, it can be just about impossible.
If you are just starting out in archery, these close up shots are where the money is, but you want to be able to practice on a target first. You can do this easily with a 3D target. Good luck doing it with a live animal!
Even though that 3D target isn’t alive and isn’t moving, it’s a great way to condition your brain to shoot at an object like a live animal. 3D targets come in all shapes and sizes and just about every kind of animal you can imagine. You might even get a 3D target of a zombie…just in case there’s a zombie apocalypse.
I can shoot out to about 120 yards with my bow, however, I would NEVER shoot a live animal at that distance. But I love practicing at that distance with the 3D targets. It makes those close up shots seem so much easier.
If you can afford 3D targets, I highly recommend getting some and setting them up in all sorts of different positions that you might experience while actually hunting. My husband and I set up chip shots (close ups) as well as distance shots (out to about 120 yards), but we also set up technical shots like between two trees, uphill, downhill, etc. Anything to simulate the real woods when you’re out hunting will be beneficial to you.
I must also say, it’s much more fun shooting at 3D targets of animals than it is shooting at blocks. The blocks do come in very handy, though, and we do use them often. We actually take them camping with us and use them to keep up on our practice when we’re away from home because they’re a little easier to haul around than a full size 3D target of an elk! We also use them with broadheads and when practicing form so as not to attain target panic.
By the way, 3D targets aren’t cheap, so it’s best to use field tips when shooting them rather than broadheads. Broadheads will really chew up a 3D target.
To sum it all up, there are tons of 3D target options. Every size and shape imaginable, plus different brands and styles. These targets are great for those just starting out in archery, for seasoned archers, and it can be fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to practice form, after all, that’s what archery is all about.
In the meantime, keep aiming and happy shooting!
P.S. I have blogs/articles on form, equipment, and all sorts of things archery related. You can visit my website, Chrome X Archery, or my Facebook page here!
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