Have you ever been hunting and all of a sudden a big buck walks right in front of you? If so you know all the different things that run through your head. The most important thing that should go through your head is, “Where should I shoot this animal to kill it humanely?” The most humane shot is one to the vital organs, knowing where these are located is critical in a successful kill. In archery they have tournaments called 3-D tournaments where shooters go from target to target shooting different three dimensional targets. These targets are designed for archers to simulate hunting. Above is a picture of a McKenzie 3-D deer target, and on the side there is a link to their website. The targets are pretty much life size, but they have the location of the vital organs located on them. By attending these tournaments archers begin to learn, and eventually memorize, the location of the vital organs for many different animals. You can also purchase these targets for your own practice in the backyard. The more you can memorize the “kill zone” the more likely your hunt will be successful.
Another skill that can be very important in hunting is being able to judge yardage. Judging yardage is the act of determining the distance between one object and another. Though there are devices out there that will do this for you it is still a very important skill to learn. At 3-D shoots you are not only required to shoot the animal in the correct spot, but you must judge the distance between you and the target without using a device that tells you the distance. This can be very difficult at times especially when there is a huge ravine between you and the target. In these cases it is important to judge the yardage of the path that your arrow will fly not the path that you are going to walk. The best way to develop this technique is by practice. Start at fifteen yards and look at the ground between you and the target, this distance will look different than twenty yards. Do this every five yards to about forty five yards. By setting these as known yardages in your memory you can then compare them to the target (or animal) that you are looking at. This skill is not developed over night, but with practice it can be greatly fine tuned.
Many conservation clubs especially in Southeastern Indiana host these 3-D tournaments on a weekly basis. All that is required is a shooting fee (usually between $5-$10) and your own equipment. The club rules are usually posted near the registration area so make sure to read them before going out on the course to shoot. Another thing to consider is the weather. Make sure you pay attention to the weather before and during the scheduled shooting time. If it rains the shoot will usually continue (unless lightning or thunder is observed) so make sure you dress appropriately. When attending these shoots it is never a bad idea to bring bug spray and rubber boots. Since these shoots are out in the woods you may encounter diverse terrain. However the most important thing about 3-D shoots is having fun.
Another skill that can be very important in hunting is being able to judge yardage. Judging yardage is the act of determining the distance between one object and another. Though there are devices out there that will do this for you it is still a very important skill to learn. At 3-D shoots you are not only required to shoot the animal in the correct spot, but you must judge the distance between you and the target without using a device that tells you the distance. This can be very difficult at times especially when there is a huge ravine between you and the target. In these cases it is important to judge the yardage of the path that your arrow will fly not the path that you are going to walk. The best way to develop this technique is by practice. Start at fifteen yards and look at the ground between you and the target, this distance will look different than twenty yards. Do this every five yards to about forty five yards. By setting these as known yardages in your memory you can then compare them to the target (or animal) that you are looking at. This skill is not developed over night, but with practice it can be greatly fine tuned.
Many conservation clubs especially in Southeastern Indiana host these 3-D tournaments on a weekly basis. All that is required is a shooting fee (usually between $5-$10) and your own equipment. The club rules are usually posted near the registration area so make sure to read them before going out on the course to shoot. Another thing to consider is the weather. Make sure you pay attention to the weather before and during the scheduled shooting time. If it rains the shoot will usually continue (unless lightning or thunder is observed) so make sure you dress appropriately. When attending these shoots it is never a bad idea to bring bug spray and rubber boots. Since these shoots are out in the woods you may encounter diverse terrain. However the most important thing about 3-D shoots is having fun.
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