3D Archery Range

Sandycreek Conservancy, Inc.

Archery Target Range - multiple bag targets

3D Archery Range:

3D Range Hours: 3rd Sunday of every month. Open to the public at last shooter out by 1:00.

Deer-Bear-Turkey-Boar-Coyote-Mountain Lion-Wolf-Elk-Antelope

Stakes: Youth, Traditional, Bowhunter, Comp.

What is a 3D Archery Shoot?

The 3D Archery Shoot is a course of 30 life size three dimensional targets using various animal figures. The course uses varying distances and natural terrain features to simulate actual hunting situations and challenges. The 3D Archery Shoot covered here is coordinated and sponsored by Sandycreek Conservancy Inc.

How do you score a 3D target?

Each target has either 2 or 3 circles located in the vital area, or "kill zone" for that particular animal. You not only have to be a good shot, but also know where these vital areas for each species of animal are. For larger targets, there is a small inner circle which gives you an "X" along with 10 points. This is used as a tie breaker if needed. The next circle out (or the inner circle on smaller targets) is the 10 point ring. A hit in this area is usually referred to as "dimeing" the target. The next ring out is worth 8 points, and a hit anywhere else on the target is worth 5 points, sometimes referred to as a nickle. If you miss the target completely, you "scratch" with 0 points. You only get one arrow for each target.

How to Determine Distances
Once you have mastered the ability to hit the vital/scoring area consistently from known distances, it is time to move on to the next step. Remove all your yardage markers and shoot by simply determining the distance to the target. The ability to determine distance is usually the greatest challenge an archer will face. A wrong guess can send the shot either high or low of the vital/scoring area. Archers can spend a lifetime perfecting this ability.	There are two systems to aid you in determining distances. In the end-to-end system you find an object between you and the target that you are confident you know the distance to, then determine how many times that distance can be laid end-to-end to the target. The halfway system has you determine the distance to an object half way to the target and then double it for the correct distance. Both systems are very effective.

Shooting for Score
McKenzie targets are the targets of choice all over the world for 3-D tournament use. Whether shooting for the "Big Bucks" now offered on the tournament circuits or with your friends in the back yard, there are accepted scoring numbers that are used with the scoring rings as a guide. The McKenzie vital zone and scoring rings are the approved scoring zones for the International Bowhunter Organization (IBO). For point of reference, most tournaments use either of these three scoring methods:
Body shot would score 5 points. This is an arrow placed anywhere on the body (excluding hooves or antlers), but not within the prime vital zone. A shot within the prime vital zone scores 8 points. This is an arrow placed on or within the large prime vital zone that represents the lung area, but not on or within the inner circles. A shot within the first circle scores 10 points. This is a shot placed on or within the first circle, but not within the second circle. One scoring method disregards the second ring entirely. Any shot within that area would simply score a 10. The inner circle (10) represents the highest percentage area within the vital area for an assured quick, lethal shot. Aiming or concentrating on this area helps guide you to ultimate shot placement. Achieving this accuracy level should be the goal of every bowhunter. A shot within the second circle would either score 11* points or 10 points along with an X on the score card. This is an arrow placed on or within the second circle. When this area is scored with 10 points and an X, the number of X's is the tie breaker. * I.B.O. Rules Revised April 17, 2003
Whether you use the 5, 8, 10, the 5, 8, 10, X, or the 5, 8, 10, 11 method of scoring, if you shoot for score have fun and enjoy yourself. It is a great way to improve your skill as an archer and enjoy the companionship of others in friendly competition. Remember that changing the angle of the target, which is often done in tournament settings, does not allow the scoring zone and true prime vital zone to be in the same position..