Easy to Find Archery Competitions Near You 2023
New and experienced archers alike are always looking for ways enhance their skills and get in on the competition. However, finding local archery events can be a challenge. Keep reading to find out which type of competition suits your style, and how to find one nearby.
Types of Competitive Archery
Before finding local competitions, it’s important to understand the different types of archery you can take part in. First, we’ll discuss the three main kinds that archers practice. Then, we’ll dive into how they play out come competition time during “archery near me.”
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Target Archery
Target archery is the type you’re likely most used to hearing about. Arrows are shot at a target on a flat field. The number of arrows and distances from which they are shot will be determined by what type of shoot the archer is competing in.
Typically, between three and six arrows will be shot in an end depending on the type of shoot and distances. Scores are then tallied. There are various types of target archery competitions.
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Field Archery
Field archery is slightly different than target archery as the shooting takes place in fields or the brush. Competitive field archers typically walk in groups of 4 around a marked course in wooden or open landscape. Arrows are still shot to the same place, but the size and type of targets, as well as scoring, differs.
Depending on your age and equipment category, shots will be made at differing distances as well as uphill downhill, over water, etc. Shooting bow and arrow youth is typically easier. This style is great for archers looking to tone some muscles and get some variety while competing.
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3D Archery
Believe it or not, 3D archery is one of North America’s fastest growing sports. It consists of shooting burlap sacks or three-dimensional foam animals at unknown distances. Shooting is typically done in hilly terrain.
Scoring for this type of archery depends on where your arrow strikes these 3D targets. While it was originally developed for hunting practice, it’s now played by many non-hunters due to its competitive nature. You can find equipment for this style at local archery shops.
Recurve, Barebow, and Compound Shooting
Within these categories of archery, people can enter different competitions based on equipment preferences, skill level, age, etc. These competitions include recurve, barebow, and compound shooting. We’ll go over the basic rules of each to figure out your best option for “archery near me.”
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Recurve Competitions
In archery talk, recurve is often referred to as “Olympic” style because, you guessed it, this style is used in the Olympics. It’s also used in other various competitions throughout nations and across the world. Recurve competing consists of shooting a recurve bow with attachments like sights and stabilizers.
In this competition, the bow must be shot with your fingers. Archers may bring their recurve bow, attachments, finger tabs, and arm guards. Be sure to keep the scopes, parts of bow and arrow levels, releases, and any electronic equipment at home, though.
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Barebow Competitions
Barebow is the practice of archery without any additional equipment. Stabilizers, sights, and clickers are left behind, so archers must stay intensely focused. Arm guards are still allowed for this type of competition.
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Compound Archery
Compound archers are typically divided into groups based on whether they’re shooting with fingers or releases. There’s no need to worry about regulations on arrow size, electronics, bow height, and other parts of bow and arrow accessories. The main groups within compound archery are compound unlimited and compound limited.
Getting into Completive Archery
Pick your preference and get ready to start shooting! Whether you’re just starting or have been playing forever, local club competitions are the backbone of the competitive archery scene. There’s nothing more fun and nostalgic than shooting with friends or family.
Being around locals and loved ones is uber encouraging for new archers, as enjoyment is usually emphasized over competition for bow and arrow youth. Every professional archer starts small at local shooting events. Wonderful as they are, these close-knit events can be tricky to find.
Some tournament-holding organizations don’t broadcast or advertise their events for everyone to see. However, there are ways to sniff out events and start signing up in advance. It all starts with a little effort and searching of “archery shops near me.”
How to Find a Local Archery Competition
There are many national organizations with local club affiliates. These include the Archery Shooters Association (ASA), International Bowhunting Organization (IBO), and National Field Archery Association (NFAA). Unfortunately, there is no central website or database where club-level events across the country are recorded, so finding “archery competitions near me” can be an adventure.
Going through each organization to find local member clubs near you is a good way to start your search for competitions. However, the best way is chatting with fellow archers you know about local events. You want to cast a wide net around your area to get as much info as possible.
Another must is stopping to your local archery shops. If you can’t find one, a quick “archery shops near me” search should guide you there. Folks who works and frequent local shops are likely to know what’s going on with any nearby archery competition.
If you’re near a shop that caters to target archers, even better. They’ll be especially attuned to competitions. After using all these tips, you should have a list of clubs and shooting organizations in your area.
Staying in the Know
Keep a running list of the clubs you find and reach them online or through social media. Be sure to follow all your favorites, reach out for more information, and stay savvy on your search! Keep in mind, though, that many competitions solely advertise through word of mouth.
Check out your newspaper’s outdoors section and local events. While the search may be strenuous at first, finding competitions becomes easier each time you go. Once you’re part of the scene, you’ll be surrounded by club archers who know what’s going on locally.
Hopefully, your step onto the competitive archery scene has become a bit easier. Keep sharpening your skills, engaging in archery talk, and heading into the shop! Don’t forget to check out more of Crow Survival’s archery advice before you go.
