Firing off a well-executed shot is one of the most satisfying moments in 3D archery. You’ve got a lifelike target positioned in challenging terrain, your heart rate climbs as you analyze every aspect of the shot, and then, the execution: that moment when you know, even before checking, that your arrow flew true.
Recently, at a Total Archery Challenge event, I encountered a fallow deer target setup that perfectly illustrated why this sport continues to challenge and captivate even the most experienced archers.
It demanded careful consideration of terrain, shot placement, and execution fundamentals that apply whether you’re on a 3D course or in a real hunting situation. Its lessons apply to any archer looking to elevate their shooting, regardless of experience level.
Reading the Terrain and Target Presentation
The target was strategically placed on a narrow ledge beneath a cliff face, creating a natural funnel, exactly how you’d find a wild animal using terrain to its advantage. This positioning instantly triggers the hunter’s mindset, forcing you to analyze not just where to aim, but the entire landscape.
What made this particular setup so effective was how it mimicked reality. On a standard 3D range, targets are often positioned for convenience and scoring efficiency, but the Total Archery Challenge is different. Each target is thoughtfully placed to simulate actual hunting scenarios, complete with natural obstacles and challenging angles.
The fallow deer target’s spotted pattern was also a challenge. Precision requires aiming small: when a target has complex coloration or patterns, your eye can struggle to lock onto a specific point, often resulting in “target panic” or a wandering aim.
So, identify distinct anatomical features. For fallow deer, the 10 ring is straight up the back edge of the leg. These definitive reference points help when you’re faced with camouflaged or patterned targets. Sometimes having a distinct coloration change or tuff of hair can be great for aiming, but when there’s so many spots or if the coloration is flat then you need to learn to aim on a silhouette or use the leg as a reference.
Pre-Shot Routine: The Foundation of Consistent Accuracy
Before drawing my bow, I went through a deliberate pre-shot routine. This process is non-negotiable, whether you’re facing a foam target or the buck of a lifetime.
First, I assessed potential obstacles. Two hazards from fallen branches created a deep V I needed to thread my arrow through. Identifying these shot obstacles before drawing prevents the frustration of hitting branches mid-flight.
Next came footing. On uneven terrain, a solid foundation is everything. Slight adjustments to foot position boost stability and accuracy. I checked my footing and took some deep breaths.
Then came gear assessment, which is where experience speaks. I’ve seen countless shooters rush this step, only to find their release aid caught on a strap or their bowstring contacting their clothing at full draw. Make sure nothing in your harness or backpack binds you.
If any part of your draw sequence feels off, resist the urge to adjust on the fly. Break the shot cycle and start fresh.
When Preparation Meets Performance
With the mental checklist complete and the shot sequence feeling right, the moment of truth arrived. Drawing the bow smoothly, anchoring consistently, and executing a clean release resulted in arrow placement that was dead center in the 12.
This precision doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the culmination of proper preparation, practiced form, and mental discipline. The shot itself only takes seconds, but it’s built upon thousands of repetitions and a deep understanding of proper technique but also properly performing that pre-shot routine.
Follow-through is often overlooked in archery discourse. After release, maintaining your form until the arrow impacts is crucial. Any movement during arrow flight — dropping your bow arm, lifting your head to see where the arrow goes, etc. — influences accuracy.
A proper follow-through isn’t just good form; it’s essential for consistent results. I coach my students “Don’t just make a shot, you have to FINISH your shots!” Follow through is everything.
The Total Archery Challenge Experience
Total Archery Challenge is so fun because every shot is different.
Traditional 3D competitions often prioritize scoring efficiency and shooter volume, leading to more uniform target presentations. TAC, however, embraces the physical challenges of bowhunting by setting its competitions on rugged terrain that demands real-world skills.
While approaching the target, I thought, ‘This looks like a real spot an animal would bed down. You could walk down that road and never even see him!’ These realistic scenarios train not just your shooting ability but your fieldcraft, teaching you to recognize how game animals use terrain and cover.
The effort required — hiking up steep slopes and navigating thick undergrowth — adds physical stress that simulates actual hunting conditions. It’s one thing to make a perfect shot on flat ground with controlled breathing; it’s another when the climb makes your heart pound and your legs burn.
Why Archery Captivates
Executing a perfect shot in challenging conditions is electrifying and superchargers your ZEN. The process combines physical skill, mental focus, and technical knowledge into a single moment of truth.
Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or curious about picking up a bow for the first time, the principles are the same: success comes from attention to detail, respect for the process, and the discipline required to execute fundamentals under pressure.
Summer practice on a 3D range should be a requirement for hunting season prep. It’s challenging, realistic, and immensely rewarding. Each target is a unique problem to solve, pushing you to apply your skills in new ways. And when your preparation meets the moment and your arrow flies true, few outdoor experiences can match it.
That perfect shot on a fallow deer target tucked against a hillside was the culmination of the complete process: reading the terrain, overcoming obstacles, executing proper form, and appreciating the challenge itself. These are the moments that keep us coming back to archery, constantly striving to perfect our craft.
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