In my previous two "Bowhunting: What To Do In the Off Seasons" articles, I first discussed alternative hunting opportunities for bowhunters around the country.  The main options again are small game, varmints, and predators, all of which offer a bowhunter challenging hunts at near nothing costs.  In the second article, I gave you some options for shooting at home.  Both allow the bowhunter to work on their form, maintain or increase muscle memory, and practice precision shot placement.

In this article, I will share competition shooting opportunities, which will test the bowhunter with a different set of skills.  There are year round archery leagues available, however, the options increase in the winter, spring, and summer.  Winter is the most popular time for leagues in the north, as most of the local mainstream hunting options have closed, temperatures outside are not conducive to relaxed shooting, and many bowhunters want to practice and improve their shooting.  Most leagues run about 10-12 weeks, but you should contact your pro shop or range to find out their exact schedule.

There are many different types of leagues and competitive levels that will fit any bowhunters skill level.  In fact, beginner and advanced archers can shoot in the same league.  Many leagues have a handicap system and different diameter bulls-eyes that will offer both types of shooters competitive options.  I will discuss three popular leagues that many pro-shops offer.  These leagues include, but are not limited to NFAA 300, Vegas, and 2-D/3-D.  There are many more leagues and even more offerings if you shoot outside league, but that is a different topic for a different time.

NFAA 300 League

The most common indoor league is the NFAA 300.  The archers line up at 20 yards and shoot at paper targets.  Children eleven and younger have the option to shoot at 10 yards.  Each archer shoots 5 arrows (60 total) at their targets.  When everyone on the line is finished shooting an end, the targets are scored by another person and the archers collect their arrows.  A 300 round consists of shooting a total of 60 arrows broken down into 12 scoring ends, with 5 arrows shot during each end.  There is a time limit of 4 minutes per end on competitive leagues.  300 league can be shot by anyone as beginner shooters can use a single spot that allows for a larger scoring area.  A single spot is one large bullseye the size of the paper target 16"x 16".  Since beginner shooters tend to not have tight groups, there is a reduced chance of damaged arrows.  Beginner archers can score 5-4-3-2-1 on a single spot target.



Once the archer's skill level increases and their arrows get closer and closer together, they can move up to a five spot target.  The scoring for five spot target is limited to 5-4.  The paper dimension is still 16" x 16" but the target now has five small bullseyes on it.  This eliminates the possibility of robin hoods, where one arrow is shot down the center of another arrow.  While the five spot has a smaller scoring range, many advanced archers don't need the extra space and are able to hit only the bullseye.  The top score would be 300 with X's (bullseyes) used as a tie breaker.  One variation on this league is 360 where each X is counted as an extra point, which gives you the opportunity to earn an additional 60 points.

Vegas League

Another common league is Vegas style, which has several options, either 300 round or 450 round.  Both leagues are shot at 20 yards.  Children eleven and younger also have the 10 yard option, similar to the NFAA 300.  The biggest differences is that there are less arrows shot and there is a shorter time limit to complete the round.   A 300 round consists of 10 scoring ends, with 3 arrows shot during each end.  A 450 round consists of 15 scoring ends, with 3 arrows shot during each end.  If these leagues are competitive, there is a 2.5 minute time limit imposed per end.  Archers may choose between a single or 3 spot target.  Scoring for both targets starts in the center and works outwards per ring.  For the 3 spot target, scoring is as follows 10-9-8-7-6 and 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 for a single spot target.
                 

The total possible score is 300 or 450 points.  Any arrows contacting the X's are tallied and again used for tie breakers.  Very similar to NFAA 300 a variation to the 300 or 450 league is the 330 and 495 league where each X counts as an extra point giving the archer a possible score of either 330 or 495 points.

2-D/3-D League

Finally, if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity of a club that offers 2-D/3-D league, this will give you the best practice for bowhunting.  These leagues are similar to outdoor 3-D leagues.  The exceptions are the distances are closer, not all targets are foam, and the course is limited to within the building.  A 2-D/3-D course is comprised of a combination of life-size paper targets and foam targets.  These targets are placed at different angles and different distances.  Scoring for these targets may vary (IBO-International Bowhunting Organization or ASA-Archery Shooters Association ) but there is also a Universal Scoring System that combines these two options.

The Universal Scoring System is as follows:  The small circle in the center of the lung will give you a score of 11 points surrounded by a larger ring that will net you 10 points.  Diagonally are two other small circles that will score the archer 12 points.  Any arrow that contacts the lung region will score you 8 points, and an additional small circle at the narrowing of the lungs that will net you 14 points.  Any arrow to the body will score you 5 points.  No points are given for contact with the antlers/horns, ears, feet, or hooves.  The major differences between 2-D/3-D and the other leagues are that you get only one arrow per target, these targets are at various distances, and you are not able to use range finders to help you find the actual distance.  This increases the complexity of this league as the archer not only has to make their shot, they have to be conscious of their competitors and what points/areas they have hit or missed.  On top of it all, they also have to judge the actual distance to the target, which comes into play when aiming/shooting at the smallest high point circles.

Shooting in a league is an added way to perfect your shooting and have fun practicing.  Consistency is very important to achieving high scores in a league.  While you may just be shooting for fun and practice, most leagues have a tournament at the end that culminates your hard work.  Shooting in leagues competitive or not, with people watching, definitely adds pressure to your shooting.  The payoff?  You will have added one more notch in your extensive knowledge and skills as a bowhunter.  This should help downgrade buck fever the next time you see that big buck come in to bow range.  In my next article, I will share some hunting options in locations that you may never have thought off.  In fact, these hunts are occurring now and will offer you a definite twist on your normal bowhunting experience!

RecordingtheOutdoors.com - Todd Koenig