Mixing it up: What makes a great shoot "great".
After reading a couple of the threads concerning a few of the shoots from this weekend, I thought it might be a good idea to have a list of preferences, wants, etc.
I think we have established that not everyone wants a "hard"(stretched to max) course... so let's try not to continue beating that horse. Also, I wouldn't want this to turn into a bash fest so to speak... let's keep it constructive and helpful, to the shooters as well as the hard working folks who put on these shoots.
The ASA guidelines Mike posted are a GREAT start, and as I stated, I do my best to follow them, and accentuate some extras that I myself like as a shooter while remembering the requests, concerns & suggestions I have received via many years of hosting or helping host dozens of shoots.
SO... let's, as shooters and host clubs, range captains etc, start a "wish list" of sorts, keeping in mind that variety is what keeps these things fun, and variety is certainly something we're going to see from one venue to the next just from the vast differences in terrain spread across the Lone Star State.
I think this will become very useful info for the many new clubs and shooters we gain year to year, especially the new shooters.
What we try to accomplish at Brownwood Bowhunters...
1. Follow the ASA guidelines provided, use it as a check off list in the week leading up to the shoot... follow it, and it is usually pretty smooth sailing.
2. If available, use experienced 3D shooters to help determine lanes, target sets, pair them up, so someone can be down range with the potential target while the other stands at the stake to "eye-ball" it. Things look a lot different to the one guy dragging a Mule Deer target downrange and looking back toward the stake.
3. Try to allow for spacing between targets, with obstructed views when necessary... keeps the "pacers" in check
4, When at all possible, try to keep the "loop"(shooting and waiting area) in the shade.
5. When assigning target groups at registration, try to space the groups out to avoid the log jam(not always possible). And consider assigning a range official or 2 to keep the groups moving at a good pace.
6. Did I mention, follow the ASA guidelines?
7. Make good use of your terrain, vegetation, trees, shadows etc.
8. There is no rule or requirement that the path to the target needs to be a 10' wide, straight, mowed lane from the stake to the target... wind it around cactus patches, brush, taller grass... this can add "challenge" without having to add difficulty.
9. If possible, provide "roving concessions", via 4 wheeler or hire a couple kids to haul a cart loaded with sodas, bottled water, snacks etc up and down the course.
10. Speaking of the course, we all know by now, that some walking is to be involved getting from the start area, to the prospective range. Remember the more "seasoned" archers out there, not everyone is physically suited to hump jagged, loose rocks and steep inclines. Maybe plan to have a shuttle of some kind available, a golf cart trailer with a few hay bails goes a long way.
10.5 Above all, Make it SAFE none of this is worth a snake bite, twisted/broken ankle, wayward arrow, heat stroke or worse.
Now, a few things I like to see as shooter/competitor.
1. I personally like a "challenging course", don't even mind a "difficult" course... I shoot because I LOVE to shoot, and honestly, I'm not out there trying to beat YOU specifically ... I'm there to beat your course(as best I can) and better myself as an archer... cookie cutter, chip shot courses can still be fun too, because in the end you/we/I the archer still have to make the shot. Regardless of how close or far it is.
2. I'm not particular(or adverse really) to shots or courses that resemble a "hunting situation"... let's get that one straight once and for all. ASA 3D is not intended to mirror "hunting" situations... it's simply "target" archery, the targets just happen to resemble animals. If it were meant to resemble hunting situations, we'd be shooting from, tree stand, blinds, through feeder legs...and the animals wouldn't stand there for 5 minutes while we glassed them, scratched our heads and set a sight indicator. above all...keep the scoring rings visible.
3. LISTEN during the briefing prior to kick off......ask questions if you are unsure as to ASA scoring, it will cut down on confusion when it comes time to score and pull arrows...thus, keeping the pace moving right along.
4. Shooting with your "buddys" is cool now and then, but don't be afraid to mix it up, shoot with another group, meet new folks, learn new tricks, share some of yours...even if it means shooting outside your "comfort" zone, play up to your competition at the stake, it will do wonders for your shooting down the road.
5. Be ready when you're up, make your shot and move off the stake take a peak at your handy work while someone else is readying for their shot, remember the groups behind you.... don't be "that guy".
6. If you're scoring, score the other guys arrows in the same manner and fairness as you would like yours called. If you have to stare and look at a close jar licker 8 that miiiight be a 10, man up, and call it like it is.(unless it's Gene Curry's arrow...then it's always OUT)
7. If you just gotta have a trophy so badly, that you would cheat a fellow shooter..... save everyone the aggravation and take up golf. Trust me, I would rather see the cheater give up(preferably ran out) this sport than the other 3,7, or 10 shooters He/She might potentially drive away from it. If you witness this behavior, call it to the attention of the host club officers or ASA officials... no one likes being cheated, but they dislike feeling like they were allowed to be cheated even more.
9.Feedback: Thank the host club and the folks who worked their butts off to make the shoot possible, as well as the many shops who donate prizes etc.
10. Most importantly....support your surrounding clubs by going to their shoots... we as clubs have existed through the years mainly due to participation and the support of shooters from all over the state.
Please feel free to add to this list. As a shooter and from the perspective of the guy pounding in the stakes and flipping the burgers. Critique is a great thing, let's keep it constructive and use it to benefit our shoots in the future.
I think we have established that not everyone wants a "hard"(stretched to max) course... so let's try not to continue beating that horse. Also, I wouldn't want this to turn into a bash fest so to speak... let's keep it constructive and helpful, to the shooters as well as the hard working folks who put on these shoots.
The ASA guidelines Mike posted are a GREAT start, and as I stated, I do my best to follow them, and accentuate some extras that I myself like as a shooter while remembering the requests, concerns & suggestions I have received via many years of hosting or helping host dozens of shoots.
SO... let's, as shooters and host clubs, range captains etc, start a "wish list" of sorts, keeping in mind that variety is what keeps these things fun, and variety is certainly something we're going to see from one venue to the next just from the vast differences in terrain spread across the Lone Star State.
I think this will become very useful info for the many new clubs and shooters we gain year to year, especially the new shooters.
What we try to accomplish at Brownwood Bowhunters...
1. Follow the ASA guidelines provided, use it as a check off list in the week leading up to the shoot... follow it, and it is usually pretty smooth sailing.
2. If available, use experienced 3D shooters to help determine lanes, target sets, pair them up, so someone can be down range with the potential target while the other stands at the stake to "eye-ball" it. Things look a lot different to the one guy dragging a Mule Deer target downrange and looking back toward the stake.
3. Try to allow for spacing between targets, with obstructed views when necessary... keeps the "pacers" in check
4, When at all possible, try to keep the "loop"(shooting and waiting area) in the shade.
5. When assigning target groups at registration, try to space the groups out to avoid the log jam(not always possible). And consider assigning a range official or 2 to keep the groups moving at a good pace.
6. Did I mention, follow the ASA guidelines?
7. Make good use of your terrain, vegetation, trees, shadows etc.
8. There is no rule or requirement that the path to the target needs to be a 10' wide, straight, mowed lane from the stake to the target... wind it around cactus patches, brush, taller grass... this can add "challenge" without having to add difficulty.
9. If possible, provide "roving concessions", via 4 wheeler or hire a couple kids to haul a cart loaded with sodas, bottled water, snacks etc up and down the course.
10. Speaking of the course, we all know by now, that some walking is to be involved getting from the start area, to the prospective range. Remember the more "seasoned" archers out there, not everyone is physically suited to hump jagged, loose rocks and steep inclines. Maybe plan to have a shuttle of some kind available, a golf cart trailer with a few hay bails goes a long way.
10.5 Above all, Make it SAFE none of this is worth a snake bite, twisted/broken ankle, wayward arrow, heat stroke or worse.
Now, a few things I like to see as shooter/competitor.
1. I personally like a "challenging course", don't even mind a "difficult" course... I shoot because I LOVE to shoot, and honestly, I'm not out there trying to beat YOU specifically ... I'm there to beat your course(as best I can) and better myself as an archer... cookie cutter, chip shot courses can still be fun too, because in the end you/we/I the archer still have to make the shot. Regardless of how close or far it is.
2. I'm not particular(or adverse really) to shots or courses that resemble a "hunting situation"... let's get that one straight once and for all. ASA 3D is not intended to mirror "hunting" situations... it's simply "target" archery, the targets just happen to resemble animals. If it were meant to resemble hunting situations, we'd be shooting from, tree stand, blinds, through feeder legs...and the animals wouldn't stand there for 5 minutes while we glassed them, scratched our heads and set a sight indicator.
above all...keep the scoring rings visible.3. LISTEN during the briefing prior to kick off......ask questions if you are unsure as to ASA scoring, it will cut down on confusion when it comes time to score and pull arrows...thus, keeping the pace moving right along.
4. Shooting with your "buddys" is cool now and then, but don't be afraid to mix it up, shoot with another group, meet new folks, learn new tricks, share some of yours...even if it means shooting outside your "comfort" zone, play up to your competition at the stake, it will do wonders for your shooting down the road.
5. Be ready when you're up, make your shot and move off the stake take a peak at your handy work while someone else is readying for their shot, remember the groups behind you.... don't be "that guy".
6. If you're scoring, score the other guys arrows in the same manner and fairness as you would like yours called. If you have to stare and look at a close jar licker 8 that miiiight be a 10, man up, and call it like it is.(unless it's Gene Curry's arrow...then it's always OUT)
7. If you just gotta have a trophy so badly, that you would cheat a fellow shooter..... save everyone the aggravation and take up golf. Trust me, I would rather see the cheater give up(preferably ran out) this sport than the other 3,7, or 10 shooters He/She might potentially drive away from it. If you witness this behavior, call it to the attention of the host club officers or ASA officials... no one likes being cheated, but they dislike feeling like they were allowed to be cheated even more.
9.Feedback: Thank the host club and the folks who worked their butts off to make the shoot possible, as well as the many shops who donate prizes etc.
10. Most importantly....support your surrounding clubs by going to their shoots... we as clubs have existed through the years mainly due to participation and the support of shooters from all over the state.
Please feel free to add to this list. As a shooter and from the perspective of the guy pounding in the stakes and flipping the burgers. Critique is a great thing, let's keep it constructive and use it to benefit our shoots in the future.
)
What? You don't like the bedded deer at 46 yards? What about the javalina at 43 yards and quartered??? 
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