A quiver-full of Thompson archers took aim at lifelike targets June 7 during a 3D archery shoot at the outdoor shooting range just north of town.
3D archery involves shooting at realisitic animal targets ranging in size from a raccoon to a moose, explained Wade Anderson, one of the organizers of the meet, which saw him leading six other archers along a one-mile loop at the Thompson Archers and Bowhunters' outdoor range just past the north airport road. Competitors shoot one arrow per target at a set of 20 random animals, which are placed at varying distances anywhere from two to 50 yards.
"You have to guess the distance," said Anderson, which is consistent with the purpose behind the sport, which is to practise the "practical side" of archery. "3D is developed for archers with a bowhunting background. It's more of a skills test. Out hunting in the field, you don't always get to know yardage."
A wrong estimation of distance could result in a shot being too high or too low.
Archers are judged according to how well their arrow strikes within the animal's designated target zone, which varies in size according to the size of the animal, but roughly marks out the area where the animal's heart and lungs would be, known as the kill zone. There are three rings within the target zone as well as the bullseye that marks a perfect shot. Arrows which hit outside the target zone are worth five points, while an arrow that misses the target entirely is scored a zero.
Targets at Sunday's shoot included a replica lynx and a buffalo lost in the woods.
"It turned out pretty good," said Anderson of the shoot, which was blessed with decent weather.
3D archery is a great way for bowhunters to practise when they don't have time to go on a hunt.
"The more you practise, the more successful you will be in the field," said Anderson, who said another shoot may be held in August, though it isn't certain yet.
For more information about 3D archery or bowhunting in Thompson, call Anderson at 677-2612.
