Field and 3D archery consist of shooting at targets of different sizes set at varying distances, heights and angles around a course in forest or other rough terrain. This exercises the whole body as archers need fitness and endurance as well as technical skill to hit the target. In field archery, archers shoot three arrows at yellow and black targets set at distances of between 5 and 60m and in 3D archery archers shoot two arrows at distances between 5 and 45m.
In field archery, four different target sizes are used; 20cm, 40cm, 60cm and 80cm. The targets are set at different distances according to their size. In a typical competition, half the targets will be at marked distances, and half at unmarked distances. Archers shoot three arrows from the same peg, compound and recurve archers use the red peg (10m - 60m), other bowstyles shoot from the blue peg (5m - 50m). The course may also have yellow (5m - 40m) or white (5m - 30m) pegs set out for juniors and beginners in different bow styles.
In 3D archery, the targets are in the shape of animals, birds or even dinosaurs! All targets are set at unmarked distances. Archers shoot two arrows from the same peg; compound and recurve archers use the red peg (5m - 45m) and other bowstyles shoot from the blue peg (5m - 30m). The course may also have white pegs (5m - 20m) set-out for juniors and beginners in different bowstyles.
As well as general archery skills, archers require additional skills to succeed in field and 3D archery, including judging distance, shooting uphill and downhill, dealing with changing light or weather conditions and sometimes strenuous walking over uneven terrain. These skills are known as fieldcraft.
All Archery GB recognised bowstyles (except crossbow) are welcome at field and 3D archery competitions. When shot at international level, field archers use compound, recurve or barebow styles whilst 3D archers use compound, barebow, WA traditional and WA longbow (AFB) styles.
In field archery, archers shoot three arrows at every target. Field archery targets have a yellow centre, scoring six in the inner ring and five in the outer ring. The yellow centre is surrounded by black rings scoring four, three, two and one. The 20cm targets consist of a column of three faces; an archer must put one arrow in each face. The 40cm targets consist of four faces to a boss; an archer must put three arrows in only one of these faces, according to their detail and position on the peg. Missing or shooting the wrong face is zero points.
In 3D archery, archers shoot two arrows at each target. Scoring zones are marked on the target and scores of 11, 10, 8 and 5 are possible depending on where the arrow hits the target. Arrows that hit "horn", "hoof" or any surrounding material, such as fake rock or grass are considered misses.
International field and 3D archery competitions consist of individual, mixed team and team events. Archers must compete at domestic competitions to achieve a number of qualification score to allow them to be selected for an international team.
Individuals can shoot in their preferred category of bowstyle (recurve, compound or barebow for field or compound, barebow, WA longbow (AFB) and traditional for 3D). A mixed team consists of one male and one female archer, shooting with the same bowstyle. A team consists of three (field) or four (3D) archers of the same gender, one from each of the different bowstyles.
Domestic field and 3D competitions are held across the UK by many clubs. You can use the competition finder or ask archers at your club who are already familiar with field or 3D competitions to find events.
Competition finder Club finder
Clubs are free to run any competition they wish, within the guidelines set out in the rules of shooting for their club members. To run an open competition, which could be record status or to allow archers to qualify for international events, requires at least three AGB qualified judges and the course must be laid out in accordance with strict guidelines. All archers must be AGB members, to ensure that the event has the correct insurance cover.
To the right, you will find resources that can be used when setting up a field or 3D event:
If you have any comments, additions or suggested changes to these resources, please contact Archery GB.
