When choosing an archery target, it is important to consider what you are using your bow and arrow for. There are those who chose to use them in hunting and those who are more competitive in the sport of archery. In this article we will note the differences and distinctions of each kind of archery target so you will perhaps gain a better understanding of what you might want to purchase for your own use.



There are various types of archery targets used in Target Archery. The first kind, the 3D target, can be used in any outdoor setting such as woods or a field and is often made to resemble any animal in hunting, from a bear or cougar, to ducks and deer. They are made with dense, self-closing foam material, allowing the shooter to penetrate the target. These are usually used in the backyards of people who practice target archery. This type of target is meant exclusively for hunters and is usually made to simulate some sort of animal to help the shooter gain accuracy and precision in shooting to kill.



If for whatever reason you are unable to have your own personal 3-D archery target, you can practice at archery ranges which often simulate hunting by placing 3-D archery targets behind trees in forests and other places where animals are usually found. Personal 3D archery targets usually cost anywhere from sixty to a little over two hundred dollars, depending on the size and make of the archery target.



Another type of archery target is the standard FITA (International Archery Federation) flat bull's-eye target with a series of multi-colored rings around it used for marking points. This type of target is often used by competitive archers that play to compete with other archers by playing to win the most points with the most accurate shots. Competitive archery can be held in both indoors and outdoors. The most accurate shot one can ever get is in the center of the target, the ?bull's eye?, which is worth ten points. Outside of the center ring, the points descend from nine, eight, seven, and so on. Failure to hit the target results in zero points. An interesting similarity between 3D targets and flat ones is that 3D targets, while mostly in the shape of animals and used for hunting, some are made round and bulbous with a thin layer of material covering it with the same rings as flat ones for scoring points in competitive archery.



The important thing to remember is that the type of archery you engage requires a certain target to gain accuracy and skill in shooting. Remember to pick the right target for the specific sort of shooting you choose. Practicing on the right target will improve every aspect of your shooting.



Scott Byers is the owner of Absolute Archery, a complete archery resource with articles on archery and archery equipment.