Bowhunters’ Top 3 Reasons to Shoot at 3-D Life-Size Targets

by
posted on June 9, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
karen_target_lion_f.jpg

While the accuracy of a given bow is important, you’d better be accurate with your given bow. As I prep to leave for Africa in a few days, I’m taking my practice sessions—and the fun—up a notch by shooting at 3-D life-size game targets like this African lion from Delta McKenzie, and here’s why.

1. A hunting shot is a far cry from a practice shot at a bullseye on a bag. By simulating shooting at a live game animal from different angles, I’m more used to pinpointing the precise spot to penetrate and will see at what angle each arrow would exit.

2. Shooting my 3-D lion, whitetail deer, etc., at longer distances quickly reveals whether you’re maintaining proper shooting form. Even a small error is accentuated the farther away I am from a target—and its “vitals.”

3. I say 3-D targets are more fun to shoot at than bag targets! If they make you practice more, you’ll hone your skills, your form will remain consistent and you’ll be more confident.

Moral of the Story: A 3-D target is as close as you can get to the real thing. To get one of your own, start by checking out the options at Delta McKenzie. You’ll see pages of 3-D options to add to your shopping cart. 

Latest

Mule Deer In Meadow
Mule Deer In Meadow

Muleys The Old Way: Traditional Muzzleloading

Aram von Benedikt and his son took part in one of the oldest American traditions there is: muzzleloading for deer with a traditional smokepole. Read on for more about their adventure.

MSU Deer Lab Celebrates 50 Years

For 50 years the Mississippi State University (MSU) Deer Lab—a partnership between the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) and MSU Extension Service in Starkville, Miss.—has delivered nationally recognized research on deer biology, habitat management and land stewardship.

#SundayGunday: Our Top 5 in 2025

Sitting on your couch in an eggnog stupor, wrapping paper still draped off every chair in sight? Still procrastinating getting up, cleaning, up or any sort of behavior that could be remotely described as productive? Here's something to keep you further occupied in your sedentary state. Read on, to check out our Top 5 #SundayGundays of 2025, as selected by you, our audience.

How to Make Woodstove Jerky

Homemade jerky is a staple with a lot of hunters. Deer, antelope, moose and elk all make excellent jerky. Surprisingly, geese do too. In fact, most any game animal will make palatable jerky. Here's how to make it with nothing but a woodstove, a knife and maybe some shears.

Three Whitetail Traps to Set for Close Shots

Your whitetail hunting location may be as expansive as a national forest or as small as an uncle’s 40-acre woodlot. In either scenario, whitetails have a knack for slipping by just out of shooting range. Whether using a firearm or archery equipment, you do have options to lure whitetails closer. Consider setting a trap this season for your best opportunity at an ethical, in-your-face shot.

Hardware Review: Ravin LR Crossbow

Looking for a new crossbow that packs some serious punch? Look no further than the Ravin LR. Check out Brian McCombie's review of it below.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.