Whitemark Bowmen 3D Memorial Shoot, a National Record and the EFAA Spring Champs

It has been a busy few weeks shooting wise. First, the Whitemark Bowmen 3D Memorial Shoot was cancelled and put back to the end of April. I had hoped having shot a PB on the Hunter round I would take some good form into this shoot. However I got sloppy on some targets; not coming down when I should do and gave away some cheap points. It was enough for second place though, with a score of 534 for the Precision round, but I take no satisfaction from that. I also had a few problems with the fibre pin on my new scope to sort out.

However, on the bright side I shot an EFAA National Record at Panther Bowhunters for the New Marked Forester round, upping it from 930 to 995. My form was much better and more like what I know I can shoot like. I received my certificate at the EFAA Spring Championships.

And finally, this weekend was the EFAA Spring Championships, comprising of a Hunter round on the Saturday and the New Marked Forester on the Sunday. Day one was a bit of a disaster, shooting under 530 for the first time ever with a 529. I could not get any form going and shot a succession of 19/20 throughout the day. It was enough for 3rd, and a place in the top group on the Sunday.

On the Sunday I headed for the practice range and did some blank boss shooting, with the hope I could figure out the problem. I worked out it was my rear elbow alignment, and as a result I shot a brilliant first 2/3 of the round. I hit a bit of a stumbling block where my arrows started hitting above the spot on the last few targets, and I fell short of beating my own record with a final score of 985. But, it was enough to win the FU class by a mere two points across the two days.

This was a pleasing result, simply because I worked the problem and dramatically turned it around to come away with the win, even with the pressure of shooting effectively head to head in the top group with the second placed archer, who on day one was way out in front. Not only did the blank boss shooting give me the insight into what the problem was, but also a comment from an archer I shot with on the first day. He was talking about his days as an international archer, and he said you have to want it so badly that you could walk up to the target and smash your fist through it. That stuck on my mind for the rest of the weekend.

Next up, the EFAA Bowhunter Champsionships, an un-marked 3D round over two days. This is going to need some serious practice!

TAC 3D Pro Shoot

Last weekend I attended an unmarked 3D shoot put on by The Archery Company. This was my first unmarked 3D shoot, and what a baptism of fire!

Several misses, shooting the wrong targets and smashed arrows meant I ended up in a lowly 21st position (don't know the total number of compounder's, but its not much more then 21!). I knew this would be hard but not that hard.

However, I enjoyed the day and was pleased with my execution. As somebody said on the day, shooting 3D is much like shooting blank boss; no spot to aim at so the focus is on good execution.

But, its something I would like to do more of, as it will really hone my unmarked skills.

Sussex Champs and EFAA 3D National Champs

I shot an unmarked FITA Field PB by one point at the Sussex Champs (374). Was fairly pleased with my days shooting, I had a strong second half. However, again, I got the face size wrong (60/80cm) and also set the wrong sight mark on one target. I need to be more professional if I am going to succeed at FITA field.

Next up was the EFAA National 3D Champs. I saw this as a bit of fun, which helped, because I came top of the AMUL category. I am a national champion for the first time ever! The first day score was pretty decent, with a 532 for the 3D Precision round. The next day, I maxed out the Big Game round (as did the whole top group). The Supra and the Protours shot amazingly well over the two days.

I must admit I am getting excited about 3D archery. This was all marked, but it was still a real challenge, especially when it came to aiming and working out where the scoring zones are. It's something I intend to do more of. The ultimate will be unmarked 3D, but one step at a time...

Here are some pictures of me shooting and collecting my medal. Thanks to Gary, Tony and Martin for being great group companions over the two days (and well done to Tony and Martin on their placings as well). Photos by Matthew Murdoch.