Shooting styles

This is one of the most popular classes in field archery, where archers use a recurve bow equipped with sights and stabilizers. It's a more technical category, allowing for precision with added equipment, which makes it ideal for archers who enjoy the balance of skill and technology.

In the barebow class, archers shoot without the use of sights or stabilizers. This class focuses on instinctive shooting, where archers rely solely on their skill and natural aim. It’s a purer form of archery and provides a greater challenge in the uneven terrain typical of field archery.

The compound bow class allows the use of a mechanical bow with pulleys and cams, providing greater speed and accuracy. Archers in this class can use sights, release aids, and other accessories, making it a popular class for those who prefer advanced technology and consistent precision.

Traditional longbow archers shoot with wooden bows and minimal accessories, such as a simple finger tab and arrows. This class embodies the essence of historical archery, with participants often embracing traditional techniques and the artistry of the sport. It’s challenging due to the lack of modern equipment, but rewarding for those who enjoy a more primitive form of archery.

Bowhunter Class: In this class, compound bows are used, but with restrictions on equipment. Archers must use fixed sights (with no magnification), shorter stabilizers, and fingers or a release aid. This class bridges the gap between traditional and compound archery, offering a challenge similar to hunting scenarios.

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The longbow class is typically the most historically authentic in field archery. Archers use longbows made of wood with no arrow rests or modern materials. Arrows are often wood as well, and the shooting style harkens back to traditional methods. Competitors in this class enjoy the raw, unfiltered nature of archery, where instinct and feel are key to success. 

Traditional Bowhunter: This class mixes traditional longbow or recurve equipment with a hunting setup. Archers use simple fixed pins or no sights at all and may use basic stabilizers, but the equipment must be set up similarly to what would be used in a real hunting situation. The focus is on practicality and simplicity, mirroring the conditions archers might face in the wild. It combines traditional shooting with the thrill of hunting-style challenges in natural field environments.

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Crossbow: Although less common in field archery, some competitions include a crossbow class. Crossbows use a horizontal bow mounted on a stock and are shot by pulling a trigger mechanism. While crossbows allow for mechanical precision and greater ease of aiming, they still face the challenges of varied terrain and target distances in the field archery course. This class appeals to those interested in combining the mechanics of a crossbow with the dynamic conditions of outdoor shooting.

A traditional archery technique where the archer uses their thumb, rather than fingers, to draw and release the bowstring. This style is commonly associated with Asiatic bows, such as the Mongolian or Turkish recurve, and often includes the use of a thumb ring for protection. The thumb draw method allows for greater draw lengths and speed, making it well-suited for mounted or rapid shooting. Archers in this class typically shoot with historical or traditional bows.