🏹 USA Archery Field — Barebow Cheat Sheet

✅ Allowed

• Recurve or compound bow with no sight
• Any arrow rest (stick-on, magnetic, wire, plunger)
• String walking (crawling the string for distance)
• Face walking (changing anchor point)
• Any arrows (must be marked with your name/initials)
• Finger tab or glove
• Armguard, chest guard
• Stabilizer(s) — no length limit for WA Barebow
• Weights on the bow (for balance)
• Clicker (if attached to riser, not on the sight window)
• Binoculars / spotting scope for scoring

Standard Field Round

• 24 targets per round (usually split into 2 units of 12)
• 3 arrows per target = 72 arrows total per round
• Groups of 3-4 archers per target
• Mix of uphill, downhill, and flat shots
• Terrain varies: woods, open fields, elevation changes
• Typical tournament: 2 rounds over 1-2 days (48 targets, 144 arrows total)

Round Types You'll See

• Marked Round: Distances shown at the shooting peg — 24 targets
• Unmarked Round: No distances shown — you must estimate range
• Mixed Round: 12 marked + 12 unmarked targets
• Major tournaments usually include both marked and unmarked days

Target Face Scoring

• Max per target: 18 points (three 6s)
• Max per round: 432 points (24 targets × 18)
• X-ring (inner 6) counts for tiebreakers
• Arrow must touch or cut the line to score the higher value

Target Face Sizes

• 80 cm face — longest distances
• 60 cm face — medium distances
• 40 cm face — shorter distances
• 20 cm face — closest targets
• 6 targets of each size per 24-target course

At the Shooting Peg

• Both feet must be behind (or on) the shooting peg
• You may straddle the peg but NOT step in front of it
• One foot must be within 3 feet of the peg marker
• Shoot your 3 arrows, then step back for the next archer
• Two archers may shoot from the peg simultaneously (side by side) if space allows

Timing

• No official shot clock in field, but don't hold up the group
• Reasonable time: ~40 seconds per arrow is a good pace
• If a group falls more than 1 target behind, they must let the next group through

Arrow Handling

• Arrows must be nocked only at the shooting peg
• Don't draw your bow unless aimed at the target
• If you drop an arrow within reach, you may re-shoot it
• If an arrow falls off the rest and lands within one bow-length, it counts as not shot
• Arrows shot at the wrong target: score 0 (miss)

Barebow Distance Ranges

• Marked distances: 5m to 55m (from blue pegs)
• Unmarked distances: 5m to 45m (from blue pegs)
• Recurve/Compound shoot from RED pegs (further back)
• Cadet barebow shoots from YELLOW pegs (closer)

Unmarked Distance Tips

• Target face size is your best distance clue
• 80cm face = far (40-55m from blue peg)
• 60cm face = medium (30-45m)
• 40cm face = short-medium (15-30m)
• 20cm face = close (5-15m)
• Uphill targets look further than they are — aim low
• Downhill targets look closer than they are — still aim low (gravity helps)

On Course

• Quiet while others shoot — no talking, phones on silent
• Stand behind and to the side of the shooting archer
• Don't walk ahead to glass the target while others still shoot
• Help look for lost arrows (but don't exceed 3 minutes searching)
• Don't damage the course — stay on paths between targets
• Carry out all trash
• No smoking/vaping on the shooting line

Scoring Etiquette

• Call your scores highest to lowest (e.g., "6, 5, 4")
• Let another archer verify and record
• Sign your scorecard at the end — unsigned cards = DSQ
• Report any equipment failure to a judge immediately

Before the Tournament

• Practice judging distances outdoors — walk courses, use rangefinder to check yourself
• Build a string walk chart (crawl marks for each 5m increment)
• Memorize your crawls — you can't bring notes on the course
• Shoot at all 4 face sizes at various distances
• Practice uphill/downhill — changes your effective distance
• Break in new boots before tournament day

During the Tournament

• Take your time estimating distance — it's the #1 factor in barebow field
• Use landmarks, target face size, and terrain cues to judge distance
• On unmarked targets: decide your distance, commit, don't second-guess
• Aim low on steep angles (up or down) — gravity helps both ways
• First arrow gives you feedback — adjust the next two accordingly
• Stay hydrated and snack between targets — courses can take 3-4 hours
• Wear layers — temperature changes in the woods
• If you're unsure about a rule, ask a judge — they're there to help

Mental Game

• Forget bad shots immediately — next arrow is a fresh start
• Don't compare yourself to others mid-round
• Focus on your process, not the score
• Breathe. Field archery is a long game — stay patient
• The woods are beautiful. Enjoy being out there. 🌲

Gear Bag

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