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Field archery involves shooting at targets of varying (and often unmarked) distance, often in woodland and rough terrain.

One goal of field archery is to improve the techniques and abilities required for bowhunting in a more realistic outdoor setting. As with golf, fatigue can be an issue as the athlete walks the distance between targets across sometimes rough terrain. Field Archery is usually shot according to either IFAA (International Field Archery Association) [1] rules or to FITA (Federation International de Tir a L’Arc) rules. (see section on FITA Field). Some national organisations (such as the NFAS in the UK) have their own rules. FITA rounds consist of 24 targets, which may have marked or unmarked distances depending on the specific type of round. FITA Field Archery is very popular in Western Europe whereas 3D is shot mostly in the Americas and Oceania.

Hunter rounds use ‘uneven’ distances up to 70 yards, and although scoring is identical to a field round, the target has an all-black face with a white bullseye. Child and youth positions for these two rounds are closer, no more than 30 and 50 yards, respectively.

Animal rounds use life-size 2D animal targets with ‘uneven’ distances reminiscent of the hunter round. The rules and scoring are also significantly different. The archer begins at the first station of the target and shoots his first arrow. If it hits, he does not have to shoot again. If it misses, he advances to station two and shoots a second arrow, then to station three for a third if needed. Scoring areas are vital (20, 16, or 12) and nonvital (18, 14, or 10) with points awarded depending on which arrow scored first. Again, children and youth shoot from reduced range.

3D archery is a subset of field archery focusing on shooting at life-size models of game, and is popular with hunters. It is most common to see unmarked distances in 3D archery, as the goal is to accurately recreate a hunting environment for competition, albeit a more loosely organized form of competition than other types of field archery.

On these animals there are 4 rings, only 3 of these are used in ASA shoots. The one that isn’t used very often is the 14 ring. This can only be scored if you call it before you shoot, and even then it may not be allowed. Next is the 12 ring inside of the 10 ring, inside of the 8 ring. Anything on the target that is outside of the 8, 10, 12, or 14 rings is a 5. If you miss the target, you score a zero.

Though the goal is hunting practice, hunting tips (broadheads) are not used, as they would tear up the foam targets too much. Normal target or field tips, of the same weight as the intended broadhead, are used instead.

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