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

004 BARR R Ammo 01
004 BARR R Ammo 01

Range Review: Bond Arms Rustic Ranger

This double-barrel pistol from Bond Arms provides a touch of class along with rugged reliability. Read on for B. Gil Horman's thorough review.

First Look: Browning Trail Cameras' Cellular Security Box

Browning Trail Cameras has expanded its 2026 product lineup with the introduction of the Cellular Trail Camera Security Box, a purpose-built solution engineered to safeguard cameras in demanding outdoor environments.

Hunting Boot 101

Your firearm, your camo pattern, your shotshell or rifle cartridge, chosen optics, clothing material; all can seem insignificant if your boots aren’t doing their job. Read on for a thorough discussion of what you should look for in a hunting boot, depending on your hunting scenario, by veteran game stalker Phil Massaro.

New for 2026: Chiappa 92 Core Wildlands Series

The Chiappa 92 Core in the company's Wildlands series is built around one priority: a lever-action that stays simple, fast and ready without sacrificing reliability.

8 Ways to Fail at Turkey Hunting

If you’re clamoring for a Tom with a rope-like beard and limb-hanging spurs, you’ll want to avoid these success-stealing perils this season.

Savage Model 110 New Chamberings for 2026

Earlier this year, Savage Arms expanded its iconic Model 110 lineup to introduce six new cartridges.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.