Total Archery Challenge Preparation Guide
- 8 min reading time
What It Is, How to Prepare, and What You Need
At a Glance: The Total Archery Challenge is a mountain 3D archery event where archers hike natural terrain and shoot lifelike targets at changing distances and angles. Preparation focuses on practicing longer shots, building hiking comfort, and choosing the right gear. This guide explains what TAC is, how to prepare, and what to bring so you can enjoy the event.
What Is the Total Archery Challenge and What to Expect
TAC in plain terms
The Total Archery Challenge is a large outdoor archery experience hosted at mountain venues across the United States. Each TAC event features multiple shooting courses laid out across natural terrain. Archers register by selecting a day, a start time, or a time window called Nock Time, and a course.
This is not standard target archery on flat ground. You hike between stations. You shoot steep angles and elevation-style shots. You deal with natural terrain and uneven footing, trees, rocks, and natural obstacles. Each target presents a different look, which is part of the challenge and part of the fun.
The event welcomes compound shooters, trad shooters, and target archers. Many people attend with the whole family. Some archers shoot for personal goals. Others come for the atmosphere, the friendly environment, the gear discussions, and the overall archery experience.
Courses, distances, and terrain variability
Every TAC stop includes multiple courses, but the exact lineup depends on the venue and the year. Most events include a Prime course along with several sponsor-named courses. These often include names like MKC, Jack Links, RMEF, Dialed, Nock On, or Lancaster, depending on the location.
Course structure can vary:
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Target counts may differ by course and venue
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Some courses list 15, 20, or 25 targets
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Venue-to-venue terrain changes can shift how shots look and feel
Distances also vary by course and location. Prime-style courses are typically longer in range. Warm-up areas, kids' courses, and novelty shots can be much shorter. There is no single distance standard across all TAC events.
Groups are limited to six shooters. This matters when planning with friends or family and when pacing your day on the mountain.
How to Prepare for a Total Archery Challenge Event
A simple four-week shooting plan
Preparation works best when it is structured but realistic.
Week one
Focus on form and consistency.
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Shoot at a comfortable range.
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Confirm anchor point and release control.
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Group arrows before worrying about distance.
Week two
Introduce distance.
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Gradually move back in yards.
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Practice at realistic distances for TAC-style shooting.
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Track arrow impact instead of chasing scores.
Week three
Add rugged terrain and angles.
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Practice steep angles and elevation-style shots.
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Shoot from natural terrain and uneven footing when possible.
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Focus on repeating the same shot process.
Week four
Simulate event conditions.
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Take one arrow per target.
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Practice after light hiking or stairs.
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Build confidence in first-shot execution.
This approach prepares you for distance without rushing progress.
Training for angles and uneven footing
Steep angles and elevation-style shots look different than flat range shots. Targets can appear closer or farther than they are. Slopes can change balance.
Focus on fundamentals:
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Keep your bow level on side slopes.
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Control your upper body on steep shots.
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Let distance guide your aim, not how the target looks.
Practicing angles removes hesitation and builds trust in your shot process.
Hiking fitness that supports better shooting
TAC is an archery challenge, but hiking plays a major role. Long walks between targets affect focus and stability.
Helpful preparation includes:
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Incline walking or stair climbing two to three times per week
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Short hikes with light gear
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Balance work like step-ups or single-leg stands
Better conditioning helps you stay steady at full draw late in the day.
What You Need for the TAC Event
Bow and arrow preparation checklist
Small problems feel bigger on rugged terrain. A short checklist helps avoid them.
Before the event:
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Confirm sight settings across your shooting distances
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Check all bow hardware
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Inspect your D loop and nocking point
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Test your release under light fatigue
Bring basic support items:
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Allen keys
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Extra nocks
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Arrow puller
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Small repair supplies
Prepared gear keeps your focus on the target.
Practice targets and arrow setup
Practice should reflect the event.
Helpful equipment includes:
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A field point rated 3D target or bag target
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Field points that hold up to repeated shots
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Enough arrows to cover misses or damage
Field points are standard for TAC shooting. Broadheads are not used on the course. Practice with the same arrow setup you plan to shoot at the event.
Comfort gear for long days on the mountain
Comfort supports consistency. Discomfort causes rushed shots.
Plan for:
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Supportive footwear for uneven terrain
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Layered clothing for changing conditions
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Water and snacks that are easy to carry
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Sun and insect protection
If your feet hurt or you are dehydrated, accuracy drops fast.
TAC Day Of Tips
Arriving prepared helps the day flow better.
Helpful reminders:
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Arrive early for check-in
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Use the warm-up range to confirm distance settings
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Stay aware of your Nock Time™
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Keep your group moving without rushing
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Reset mentally after a missed arrow
Every target is different. Treat each one as its own shot.
Get Ready with Adventures Archery
Preparing for the Total Archery Challenge comes down to three things. Practice for realistic distances. Build comfort hiking rugged terrain. Bring gear that supports steady shooting all day.
If you want guided instruction before your TAC event, Adventures Archery offers beginner and intermediate archery classes that include rental equipment. These classes help new and experienced archers build confidence with bow handling, arrow control, and 3D target shooting fundamentals. They also work well for families preparing together.
Available options include:
Adventures Archery carries everything you need to get mountain-ready, including:
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Arrows and field points