NASP 3D Archery

Youth Archery in Alabama: Exploring the NASP 3D Challenge

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is enhancing the archery experience for young outdoorsmen by promoting 3D target shooting. As part of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ initiative, this program offers a realistic and challenging alternative to traditional bullseye shooting.

What is 3D Archery?

Unlike standard target practice, 3D archery involves shooting at life-sized, three-dimensional foam targets that mimic real wildlife. These courses are designed to be immersive, often set up in indoor arenas or along outdoor trails that resemble a natural hiking environment.

The NASP 3D Program for Alabama Schools

The NASP 3D Program is a fast-growing competitive tier for schools already participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program. It introduces students to realistic shooting scenarios with six specific animal targets:

• Wild Turkey
• Coyote
• Black Bear
• Pronghorn Antelope
• White-tailed Deer
• Mountain Sheep

Competition Rules and Scoring

The NASP 3D Challenge maintains consistency for experienced archers while adding a layer of difficulty regarding distance and perspective:

• Diagonal Range Setup: Targets are placed on a diagonal line rather than at a fixed distance. While the Turkey is set at 10 meters and the Sheep at 15 meters, the other four animals are placed at varying distances in between.
• Practice Rounds: Each session begins with five practice arrows to allow archers to adjust to the 3D perspective.
• Scoring Consistency: To make the transition easier, the 9 and 10 scoring rings on the 3D foam targets are the same size as those on standard NASP bullseye targets.

3D Archery in Alabama

NASP conducts a National 3D Challenge each year in conjunction with the National Bullseye tournament. Thousands of young archers participate in the annual National event. Alabama held its first State 3D Championship in 2018. Approximately 100 archers competed in that event. Interest and participation in 3D archery continues to grow in Alabama. Over 600 archers compete in the combined State NASP 3D tournaments annually. As more students give it a try, the popularity of 3D archery will only increase.

A few schools across the state hold NASP 3D tournaments every year. Local 3D tournaments provide additional shooting opportunities for NASP students. Contact your Regional Coordinator for more information about NASP 3D archery.

Details and registration information regarding NASP 3D Tournaments can be found at NASPTournaments.org

State Qualifiers:

Ensure your opportunity to compete at the 2025 National NASP®/IBO 3D Challenge in Louisville, KY by competing at either the North or South Alabama 3D State Championship events.

• The North event will be held on March 19-20, 2026, in Cullman, AL.  The host will be Cullman Parks & Rec, Contact: Micah Means, mmeans@cprst.org; 256-734-9157
• The South event will be held on March 12-14, 2026, in Irvington, AL.  The host will be Alma Bryant High School, Contact: Faye Hussong 251-510-5726 handearchery@gmail.com

Scores from both 3D Tournaments will be combined and ranked to determine the final Alabama State 3D standings.

Details and Registration for both tournaments at www.nasptournaments.org 

State Rankings:

2025

Archery Organizations:

• Bowhunters of Alabama has an active 3D tournament program. They are always open to NASP students attending a weekend tournament. They are the same great people who host our 3D tournament at the Alabama State Championship each year. Visit their website for more information.
• Archery Shooting Association runs 3D archery tournaments throughout the state and often has shooting opportunities available for NASP students. Visit their website for more information.
• Scholastic 3D Archery (S3DA) The goal of the S3DA program is to provide archery and bowhunting opportunities for young people in after-school settings as well as with archery-affiliated clubs and businesses in the community. S3DA also partners with USA Collegiate Archery to allow a natural progression for students to the next level. Visit their website for more information.

Alabama’s Community Archery Parks 

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Archery Trade Association, and local communities, has developed community archery parks throughout the state. These parks feature a variety of shooting distances and targets. Click here for more information about Alabama’s Community Archery Parks.