A tournament day is longer than a club night, and the shooting ground may be a long way from your car. This is a checklist to work through the night before.
For every shoot
- Your bow, strung and checked, with a spare string if you have one.
- Enough arrows for the round plus two or three spares, all marked with your name or initials.
- Finger tab or release aid, arm guard, chest guard if you use one, and a quiver.
- Your membership card, proof of entry and any age or classification evidence the organiser asked for.
- A pen or pencil for scoring, and something to lean on if you keep your own record.
- Sight marks for the distances you will shoot, written down.
- Basic tools: an Allen key set, a spare nock or two, a spare rest and any tape or glue you use.
- Binoculars or a scope for the longer outdoor distances.
- Water, and more food than you think you need. Many venues have catering, but not all.
- Any medication you need during the day.
- A phone with the organiser's number and the event page saved, in case of a hold up.
Outdoor target shoots
- Clothing for every weather the forecast mentions, in layers. A waterproof that you can shoot in, a hat and sun cream.
- A chair or stool and a small groundsheet for your kit.
- A bow stand, since the grass is rarely dry.
- A towel for wet arrows and a cloth for your bow.
- Wellingtons or waterproof boots if the ground is soft, and flat shoes for shooting.
Indoor shoots
- Indoor shoes: many sports halls do not allow outdoor footwear on the floor.
- A warm layer for the waiting area. Halls can be cold between details.
- A smaller kit bag. Space behind the line is often tight.
- Check the face and scoring in the event details: a triple spot face and a full face are scored the same, but you need to say which you want when you enter.
Field and 3D shoots
- Boots with grip. Courses run through woods and over uneven ground.
- Long trousers and long sleeves for brambles and insects, and insect repellent in summer.
- A quiver that holds your arrows securely while you walk, and a small bag or rucksack for the day.
- Food and water for the whole course. You may be out for several hours with no way back to the car.
- An arrow puller and a lubricant for foam targets, and a spare handful of arrows: losses happen.
- For NFAS and unmarked shoots, do not bring a rangefinder or marked sight tape unless the rules of your class allow them.
Leave at home
Anything you would not want to lose in a field, and anything the shoot's rules do not allow for your bowstyle.
Always confirm final details with the organiser before travelling. Event information can change after the diary last checked it.
Ready to enter? Search the diary for upcoming tournaments near you.