I have never shot 3D before but would like to do some this year. My question is what kind of distances do most 3D courses cover? I currently am shooting a 3 Pin Impact Trio sight on my Mathews Legacy with pins set at 20, 30 and 40 yards. Would this be sufficient for shooting 3D courses? Should I change my pin settings? Should I consider buying a 5 pin sight? Any advice would be appreciated.

I've shot at two different 3D indoor tourny's. The first was a small bow shop...with the targets popping up from an air compressor. Distance ranged from 7 yards to 22 yards there. They didn't have any foam behind thetargets..just wood. You miss...your arrow's ruined. The other was MUCH better...wide open..all the targets standing up. When it's time to shoot, the chosen target lights up. That place ranged from 15 yards, all the way to 58 yards! It was also about 40 yards wide! Every wall and ceiling tile was foam protected.

well to start if you have never shot 3d. it all depends on if its a club shoot or sanctioned shoot tournament. club shot yardage will very. ASA, IBO, Masoshoots depends on what class you shoot. Novice shoots out to 30 yds. and as you move up in class the yardage gradually gets farther out there.

You will be fine.Go to a local club shoot and sign up in the hunter class and there shouldn't be a shot over 35 yards.

After you get some experience,you may want to change classes and get more pins or even a scope might be something you may enjoy but for now,you are fine.

Many of the 3-D shoots in my area have three stakes. Traditional, green stake, is max of 25 yards with the second, numbered stake is max 35 yards and the last; the IBO is max 50 yards. When starting out move to the stake or closer to where you are comfortable with the shot. You will pick up yardage estimation quickly and have a fun shoot. Too many new shooters feel intimidated shooting at a close stake when the group behind are blasting away at longer distances. Shoot the yardage you are comfortable with and you will have fun and come home with all your gear. It's also good to shoot your first couple of courses with a friend who can give you advice on shot placement.

Thanks for the input. Since I'm only wanting to shoot 3D to improve my bowhunting skills (and have a little fun in the offseasoon) I think I'll stick with my 3 pin bowhunting set-up and limit my range to 40 yards or less.

I myself shoot about 15 3D tournaments each summer at 6 different courses. I also belong to a club. Most of the tournaments I shoot have 3 stakes which you can shoot from. Cubs, Bowhunter, and Elite. If you shoot the Bowhunter stakes (most common) the stakes will range any where from 15-45 yards, average will be around 30. The elite stakes will stretch out as far as 55 yards, average will be around 35-40. If you shoot the bowhunter stakes, you'll be fine. If need be, shoot the Cub stake on targets where your questionable until you get used to the yardage.

I also noticed your from Des Moines. I shoot the Dubuque, IA course a couple times a year. Toward the end of the summer (close to bow season) they really stretch out the targets, so I would either go to their early shoots, or wait until your pretty comfortable with 3D shoots before attending Dubuque's course.