Hi Everyone,
my name is Terry, I live in Pa and this will be the first year for me with the IBO. I've been bow hunting for the past 7 years and I'm looking for something to do in the off season that will better my skills. Since I am new I don't know much about the IBO. With that in mind you can bet I have a couple questions. If anyone could take the time just as much to answer one I would greatly appreciate it.

1.) Is there an entree fee for each event?
2.) How do you determine what class your in?
3.) If the event is over a weekend do you shoot each day or only one?
4.) What goes on at typical Qualifing Event? (How is the day run)
5.) How many targets will you engage on the course?

I know these are probably questions that will answer themselves just by attending an event. I just want to have a rough idea so I know prior to going so I can prepare myself. Thanks in advance.

Please feel free to e-mail with any advice or offer any advice on something I haven't asked.

Hi Terry,
Shooting IBO off season will definitely better your skills. Our tournaments are set as close to hunting situations as any archery tournament you will find. Bowhunter and their clubs are who founded and started the IBO. So you are in the right company! Welcome!
Ok, on to your questions:
1. For either local or National levels, there are entry fees and those depend on what class you are shooting in.
2. Your class is determined by your equipment. Go to our www.ibo.net site all our rules and classes are there under "Rules".
3. At the National level shoots the shoots are three days long and again depending on your class is how it is determined the number of days you shoot. Since you a new I would assume you would be in a amatuer class so you could shoot all 40 targets in one day or split up your 40 into two days.
4. At an IBO World Qualifier, we let the host club decide if it would be a one or two day event and also the cost to shoot. The top 20 scores in each class qualify to go to the IBO World Championship.
5. At the National level you will always shoot 40 targets. At a World Qualifier the host club has the choice of either having 30 or 40 targets.

Hope this helps. As an IBO member you will receive the 2005 IBO Yearbook which has ads about all IBO National Level events as well as lists of World Qualifiers.
Please feel free to contact us here or [email protected] or 440-967-2137 with any and all questions and concerns.
Judy
IBO

Hi Line,

You are starting off with real good luck because your questions are being answered by the woman that will try to get an answer to what ever your questions will be.
Good luck and Welcome.

Welccome aboard Terry.

When you start preparing for IBO competition there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

#1 - shooting distances. It's not all about shooting long distance but you will be asked to shoot some long challenging targets. It's not all about shooting short distance, but you will be asked to shoot some close challenging targets. What it is about is.... knowing your equipment and developing a confidence to execute a good shot at any distance applicable to your competitive class. If you are not already familiar with the various targets, learn them. Sometimes all of the fancy toys we use fail us and you are left with basic target anatomy to select the proper shot placement.

#2 - Terain. Just as bowhunting is a physical activity, our tournaments are ment to have a physical element to the competition. Walking some distance, up and down hills, with all of the potential weather factors, can often factor into the performance of all competitors. As a bowhunter, you know that you can't always have perfect footing or weather / light conditions when that trophy walks out. Our competitions will help you prepare for that moment.

#3 - Mental Attitude. Always start these tournaments prepared to respond to the tournament challenges as they present themselves. If you have questions, or need help, just ask. Someone standing nearby will either be able (and willing) to help, or be able to point you in the right direction.

The best way that I know of to prepare for the major tournaments, is to attend as many different local tournaments as you are able. Each club has its unique approach to range set-up. Seeing as many shot scenerios as possible will have you prepared for the challenges at the National and World level events.

Above all else have fun. Learn from those in front of you and stop to lend a hand to those following behind. Take the time to introduce yourself to the IBO staff while you are at the various shoots. The ladies from the office are a great scource of information, and always a pleasure to deal with.

Good luck in the upcoming year,
Chris Turner

One thing you probably know is that these shoots are all unknown distances so if you are used to climbing into a tree and ranging objects in your shooting lanes you should get some practice at judging yardage. The best shooters in the world won't win if they have no clue how far the target is but a so-so shooter can score well if he is an excellent yardage judger. What part of Pa. are you from ?

I'm average to judge distance up to about 45yds after that I'm so-so. I've read the criteria for the different classes and after reading them (if I read them right) I could shoot in either (HC) (MBR) or (MBO) now I see the biggest difference I see is the distance. I don't want to underestimate my own ability and enter the Hunter Class on the same note I don't want to underestimate the courses. If I enter the Hunter Class must I stay at that I remainin at that class until the next year?

I live in Berks County.

During the shoot season (after the World Championship) if you shoot in an amateur class you can change classes up until you send your World invitation in to register to shoot the IBO World.
So yes you can go to a World Qualifier and shoot HC and then go to another and try MBO or any other amateur class. Once you shoot Pro, you can't move down until the next shooting year. Semi Pro can move to Pro but not back to amateur.

Judy

Line, you've got some good information posted here. If you can remember what you've been told, you'll have a good grip of the basics of shoot 3D. Just relax, don't worry about mess up, and have a good time.

Not to mention all the GREAT PEOPLE you get to shoot and hang out with!!!
My favorite part of the IBO is the People!
I tell everyone I have a thousand friends!

Judy

First I want to thank everyone who has responded.

How many World Qualifiers an you attend? What is the overall objective to Qualifying?