Does practicing with a 3D target make you a better shot?

[MDGrand]

I have always bought block targets and the like just because when I take them to hunting camp, I can easily put them in the truck and practice whenever.. and durring the offseason.

But, a buddy of mine tried to tell me that you get to be a much better shot with a 3D target. I do not know whether to disagree with this or not but I figured I would throw it out to the die hards on the board here...

Has practicing with a 3D target made you a better shot?

If so.... what kind of 3D target do you like and what would you stay away from?

Thanks!

[Button Nubbs]

aiming at a dot on a block target is way different than aiming at an animal with no dot. i would say yes, it makes you more aware of shot placement in my mind. as for my favorite target? any of them at the local 3d shoot except gators and turkeys!

[carpsniperg2]

Yes for sure. It really helps a person learn the vital areas on the game they are hunting and also helps with shot angels and yardage judging.

[BOWHUNTER45]

most definately ... like carp said , its good for learning how to judge yardage and it gives you more of an hunting experience while shooting ... Alot  of guys can shoot bullseyes all day long but when the real deal steps out its a whole different ball game ....

[Special T]

Got to any clubs 3d shoot and you find out how different it is. If you are a good shot on flat ground at known yardage, the 3d shooting will take you to the next level. Shot p[lacement and yardage estimation... Especially on up/downhill shots!

[h20hunter]

I think one of the greatest advantes of shooting at many of the club 3d shoots is the chance to shift your feet. Why shift them? Because then you may have to make those small adjustments that make all the difference in the field. You may have to lean a little left, a little right, maybe down on a knee, you know. Have you really had that many chances to take a shot on an animal standing up with plenty of room to keep good form? Not me. Heck, just being close to a tree and simulate a real world shot op on a deer like you would have from a tree stand. There are tons more examples, most already mentioned, so yes, shooting 3d and not an orange dot has made me a better shooter. The block is great for deer camp. Shoot a few, check your zeros, place some dollar bet wagers, that sort of thing.

[windygorge]

thats an easy yes.  of course it helps.  it puts you in an environment that is similar to hunting.   judging yardage is bowhuntings most difficult obstacle to tackle.  most target shooters who can shoot dots at marked yardage, refuse to do 3d because they can't do it.  they expect the perfect scores and can't get them, so its a pride thing.  hunters like us, enjoy the challenge and the ability to judge yardage.  i believe you should never take a range finder to a 3d shoot, and practice judging yardage.  but take it hunting to make sure your judging is correct.  you can't always get the rangefinder out when an animal is coming, so practice is important.  use the rangefinder just as a backup, and if you have time to mark a few spots, then do so.  but not to practice with.

[MDGrand]

Thanks guys.

I picked up a delta brown near target for my MT bear hunt in Sept. I will also investigate some 3D areas to go practice.

Appreciate it.

[MDGrand]

Couldn't wait to break it in =)

[carpsniperg2]

I have the same Target and about 5 others lol. Good targets for the money

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Now go to a patch of woods, walk in about 35-40 and set it down, walk back out and see if you still group like that.

[jackelope]

Thanks guys.

I picked up a delta brown near target for my MT bear hunt in Sept. I will also investigate some 3D areas to go practice.

Appreciate it.

Kenmore has a nice walk through range through the woods with realistic hunting type situations. Targets are bags, not 3D targets but it's good practice and is a lot more realistic than shooting in your back yard. I think it's $10 and there's 30 targets maybe? They also have a once  year 3d shoot that is probably coming up pretty soon.

[boneaddict]

I think practicing makes you a better shot.   I doubt it makes a difference if its a stump, pinecone, 3d or block.  It does  help take the boredom out of a practice session.

[MLBowhunting]

I like shooting at the 3ds better just because you can angle them and see where your arrow would go and so on so fourth

[h20hunter]

By the way, may want to change up your backstop. You wank one your gonna have one perforated fence.

[D-Rock425]

I think 3-D shoots are great practice for hunting.   If you just want to work on your form the best shooting I found for that is shooting spots inside like blue face.

[Old Dog]

I attribute the practice on 3D targets for my first harvest.  After shooting at deer targets all summer long, when the real Mcoy showed up it was no big thing. Perfect double lunger.  That was over 20 years ago, and IMHO nothing has changed  

[boneaddict]

That was over 20 years ago, and IMHO nothing has changed   

I completely disagree.    The targets have gotten cooler!

[sebek556]

used to due to virtual shoot with my dad when I wa like 14-15 and it was great, after shot it would pause show you where you hit on the deer if you hit any vitals, and the best part it was like a real hunting for most of it you were standing on a tree stand(only a foot of the ground) but made for really good training.

[Old Dog]

That was over 20 years ago, and IMHO nothing has changed   

I completely disagree.    The targets have gotten cooler!

I'll re phrase that then.  nothing has changed except the targets have gotten cooler.

[Instinct]

Couldn't wait to break it in =)

Ship it my way, ill help ya break it in