Getting ready for the USA Archery Field Nationals 2025 wasn’t just about grabbing your bow and heading to Indiana. Field archery throws hills, ditches and hidden distances at you, and the 2025 event was a bigger test than ever. It was held at the Koteewi Archery Range in Noblesville, Indiana with practice starting on Friday 13 June 2025 and competition continuing through Sunday 15 June 2025. This guide covers everything – from what the event looked like and how to sign up to the drills and mental habits that will help you hit your mark. The focus keyword appears in the title and first paragraph so search engines and readers know exactly what this page is about.
What Made the USA Archery Field Nationals Unique?
Unlike target archery, field archery sends competitors on a course through woods and meadows where targets appear on slopes, across creeks and up hills. The Koteewi Archery Range hosted the 2024 edition and was back for 2025. Archers shot 24 unmarked targets on Saturday – where the distance is unknown – and 24 marked targets on Sunday. Each target was placed at varying heights and angles, and you had to judge both the distance and the terrain. According to USA Archery, field archery “involves archers shooting at unmarked targets on the first day of competition” and returning to marked targets on the second day. This mix of guesswork and precision is why top archers such as Paige Pearce, Fawn Girard and Ryan Davis call it the most technical discipline in archery.
Field courses resemble a golf course more than a flat range. A guide from Archery GB explains that targets may be placed on hillsides, in woods or across slopes, and rounds typically consist of 12 or 24 targets at distances from 5 m to 60 m. Some courses use life-size 3D animal targets while others use paper faces on butts; natural hillsides and banks catch stray arrows. The varied terrain means you’ll need good footwear, a sense of adventure and solid range estimation skills.
When and Where Was the 2025 Field Nationals, and How Did You Register?
The 2025 USA Archery Field Nationals took place Friday 13 June – Sunday 15 June 2025 at the Koteewi Archery Range, 11909 Koteewi Drive, Noblesville, IN. Here’s a quick rundown of important dates and registration tips:
- Early registration ran through 23 May 2025 and cost around $155.
- Late registration ended on 31 May 2025 with a fee of about $200.
- Friday 13 June (afternoon): open practice and equipment inspection with a Field Archery Tutorial at 3 pm.
- Saturday 14 June: unmarked round – 24 targets placed at unknown distances.
- Sunday 15 June: marked round – 24 targets with known distances.
To compete you had to be a current USA Archery member. Registration links were available through the USA Archery website, and participants should have secured lodging early; HotelPlanner was the official accommodation provider. The Society for Archery in Michigan emphasised that the event was a multi-day outdoor event over rugged terrain, so plan your travel to arrive early and give yourself time to walk the course.
Travel and Event-Day Tips
- Arrive early: The Outdoor Competition Guide from Archery 360 recommends arriving early to check in, find your target assignment and set up your gear.
- Bring comfort items: Even though national tournaments provide tents and chairs, it’s smart to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a camp chair and an umbrella. Pack boots and rainwear if rain is forecast.
- Follow the dress code: Avoid open-toed shoes, bare midriffs and camouflage clothing; check USA Archery’s dress rules.
- Contact the organisers: Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by phone.
What Essential Gear Do You Need for Field Archery?
At its core, archery requires a bow, arrows and protective equipment. The Irish Field Archery Federation notes that beginners need a bow, string, arrows, bracer/arm guard, finger tab, quiver, bow stand, bow stringer and a target. Here’s a simple checklist for field nationals:
- Bow and string: Choose a recurve, compound or barebow suited to your division. Ensure the bow is tuned and the string is in good condition.
- Arrows: Bring at least 12 arrows; field conditions can break or lose arrows. Easton carbon shafts are popular for their durability.
- Protection: Use an arm guard to keep clothing out of the string path and protect your arm. Wear a finger tab or release aid.
- Quiver and bow stand: A hip quiver holds your arrows, and a bow stand keeps the bow off the ground during breaks.
- Rangefinder (check rules): Rangefinders are not allowed during unmarked rounds; practise judging distance. For marked rounds a rangefinder can confirm distances during practice sessions.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy boots with good grip. Courses may involve mud and slick slopes.
- Weather gear: Pack rain gear, sunscreen, hat and towel. Bow International recommends towels and shooting sleeves for wet or hot conditions.
- Miscellaneous: Bring Allen wrenches, spare nocks, arrow lube and an arrow puller.
Amazon-Recommended Gear
The following products are available on Amazon and can help you prepare. Prices are approximate and may change. Use the affiliate links (rcblogs-20) to support our site.
| Product | Key features | Approx. price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morrell Field Target | Portable bag target that simulates outdoor terrain; durable for field points | ≈ US $89 | |
| Spot-Hogg Sight | Adjustable sight with micro-adjustable pins; ideal for varied distances | ≈ US $250 | |
| Easton Field Arrows (dozen) | Carbon arrows designed for field shooting; sturdy and accurate | ≈ US $90/dozen | |
| Archery Logbook | Compact notebook to record practice distances, scores and mental notes | ≈ US $15 |
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
How Should You Train for the Field Nationals?
Field archery isn’t only about raw strength; it demands precise form, range estimation and stamina. A Field & Stream practice regimen emphasises purposeful practice over simply shooting hundreds of arrows. Instead of shooting mindlessly, develop a repeatable shooting process – grip, anchor, acquire, focus, breathe and execute. Here are drills tailored for field archery:
1. Build a Strong Foundation Up Close
Begin shooting at close ranges (10–20 yards) to ingrain good habits. As you move back, pin float increases and mistakes become obvious. Practise with three-arrow groups at 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards until your groups are tight. Don’t rush to long distances; the aim is consistency.
2. Random-Distance Drill
Once your form is solid, vary your practice distances. Place six arrows at random distances across your practice area and shoot them one at a time. Use a rangefinder during practice to learn how your pins align at 23, 35 or 47 yards. This drill mimics unmarked targets where you must estimate distance.
3. Uphill and Downhill Shots
Field courses rarely sit on level ground. Practise shooting from elevated positions and below targets. Use a slope or hill to simulate the angle. When shooting uphill or downhill, bend at the waist instead of moving your arm and lower the sight slightly to compensate for line-of-sight versus horizontal distance.
4. Wind Practice
Mother Nature rarely cooperates. Field & Stream suggests practising in the wind to learn how your arrows behave. Focus on your process and trust your pin float even when gusts push your bow. Consider lighter vanes or stabilisers for windy conditions.
5. 3D and Obstacle Targets
Add a 3D foam target or use your Morrell field bag to create realistic scenarios. Set targets at different angles—quartering toward, quartering away and through openings. Work on placing arrows into kill zones instead of simply scoring rings. This trains your brain to visualise an animal or target face when faced with a paper field target.
6. Simulated Course Walks
Create a mock field course at your range. Set up 12 targets at varied distances and angles. Carry your gear as you would on competition day and walk between targets. This builds stamina and forces you to judge distance repeatedly. If possible, practise on uneven terrain to test your footing.
Training Plan Table
| Drill | Goal | How to Practise |
|---|---|---|
| Close-range groups | Develop consistent form | Shoot groups of 3 at 10–50 yd until form feels automatic |
| Random-distance | Improve distance judgment | Place arrows at random distances; range and shoot one at a time |
| Uphill/downhill shots | Adjust for slopes | Practise on hills; bend at waist and adjust sight accordingly |
| Wind sessions | Learn wind compensation | Shoot on windy days; focus on process and trust pin float |
| 3D/obstacle targets | Build shot placement skills | Shoot 3D targets at varying angles and through obstacles |
| Course walk simulation | Build stamina and mental focus | Set up 12 targets over varied terrain; walk between shots |
How Do You Mentally Prepare for the Field Nationals?
A strong mind often separates medalists from mid-pack archers. Archery 360 notes that mental preparation should be practised as diligently as physical shooting. Here are strategies to build your mental game:
Accept and Build Your Mental Program
The first step is acknowledging that your current mental strategy can improve. Being forced into a mental program isn’t effective; you need to own it. Books and online resources can teach techniques like visualisation and positive self-talk. Visualise successful shots in first person (feeling the shot) or third person (watching yourself) and replace negative thoughts with encouraging words.
Practise the Mental Routine During Training
Once you develop a strategy, rehearse it in practice sessions so it feels natural during competition. Try it first when you’re alone, then progress to league nights or small tournaments. This builds confidence and allows you to refine your plan.
Create a Pre-Game Plan
Before competition, write down your mental plan and technical goals. Plan how you will react if shots go well or badly. Keeping an archery journal or logbook helps track what works and what doesn’t. The Archery Logbook recommended above is perfect for this.
Check In With Yourself
During the tournament, periodically ask yourself, “Am I sticking to the plan?” Non-confrontational self-check-ins help you stay on track or adjust your strategy.
Debrief After Each Day
After the unmarked round on Saturday, reflect on your judging accuracy and shot execution. Note weather challenges like rain or mud – conditions that made some archers wear waders in 2025. On Sunday, evaluate how you handled known distances and whether you let marked distances lull you into complacency.
How Does Field Archery Scoring Work?
Understanding scoring boosts your strategy. Field archery courses typically have 12 or 24 targets, and distances range from 5 m to 60 m. At World Archery events (which USA Archery follows), each target has concentric scoring rings. For most divisions, arrows closer to the centre score higher (e.g., 6/5/4/3/2/1). You will shoot three arrows per target in the unmarked and marked rounds. After each target, scores are recorded and arrows retrieved.
Key differences between the two rounds:
- Unmarked round: Distances are unknown. You must estimate by judging target size, terrain angle and field experience. Rangefinders are prohibited. Arrows that hit closer to centre still score higher, so aim small.
- Marked round: Distances are clearly marked at the shooting peg. This allows for more precise sight adjustments, but you still need to judge elevation and footing.
At the end of both rounds, totals are added. The highest total wins. Ties may be broken by a shoot-off at a set distance or by counting the number of highest-scoring arrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Be a USA Archery Member to Compete?
Yes. All competitors must have a current USA Archery membership and follow the organisation’s rules. Check the official event page for membership and equipment requirements.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. The course may be muddy or uneven, so boots with good traction are important. USA Archery’s dress code prohibits open-toed shoes and camouflage clothing.
Can I Use a Rangefinder During the Unmarked Round?
No. Rangefinders are not permitted for judging distance in unmarked rounds. You’ll need to rely on your judgment and experience. Practise estimating distances during training.
How Early Should I Arrive on Competition Day?
Arrive at least an hour before your scheduled start. This gives you time to find your target assignment, set up your equipment and warm up.
What If It Rains?
The event is held rain or shine. Bring rain gear, waterproof boots and towels. In 2025, heavy rain turned parts of the course into mud, and archers had to use makeshift waders.
Is There a Tutorial for Beginners?
Yes. A Field Archery Tutorial is held on the Friday afternoon of the event at around 3 pm. It’s recommended for newcomers or those transitioning from target archery.
Can Spectators Attend?
Spectators are welcome but must stay behind designated safety lines. Check the event schedule and local rules for details.
