Are You New to the IBO?
Who/What is the IBO?
The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) was created in 1984 by a dedicated group of bowhunters who shared the desire to ensure that bowhunting and the ideals of wildlife conservation will survive, expand and flourish to be shared, enjoyed and passed on to future generations. Learn more about IBO.
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What Should You Know Before You Come to a Tournament?
Participants are divided into classes by age, gender and/or equipment used for competition. Each class is assigned a specific color shooting stake which also determines the approximate maximum yardage you will shoot in competition. Note: All maximum distances are approximate. Here are a few things that you should know about our competitions:
- An IBO membership is required to participate in a state championship, Indoor World, Winter or Spring National, National Triple Crown or World Championship event. A guest pass can be used for one national level event per year with the exception being the IBO World Championships.
- You do not have to qualify to attend a local, state or national level IBO tournament. Qualification and preregistration are, however, required for the IBO World Championships.
- Preregistration is not required for IBO events other than the World Championships.
- Amateurs attending national level outdoor tournaments will have three days to complete 40 targets. Competition starts on Friday, continues through Saturday then concludes on Sunday with a requirement that all scorecards are turned in by 1:00PM Sunday afternoon.
- You may shoot with a friend but groups of friends will be ābustedā and put into different groups to preserve the integrity of the competition.
- All competition ranges consist of lifelike 3D animal targets, positioned along a trail course and set at unknown distances. The very definition of 3D archery requires the animal targets to be set at unknown distances to utilize the skill of distance estimation during competition.
- Known distance practice targets are provided at no cost to check your equipment before competition.
- We provide a 3D practice range known as the Bowhunter Defense range at all outdoor National and World Championship events. The nominal fee that is charged for this practice range goes directly to the IBO Bowhunter Defense fund and is used to fight anti-hunting efforts throughout the United States.
We welcome you to the IBO and hope that you find the competition among friends a very memorable and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your support!