The Total Archery Challenge with Joel Burham
The Total Archery Challenge (TAC) isn’t just another 3D shoot, it’s an experience that lights a fire under thousands of archers every year. I caught the TAC bug back in 2017, and since then, I’ve been chasing these events coast to coast. If you want to test your shooting and decision-making like never before, TAC is where it’s at.
Picture this: long hikes through beautiful country, tricky angles, tight shooting lanes, and shots that push you far beyond what you’d ever try in a typical 3D event. There’s even a 127-yard shot on a bull moose target, yeah, you read that right. That’s “just another shot on the course” at TAC.
The event usually features 4 to 6 courses with 25 targets each, covering anywhere from 3 to over 6 miles of hiking. It’s challenging, but they’ve got water stations and snacks scattered along the way to keep you going, and the courses are set up so even young archers can enjoy them.
When it comes to prepping for TAC, it’s all about stretching your limits. At home, you want to practice out to 80, 90, even 100+ yards so those mid-range shots feel easy when you get to the event. The phrase “foam is home” is common among TAC regulars, it means if you can consistently hit the target, you’re winning.
One of the things that makes TAC unique? No official winners, no posted scores. It’s all about bragging rights among your buddies and maybe settling who’s buying dinner after the shoot. The pressure of traditional competition isn’t there, just shoot your best and have a blast.
Now, let’s talk misses. Advanced shooters usually walk away with zero or one miss, while moderate shooters might miss two or three. Novices should bring plenty of arrows, half a dozen or more isn’t a bad idea. And remember, arrows that miss often still need to be checked carefully. You never know when you might have hit a rock or tree root that could damage your gear.
That’s why I roll with the Swhacker LRP component and field point system. It’s crazy precise and built tough, perfect for TAC’s long shots and rough terrain. It’s also my go-to hunting setup, so practicing with it all summer is a win-win.
Standard arrow setups see about 70% of misses broken at TAC. But at my last three-day event in South Dakota, running the LRP system, I didn’t break a single arrow. I did lose one when it clipped a tree and disappeared into who-knows-where, hey, it happens!
Bottom line? TAC creates some of the most fun, memorable moments you can have with a bow, sometimes even rivaling a great hunt. If you want to shoot well, come prepared, practice those longer distances, and trust your tuned, durable gear. But if you’re just in it for the fun and don’t mind a few busted arrows, grab what you’ve got and get after it.
With great courses, an open practice range, novelty shots, and a vendor village packed with the latest gear, TAC truly is the ultimate bowhunter’s playground.