NEW IN 2024, Mountain Archery Fest (M.A.F.) will feature the Mountain Madness Bowhunter Competition, which will be hosted on Saturdays for each event.
Introducing the “LOOSE BETTER” Target/Scoring System: an innovative hybrid system drawing inspiration from major platforms such as ASA/IBO, Universal Scoring (as presently employed by M.A.F.), Deerman’s THE 3-D, and the Western Classic hosted by Straight Arrow Bow Hunters in Redding, CA.
LOOSE (intransitive verb): to let fly a missile (such as an arrow): FIRE
BETTER (intransitive verb): to become better
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The comprehensive design of this hybrid system aims to provide a holistic and inclusive approach to archery scoring. Notably, it places special emphasis on incorporating crucial aspects of both broadside and off-angle shot placements. This strategic integration ensures that the system caters to a diverse range of shooting scenarios, acknowledging the dynamic challenges encountered in real-world archery settings and testing each Archer’s ability based on the shot-specific angle of approach. It is our mission to help Bowhunters better test their level of accuracy and effectiveness in the field, allowing them to understand their true capabilities and feel more comfortable knowing they are taking an ethical shot.
Unlike other scoring systems that may focus on a 2D view of “vitals,” promote gamesmanship with outlier bonus points, encourage simplified marksmanship, offer redemption for shots that are “close enough,” or efficiently handle large numbers of participants, the “LOOSE BETTER” Target/Scoring System aims to push Archers to view each shot as a true test of their capabilities with a singular focus on optimal arrow placement. The blend of accurately sized scoring areas, point spread, and negatively scored body shots promotes a Bowhunter’s approach to each target with an “ethical behavior” at the forefront of their decision-making process. It emphasizes a “center mass” approach to offset string jumping, providing participants with a metric to measure their Bowhunting skills consistently and deliver a clean shot to dispatch an animal optimally.
M.A.F. MOUNTAIN MADNESS BOWHUNTER’S COMP. | GENERAL FORMAT:
- The M.A.F. Mountain Madness Bowhunter’s Comp. will take place on the 20-target BOWTECH Western Course.
- Scores will be based on the new “LOOSE BETTER” TARGET/SCORING SYSTEM.
- All participant scores to be submitted utilizing the Paperless Scorecard System.
- Each group of participants (max. 6 per group) to be dual scored utilizing two separate mobile devices. Both to be submitted upon completion of the course.
- All fields to be completed (filled out) prior to submittal. *Participant scores submitted without full name (first & last), division, and/or acknowledgment to be disqualified.
- Comp scores will be posted to the Comp. Course Leaderboard once paperless scorecards are submitted. *Refresh the leaderboard page as necessary to check for updates as additional scores are posted.
- A final Shoot-Off will take place immediately following the posting of all scores for the full Comp Course roster.
- The Shoot-Off will include the participants that post the top five (5) scores for each of the five (5) separate divisions.
- The Shoot-Off will consist of each participant making three (3) shots on target.
- All three arrows (as shot by each individual participant) will be scored and added to the participant’s 20-target Comp. Course score. The new combined total will be used to determine the final ranking of the top five (5) placeholders for each of the five (5) separate division.
GENERAL M.A.F. RULES:
- Have fun! This is a supportive environment full of great staff and like-minded archers. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability, is here because they love the outdoors, archery, and have a great wilderness attitude.
- Be helpful and kind.
- PACK OUT ALL TRASH, INCLUDING BROKEN ARROWS and adhere to the Leave No Trace Principals while on the course
- All paid participants are allowed on all courses, including Mountain Madness courses except during competition times.
- Absolutely NO BROADHEADS. If a shooter is caught using broadheads, he/she will be removed from the course immediately without a refund.
- Dogs are allowed onsite, but must be kept on a leash at all times. No dogs are allowed on lifts or courses at any time.
- Each location has varying rules regarding pets in lodging. Please contact each location to confirm prior to arriving.
- Please enjoy alcohol responsibly. Over-intoxication can result in removal from the event without refund.
- No alcohol is allowed on courses.
- If you have any physical limitations, please let us know at the registration table.
- We are on both private grounds and public land so please respect the property.
- Use designated restroom facilities & trash cans.
- At no time are you allowed to leave the designated course boundaries.
- Please leave bow cases in the car or hotel room.
- No unauthorized vending/selling of items or products onsite.
- DO NOT VANDALIZE TARGETS (We do not want your autograph on targets, signs, or other property)
- PLEASE NOTE: Mountain Archery Fest reserves the right to remove any individual from the course and revoke their pass without refund if they do not comply with course rules.
COMP. COURSE | SHOOTING/SCORING RULES:
- NO BROADHEADS
- NO MAXIMUM BOW/ARROW SPEED LIMIT(S)
- Range finders and binoculars are allowed on all courses.
- Each archer to be allowed two minutes (maximum) to complete their shot on target.
- Participants will be split into shooting groups according to start time to create groups of SIX (6) ARCHERS MAX.
- Each group will have two scorers who will record the scores of all other participants in the group – DOUBLE CHECK FOR CORRECT SCORING
- If score cards don’t match, the lower score will be recorded.
- All paperless scorecards must be completed with competitor’s initials to AFFIRM scores are true and accurate.
- All paperless scorecards must be completed with both Scorer’s email addresses and initials to AFFIRM scores are accurate.
- Scores will not be recorded for paperless scorecards that are submitted without names (first and last) and divisions filled out accurately.
- Archers must touch the pin, or straddle designated shooting pin.
- Arrow shaft must be touching a portion of the higher scoring line to be scored for the higher value.
- Irate behavior and profanity amongst participants will be cause for dismissal from the competition.
- Umbrellas are not to be used (to block sunlight and/or wind) by or for anyone preparing to make a shot.
- Listening devices (smartphone speakers, ear buds, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, etc.) are not permitted on the course.
- Manipulating the existing terrain (within the shooting lane) will not be permitted on the course.
- Please adhere to the Leave No Trace Principals while on the course.
*ALL SCORES TO BE SUBMITTED AS PAPERLESS SCORECARDS UTILIZING THE PISHKUN A.C. APP.
COMP. COURSE | DIVISIONS & CLASSES:
All competitors will participate in a single “Bowhunter” category/class under five (5) separate divisions (identified below). Compound bows must be a hunting set up. If you don’t use the bow to hunt, chances are it’s not a hunting set up. Archers will choose their division according to their age, gender, and bow type, whether compound or traditional. The “Bowhunter Class” divisions for the Comp. Course are as follows:
MEN’S & WOMEN’S BOWHUNTER (17+) *Competing as two separate divisions:
- COMPOUND BOWS ONLY. Must be a hunting setup. Target Bows are not allowed.
- Max. 15” Stabilizer – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- Max. 12” Back Bar (a.k.a. – Side Bar and/or Offset Bar) – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- Fixed Pins or Movable Sights Only (includes moveable/adjustable single-pin, fixed multi-pin, and moveable/adjustable multi-pin)
- No Bow-Mounted Electronics (Lighted Pins, Auto-Ranging Bow Sights, etc.)
- No Magnifiers (Clarifiers and/or Verifiers are allowed)
- No Lighted Nocks
- HUNTING ARROWS ONLY – Manufacturer produced arrow shaft with outside diameter no larger than 11/32″ (8.73mm).
- ALL adult competitors must use a (minimum 3-arrow) bow-mounted quiver. Additional arrows may be carried on the course but must be transported by the competitor.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL *Competing as one unified division:
- TRAD BOWS ONLY (Barebow – Recurve or Long Bow without wheels or cams). Olympic Recurve Bows are not allowed.
- A single Max. 12″ Stabilizer – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- NO PINS / NO SIGHTS
- NO OVERDRAWS / NO DRAW CHECKS
- Must have one finger touching the arrow nock with consistent anchor point
- NO MARKS within the sight window (arrow rest is all that is allowed within the sight window)
- NO MARKS on string or bow for aiming and/or judging distance
- NO PLUNGER ALLOWED – Shoot off of the shelf or elevated rest
- NO RELEASE AID (only finger protection)
- ALLOWED – Sting silencers and dampeners
- ALL arrows must be identical size, weight, and construction
- HUNTING ARROWS ONLY – Manufacturer produced arrow shaft with outside diameter no larger than 11/32″ (8.73mm).
- ALL adult competitors must use a (minimum 3-arrow) bow-mounted quiver. Additional arrows may be carried on the course but must be transported by the competitor.
YOUTH (13-16 yrs) *Competing as one unified division:
- COMPOUND BOWS ONLY. Must be a hunting setup. Target Bows are not allowed.
- Max. 15” stabilizer – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- Max. 12” Back Bar (a.k.a. – Side Bar and/or Offset Bar) – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- Fixed Pins or Movable Sights Only (includes moveable/adjustable single-pin, fixed multi-pin, and moveable/adjustable multi-pin)
- No Bow-Mounted Electronics (Lighted Pins, Auto-Ranging Bow Sights, etc.)
- No Magnifiers (Clarifiers and/or Verifiers are allowed)
- No Lighted Nocks
- HUNTING ARROWS ONLY – Manufacturer produced arrow shaft with outside diameter no larger than 11/32″ (8.73mm).
- ALL youth competitors must use a (minimum 3-arrow) bow-mounted quiver. Additional arrows may be carried on the course but must be transported by the competitor.
CUBS (12 & Under) *Competing as one unified division:
- Max. 12” Stabilizer – Bar length does not include weights and/or mount.
- No Scopes
DIVISION NOTES:
- Max. Stabilizer Length: Competitors utilizing a Quivalizer (integrated all-in-one Quiver/Stabilizer combo) are exempt from the maximum length(s) listed above.
- Youth competitors will be grouped with their parent or guardian.
- Youth competitors, 16 & under, may request to be transferred into an older age division at check-in if they so choose. *Transfer Fee may apply.
- Cash and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 competitors in each division.
- Competitors 13yrs & older, temper tantrums will not be tolerated. Exercise good sportsmanship and set a good example for our youth.
- Spectators are not allowed on the Competition Course. *Exception – All competitors under 16 years of age are required to have a parent/guardian to either chaperone or participate as part of their group.
COMP. COURSE | SHOOTING POSITIONS:
- BLUE WHISKERS: Men’s Bowhunter (17+) – Max. 70 yards
- RED WHISKERS: Women’s Bowhunter (17+) – Max. 70 yards
- ORANGE WHISKERS: Youth (13-16 yrs) – Max. 60 yards
- YELLOW WHISKERS: Traditional (Men & Women) – Max. 40 yards
- PINK WHISKERS: Cubs (12 & Under) – Max. 30 yards
COMP. COURSE | CHECK-IN AND COMPETITOR’S MEETING:
- Competitors must register and check-in 30 minutes prior to their time slot. Failure to do so will result in the competitor being moved to the latest time slot for the day or disqualified without a refund if they are a no-show.
- All official rules, including but not limited to regulations, scoring, grouping, bow setup, and course information, will be explained at the mandatory Competitor’s Meeting taking place 15 minutes before the start of your time slot.
- Upon completion of each Competitor’s Meeting, the Competition Director will break archers up into groups of a maximum of six (6) and a minimum of three (3).
- Once groups have been created, the Competition Director will trickle-start each as necessary to maintain an even distribution of groups and to maintain flow throughout the course.
- Each group is required to have two (2) dedicated scorekeepers.
- If you have any further questions, please ask the Competition Director during the meeting.
COMP. COURSE | MOUNTAIN MADNESS COURSE DETAILS:
- COURSE: BOWTECH WESTERN COURSE
- SKILL LEVEL: Advanced
- TARGETS: 20 Targets
- DISTANCE: Typically 3-60 Yard Shots (Max. 80 yards)
- DESCRIPTION: This course will challenge your hunting skills. Shots will be varied by distance, topography, and natural camouflage. Although not our longest course, it does tend to be one of our longer hikes with a little more difficult terrain meant to emulate hunting game throughout the Western States.
THE NEW “LOOSE BETTER” TARGET/SCORING SYSTEM:
The scoring rings will be adjusted to accommodate both “Eye Level” and “Elevated” shots for a variety of target angles including:
- Broadside
- Frontal
- Quartering Away
- Quartering Toward
+12 (HEART SHOT, 12-RING): For all shots that stick in the 3D foam target inside (and/or touch) the 12-Ring circle. *The 12-RING circle is located based on a center-mass heart shot.
- 2″ diameter circle for small game
- 4″ diameter circle for medium game
- 6″ diameter circle for large game
+10 (VITALS, 10-RING): For all shots that stick in the 3D foam target inside (and/or touch) the 10-Ring circle without touching the 12-Ring. *The 10-RING circle is located based on a center-mass shot within the vitals.
- 10″ diameter circle for small game
- 14″ diameter circle for medium game
- 18″ diameter circle for large game
-5 (BODY SHOT): For all shots that stick in the 3D foam target outside (and/or touch) the 10-ring.
0 (MISS): For all shots that completely miss the 3D foam target.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, WAIVER, AND RELEASE
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT: Mountain Archery Fest’s Mountain Madness Bowhunter Competitions are sanctioned sporting events governed by rules. The on-site Competition Director will settle all disputes, and all decisions will be final and without legal appeal.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: By participating in events sanctioned by Pishkun A.C., all competitors and spectators (hereinafter referred to as “Releasors”) acknowledge that they are voluntarily participating or attending. Releasors should be aware that participating in an archery competition carries the risk of serious personal injury or death, as well as potential loss or damage to personal property. Releasors assume all risks associated with their participation in these archery competitions, including injury, death, and property loss. By registering to participate and agreeing to abide by the rules herein, Releasors release and discharge Pishkun A.C., competition sponsors, host organizations, property owners, and competition staff and volunteers (herein collectively referred to as “Releasees”) from liability for injuries, damages, or other losses sustained by the Releasor due to the negligence or strict liability of the released parties.
LIABILITY RELEASE: Releasors, being of lawful age, or, in the case of a minor, through their parent or guardian, hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Releasees from any and all liability for any losses and damages, including personal injury or death, known or unknown, and property damage resulting from any incident that may occur during Releasor’s presence at the Facility or participation in any activity. Releasors agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold Releasees harmless for all actions or omissions while at the host site, with no limit to this indemnity. Releasors assume full responsibility for the risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage due to negligence while at the Releasees Facility. Releasors fully release Releasees from all liability, intending to waive all subrogation rights. This release agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and if any portion is held invalid, the balance will remain in full force. This release constitutes the entire agreement between Releasors and Releasees, and its terms are contractual. Releasors have read and understand this release and accept it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its content and significance as a condition of competing.