Ready for the Total Archery Challenge? Your Complete Prep Guide

After eight years as a vendor at TAC events nationwide, we've seen it all. We've watched thousands of archers conquer incredible mountain shots and learned what separates a great experience from a frustrating one. This TAC preparation guide will help you prepare for an incredible 3D archery and outdoor adventure weekend.

What Makes Total Archery Challenge So Special?

TAC has transformed 3D archery into an unforgettable outdoor adventure. These events are held at beautiful ski resorts and other rugged terrain venues across the country, offering:

• More than 100 3D targets across multiple courses
• Shots from 20-yarders to 100+ yard targets
• Shooting scenarios including extreme elevation changes both uphill and downhill
• Shooting across undulating terrain and ravines
• Dense vegetation and other natural obstacles that force you to think strategically
• A festival atmosphere with vendor village, food, and evening social events

The Ultimate Hunting Prep Experience

One of the most significant benefits of TAC is the opportunity to test your hunting setup well before seasons open. This is your chance to identify weaknesses in your gear configuration, find out what works and what doesn't, and make adjustments well before you're in a high-stakes hunting situation.

Treat TAC as the ultimate testing ground for your hunting setup. We often see shooters using school backpacks instead of hunting packs on the course. While that's fine for casual archers, savvy hunters bring their complete field setup, the same pack, accessories, and gear configuration they'll use during hunting season. This allows you to test everything under realistic conditions in the industry's best hunting simulation. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to identify and fix problems before opening day.

TAC reveals critical issues that can ruin your hunt: loose sights, uncomfortable gear setups, inadequate stabilization, and noisy equipment. Many archers discover inferior materials and components that can't withstand backcountry conditions. Some realize their shooting skills need improvement at challenging angles and distances. Perhaps most importantly, many hunters discover that their own physical conditioning is the weakest link in their setup, prompting them to improve their fitness before hunting season begins.

Think of TAC as your pre-season gear proving ground. The rugged terrain, varied shot angles, and full day of shooting will put your equipment and your body through their paces and help you identify improvements needed before hunting season.

2025 TAC Event Schedule

Location	Dates
Beaver's Bend, OK	April 11-13
San Antonio, TX	April 25-27
Circle E Guest Ranch, TN	May 2-4
The Summit at Bechtel Reserve, WV	May 16-18
Killington/Pico, VT	May 23-25
7 Springs, PA	May 29-June 1
Boyne Mountain, MI	June 6-8
Crystal Mountain, MI	June 13-15
Terry Peak, SD	June 20-22
Red Lodge, MT	June 27-29
Purgatory Resort, CO	July 11-13
Solitude/Brighton, UT	July 17-20
Jackson Creek Summit at Snowriver Mtn, MI/WI/MN	August 1-3
Sporting Club at the Farm, IN/KY	August 8-10

No Registration? Come Anyway!

Nock Times often sell out quickly, but that doesn't mean you should skip the event. Even without a shooting registration, you can:

• Visit the vendor village to check out the latest gear.
• Attend evening social events and after-parties.
• Network with fellow archers and pros
• Purchase TAC merchandise to remember the event.
• Support your friends who are shooting (note that you'll need to purchase a non-shooter pass that covers insurance and lift/shuttle access to accompany them on the courses)
• Get yourself ready for next year by seeing the courses firsthand.

Many people make TAC an annual tradition even in years when they weren't one of the lucky ones with nock times!

Course Options

TAC typically offers several course options that vary by venue. Each location features different layouts and challenges to test your skills. While course names and themes might change from event to event, you can generally expect the following:

• Longer distance courses with challenging shots (60+ yards)
• Mid-range courses featuring realistic hunting scenarios
• Traditional options for recurve and longbow shooters
• Extreme courses that push even the most skilled archers
• Beginner-friendly options for youth and new shooters
• Novelty shots with special prizes, including the famous 111-yard truck challenge

Remember, TAC is not a competitive event in the traditional sense. There's no official scoring or rankings. It's designed as the ultimate hunt preparation experience where you can test your skills, fitness, and gear in realistic scenarios. Of course, if you and your friends want to keep score or make it a friendly competition, that's entirely up to you. TAC can be whatever you want - it's your experience to enjoy.

Essential Gear for Your TAC Adventure

Based on our experience at TAC events since 2017, here's our must-have gear list:

Bow Setup

• Your bow and extra arrows (trust us, bring more than you think you'll need)
• JAKT GEAR My Sling-A-Ling Magnetic Bow Sling: This makes a massive difference at TAC. So many shooters stop by our booth after their first day complaining about arm fatigue. The magnetic system lets you carry your bow comfortably between shots while keeping it secure and ready.
• Release aid plus a backup
• Bow sight (adjustable slider sights like the new PRÜF Mover Bow Sight by Dialed Archery work great for varying distances)
• Basic tools for field repairs (don't forget duct tape, super glue, and hex wrenches in sizes for your bow)
• Extra nocks, fletchings, and D-loop material (JAKT GEAR Pre-Cut GloMax D-Loops are perfect for keeping in your backpack for emergency repairs)
• Arrow puller

Optics and Rangefinders

• Rangefinder with fresh/extra batteries
• JAKT GEAR Ready Ranger: Keeps your rangefinder handy but secure while hiking, then locks out of the way during your shot
• Binoculars for identifying targets, scoring rings, and potential obstacles
• Bino harness to keep optics secure and protected
• Lens cleaning cloth

Note: Some optics vendors have demo products available to test on the courses - a great chance to try the newest technology before you buy!

Pack and Organization

• Hunting/day pack
• JAKT GEAR Pack Rats: These clips are a must-have for TAC. They secure your bow sling to your backpack strap so it won't slide off while hiking the steep terrain.
• Water hydration system (2+ liters minimum, even more at altitude)
• JAKT GEAR Tactical Gear Clips: Keep gear organized and accessible
• JAKT GEAR Phone Tether: We've seen countless phones dropped on TAC courses over the years, with many damaged on rocky terrain or lost in thick underbrush. At TAC, your phone is essential for documenting your experience, connecting with other participants, checking mapping apps, and creating shared content. More importantly, this is the perfect opportunity to practice using your phone tether system exactly as you would during hunting season when your phone becomes critical for navigation, weather forecasts, and emergency communication. Getting comfortable with your tether setup now at TAC will ensure you're ready when it really counts in the field.

Personal Comfort Items

• Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Quality hiking socks (Alterra are worth the money!)
• Layered clothing (mornings can be cold even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically over a day)
• Compact rain gear or poncho (we've seen everything from wind to rain, to lightning, thunderstorms, sleet, snow, and even softball-sized hail)
• Hat with brim
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp or flashlight (for early nock times in the spring)
• Sunscreen 
• Anti-chafe stick (seriously, you'll thank us)
• Wet wipes (Klean Freaks is a great choice)
• Jack Links jerky, trail mix, energy bars, electrolyte performance drinks (check out MTN OPS, Blk Flg)
• Small first aid kit (don't forget lip balm)
• Insect Repellant (for some venues, you may want a head net)

Top 10 Pro Tips

1. Get in shape before the event. Even modest preparation helps. TAC courses involve serious hiking on rugged terrain.
2. Stop by the Jakt Gear booth early for free installation. Lines get long right before courses start.
3. Pack Rats are essential. These simple clips keep your bow sling secure to your pack, strap on steep terrain and free your hands.
4. Drink more water than usual. The mountain elevation and physical effort dehydrate you quickly.
5. Take your time shooting. There's no rush, and the unusual angles and obstacles require careful consideration.
6. Get your gear ready the night before. Nothing worse than scrambling in the morning.
7. Dress in layers. Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the day.
8. Talk to other shooters. You'll pick up great tips and make new friends.
9. Use TAC to test out all the gear you'll use for hunting season. Make adjustments before it really counts.
10. Have fun! This is your event; enjoy it in your own way.

TAC Success Story

"I shot my first TAC at Boyne Mountain last year and by the end of day one, my arm was completely worn out from carrying my bow up and down the mountain. I couldn't hold steady and missed shots I normally make easily. That afternoon I stopped by the JAKT GEAR booth and picked up a My Sling-A-Ling and a set of Pack Rats. The next day was completely different! My arm stayed fresh, I could hike hands-free, and my shooting improved dramatically. If you're new to TAC, the Jakt Gear booth should be your first stop!"

-        Mark T., Michigan

Visit Us at the JAKT GEAR Booth

Look for our bright neon green booth at Vendor Village! We offer:

• Free on-site installation of all JAKT GEAR products- stop by early; lines get long right before courses open.
• Expert advice on tackling the courses
• Special event-only deals such as our TAC PACK
• Product demos
• A place to share stories and connect with other archers

Remember to grab some TAC merch while you're there. The event shirts, hats, and other gear make great souvenirs of your adventure.

Final Thoughts

Total Archery Challenge offers some of the best archery experiences anywhere. Beyond the beautiful scenery and challenging shots, TAC provides unparalleled opportunities to meet and interact with industry experts, pro staff, and social media influencers you follow. The vendor village becomes a hub of knowledge exchange where you can gain insights directly from the people who design, test, and promote the gear you use.

After attending hundreds of archery events, expos, and trade shows throughout the years, we can confidently say that TAC events are the most coordinated and smoothly run in the business. The difference becomes clear when you compare the TAC team's attention to detail, course design, and overall organization to other events. This level of professionalism ensures you can focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics.

You'll be ready to make the most of TAC with good preparation and the right gear. We've supported archers at these events for eight seasons and love seeing people conquer these courses.

As TAC says: "Life... It's better with a bow." We couldn't agree more. See you on the mountain!

 

Been to a TAC event? Share your tips in the comments! Questions about gear for your upcoming adventure? Email us at customerservice@jaktgear.com.