The 2026 California 4-H State 3D Championship is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Springville Archery Club Range in Springville, California. Check-in for participants will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Pre-registration is required for this event; on-site registration will not be accepted. The archery range features a walking course located in the mountains with significant inclines and declines. Participants are advised to wear hiking shoes or boots, as Crocs and sandals are not allowed according to 4-H policy. Organizers note that in case of inclement weather, the shoot may need to be rescheduled rather than canceled.
Directions to the venue instruct attendees to take Highway 190 east of Springville and turn left onto Balch Park Road just past the white barn outside town. After proceeding for about 3.3 miles, a right turn onto Bear Creek Road leads another 1.7 miles to the range, marked by a white gate and Springville Archery Club sign.
Eligibility is limited to California 4-H youth members currently enrolled in the Archery Shooting Sports project and their leaders. The competition will follow National Shooting Sports Championship rules for the 3D round and includes two categories: Compound and Recurve bows. “As much as possible, competitors will be paired with archers from other clubs and kept within their own age group,” organizers state. Age groups determine maximum shooting distances: Juniors (ages 9-10) up to 25 yards; Intermediates (11-13) up to 35 yards; Seniors (14-19) and Leaders up to 50 yards.
The course consists of thirty unmarked three-dimensional targets with color-coded tees by age group at each station. Scoring follows International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) format, with one arrow shot per target. Buckles will be awarded for Champion in both Compound and Recurve categories.
No archer is permitted to preview or shoot on the course after April 1, 2025.
Questions about participation can be directed to Corey Gill at (559) 359-6942 or imagolfer75@hotmail.com. For additional information, Kristina Thurmon can be contacted at Krthurmon@ucanr.edu.
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