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directory/archery
Granite State Bowhunters
Milan, NH
•Granite State Bowhunters (GSB) is a New England archery community built around competitive 3D archery shoots. Unlike typical archery venues that run weekday events, GSB tournaments happen on Sundays, making it accessible for weekend warriors and serious competitors alike. GSB organizes 3D archery co...
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Granite State Bowhunters (GSB) is a New England archery community built around competitive 3D archery shoots. Unlike typical archery venues that run weekday events, GSB tournaments happen on Sundays, making it accessible for weekend warriors and serious competitors alike.
GSB organizes 3D archery courses and competitions at member clubs throughout New Hampshire and nearby regions. The organization maintains detailed equipment standards, scoring rules, and shooting classifications to ensure fair competition across skill levels and equipment types.
- •Tournament Season: January through September, with State Championship typically in August
- •Shooting Courses: 30+ targets per shoot, with 3D animal targets set at unknown distances
- •Membership: $10 individual / $15 family annually. Shoot fees: $15 members, $18 non-members, free for under 18
GSB offers 17 distinct shooting classes, each with specific equipment rules and shooting distances:
| Class | Equipment Style | Max Distance | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBO / FBRO | Open compound/recurve/longbow | 50 yards (Orange stake) | Moveable sights, any release |
| MBR | Compound/recurve/longbow | 50 yards (Orange stake) | Fixed pins, mechanical release required |
| MHC / FHC | Compound bow | 35 yards (Yellow stake) | Fixed pins, string silencers |
| TLRW / TLRU | Traditional wood/unlimited | 25 yards (White stake) | Fingers only, no sights, 90 lb max |
| Youth (13-17) | Any type | 35-40 yards | Depends on bow type |
| Cub (9-12) | Any type | 25+ yards | White stake or further |
| Future Bowhunter (8 and under) | Any type | 15 yards max (Blue stake) | Entry-level competition |
| Rangefinder (RFR) | Any type | 50 yards (Orange stake) | Rangefinder devices allowed |
| Hunter Rangefinder (HRF) | Compound only | 50 yards (Orange stake) | Fixed pins, 12" stabilizer limit |
| Seniors (50+) / Master Seniors (60+) | Equipment varies by class | 40-50 yards | Age-based divisions |
GSB maintains strict rules to ensure safe, ethical shooting:
- •Arrows: Hunting/target arrows with manufacturer-approved points. No broadheads or blunts during competition. Minimum 5 grains per pound of bow weight.
- •Bow Weight Limits: 80 lbs max for male classes (90 for traditional), 60 lbs for female/youth, 40 lbs for cub.
- •Stabilizers: Unrestricted length in most classes; 12" max in hunter classes (MHC/FHC/HRF).
- •Overdraws: Legal in all classes except traditional wood and unlimited.
Scoring System: 11 points (11-ring in vital area), 10 points (vital area), 8 points (rest of vital), 5 points (body color), 0 points (miss, ears, horns, hooves). Tiebreakers decided by shoot-off at unknown yardage.
GSB is built on a strict code of ethics that guides member behavior:
- •Use bows with 40+ lb draw weight and sharp broadheads for ethical kills
- •Never take shots beyond ethical range
- •Respect landowner rights and fellow hunters
- •Follow all wildlife laws and regulations
- •Value the hunting experience, not just the kill
- •Support wildlife conservation
GSB enforces sportsmanlike conduct with clear consequences:
- •Range Rule Violations (monitored by members, reported to range officials):
- •No discussion of yardage until target is scored
- •No use of rangefinding devices in non-rangefinder classes
- •No "glassing" (looking at target through scope from stake after shot)
- •No knocked arrows while walking the course
- •No horseplay on course
- •Keep language and beverages under control
- •Automatic Disqualification:
- •Consumption of alcohol on range
- •Intoxication or physical impairment
- •Altering the course (moving stakes, breaking branches)
- •Unacceptable conduct per range officer
- •Shooting at non-designated targets
- •Non-conforming equipment
Top five shooters in each class earn points across the season: - 1st place: 5 points - 2nd place: 4 points - 3rd place: 3 points - 4th place: 2 points - 5th place: 1 point
Must be a registered GSB member to qualify.
GSB tournaments are hosted at member clubs throughout New England including Lamprey River Bowhunters, Townsend Rod & Gun Club, Squanacook River Sportsman's Club, Westford Sportsman's Club, Chester Rod & Gun Club, and Watanic Bowmen, among others.
Key Differentiator: GSB shoots happen on Sundays exclusively, making competitive 3D archery accessible for weekend participants while maintaining a full calendar of events year-round.