International Bowhunting Organization

The International Bowhunting Organization was created by a dedicated group of bowhunters determined to ensure that bowhunting, wildlife conservation, and traditional hunting values survive and flourish. What started as a mission has become the sport's most visible sanctioning body.

Shortly after its founding, the IBO launched the Triple Crown of Bowhunting—three national tournaments held in separate states each year. Using identical rules and equipment classes, the Triple Crown crowns national champions across age, gender, and bow type categories. The series expands annually and stands as the definitive measure of the best individual performers and equipment in competitive 3-D archery.

• •Unified ruleset across all three legs
• •Multiple age and gender divisions
• •Equipment-specific classes (recurve, compound, traditional)
• •Expanding participation each year
• •Culminates in championship crowning after final leg

In 1989, the IBO established sanctioned tournaments nationwide where competitors qualify for the annual IBO World Championship—the sport's largest and most prestigious 3-D event. Hundreds of local and regional clubs now host qualifying events, making the pathway from club shooter to world competitor accessible to anyone.

"Since 1990, they have donated over $274,000 to protect sportsmen's rights and archery traditions." — Craig Henderson, Sportsmen's Alliance

The IBO Bowhunter Defense Fund has disbursed over $700,000 to protect bowhunting rights and access. Entry fees from recreational range shoots at Triple Crown and World events fund this effort directly.

As state game agencies recognize bowhunting's value in suburban deer management, the IBO has positioned itself as a key partner. The organization was among the first to publicly acknowledge the need for urban whitetail management and bowhunting's critical role in the solution.

2026 Schedule includes:

Three years ago, the IBO created the Genesis Class to bridge the gap from school-based archery programs (NASP®) to IBO 3-D competition. This class has opened doors for young archers and families to participate in the IBO competitive trail using Genesis bows—making entry more accessible.

Clay Tenney, a West Virginia archer who suffered a traumatic brain injury, was told competitive sport was off-limits. After encouragement from his NASP® coach, Clay began shooting Genesis and quickly succeeded. The IBO and sponsor Mathews recognized his accomplishments by awarding him a competition bow of his choice.

For those shooting traditional/recurve bows, the IBO offers separate championships:

The IBO supports three tiers of participation:

• •Commercial Ranges ($60/year affiliation) — shooting-only facilities with multiple 3-D courses, most outdoor, eligible for IBO-sanctioned shoots. IBO provides group insurance at rates considerably less than individual policies.

• •Pro Shops ($60/year fee) — retail locations authorized to host IBO World Qualifiers. Shops receive advertisements, official IBO publications, and updates on bowhunting issues.

• •Clubs ($30/year fee) — bowhunting clubs and sportsmen's organizations authorized to host World Qualifiers. The IBO provides promotional support to increase tournament participation.

The IBO is backed by leading archery manufacturers including Mathews Archery, Genesis Archery, and other major brands. These partnerships support competition, equipment innovation, and archer development programs.

Bowhunters join the IBO to compete with like-minded competitors, access tournaments, participate in sanctioned shoots, and support bowhunting advocacy. Membership includes participation rights at affiliated clubs and ranges nationwide.

IBO Contact: - Phone: (440) 967-2137 - Facebook: International Bowhunting Organization

Promote, encourage, and foster the sport of bowhunting; further bowhunter education; serve as a political coordinator and liaison for bowhunting protection; function as a clearinghouse for essential bowhunter information; and advance the unification of bowhunters across North America.