A few months ago, I introduced the 20-yard fixed crawl technique as a simple, reliable aiming method for traditional bowhunters. The response was incredible, but many of you asked about extending that technique for 3D competition shooting. After months of experimentation and countless hours on the range, I’ve discovered two simple hacks that allow me to shoot confidently from 15 to 30 yards while maintaining point-on accuracy. The first involves strategically swapping arrow configurations: I use 500 spine arrows with 175 grain points for my 15-20 yard hunting setup, then switch to lighter 600 spine arrows with 125 grain points for 20-30 yard 3D targets. The flatter trajectory of the lighter arrows means I can maintain the same fixed crawl finger position and point-on aiming at longer distances without any mental calculations or holdover adjustments.

The second hack is even simpler and keeps me shooting my hunting arrows. By changing from my fixed crawl finger position to traditional three-fingers-under the nock, I can shoot those same 500 spine hunting arrows out to 30 yards with point-on accuracy. It’s the same bow and same arrows, but a different effective range simply by adjusting where my fingers grip the string. Both techniques have transformed my 3D shooting and added serious versatility to my game. That said, I want to be crystal clear: these extended range methods are strictly for foam targets and competition shooting. For big game hunting, I stick exclusively with my 20-yard fixed crawl limit using proper hunting weight arrows. The lighter 600 spine setup doesn’t provide the penetration I demand for ethical kills, and hunting situations require certainty, not probability. These methods are about improving your 3D scores and expanding your traditional archery skills while maintaining the hunting ethics that matter most.