Targets are usually (but not always) set at unknown distances between about five to sixty five yards from the first of three pegs.
The archers take it in turns to shoot one arrow from the first peg. If the first arrow does not score on the target, then that archer has another shot from the next, usually closer peg.

Courses are deliberately laid to be as challenging as possible by shooting uphill or downhill, maybe with dips in the ground to make estimating distances more difficult. Even directing shots from shade into light or visa versa, or between tightly packed or low trees, adds to the challenge of each shot.

To add variety there are several different “rounds” with a different number of arrows shot at each target, which can be arranged by the host club.

Some targets are of a variety of sizes of concentric circles. Each circle has a different value, with nearest to the centre scoring most points. Usually targets placed nearer are smaller whilst targets further away will be larger.
Other targets may be pictures of animals on which are printed lines to delineate a different score value. Gaining popularity are the 3D foam animal targets from America. Again, nearest to the smaller spot scores most points.

Points are added up throughout the whole “round”. The archer with the highest number of points is declared to be the winner.

In competition there are classes of different bow styles (longbow, recurve bow, compound bow etc.) Bows with sights or without sights and shot in an instinctive manner, are also competing in different categories.
Juniors and seniors, both male and female can compete on an even standing.

A Field Archery competition will usually take most of the day to complete. However in the outdoor environment, in beautiful countryside areas that the public may not otherwise have access to, it is a wonderful way to gain your exercise.
The smell of “Bacon Butties” may however, tempt you to put back some of the pounds you have walked off!