If you're gearing up for the Total Archery Challenge, you're not just going to need skill and stamina, you'll need a purpose-built setup that can handle long shots, steep angles, and unpredictable terrain. Who better to turn to for that insight than John Dudley, the founder of Nock On Archery and a world-class archer known for his elite-level coaching and gear tuning?
In a recent interview at the Total Archery Challenge in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, Dudley broke down what he believes is the perfect bow and arrow build for the Total Archery Challenge (TAC). From bow poundage to arrow selection, fletching tweaks to aperture adjustments, his advice isn’t just dialed in, it’s designed to help you shoot with confidence from Pennsylvania to Sunlight Mountain, Colorado.
Let’s dive into the expert strategy behind John Dudley’s Total Archery Challenge Bow Build and Arrow Build, so you can hit the mountain ready to perform.
Why the Total Archery Challenge Demands a Specialized Setup
The Total Archery Challenge (TAC) isn’t your average 3D shoot. With extreme uphill and downhill angles, long-range targets, and a full day’s worth of trekking across steep and sometimes high-altitude terrain, it tests every inch of your form, gear, and mindset.
To put it in John Dudley’s words: “This is a challenge, as the name says. You’re putting yourself in a lot of compromising positions, extreme ups, extreme downs.” That means your gear must be optimized for mobility, stability, and accuracy across a wide range of shooting scenarios.
John Dudley’s Total Archery Challenge Bow Build
1. Lowered Draw Weight for Form and Repetition
The first and perhaps most important modification Dudley makes for his Total Archery Challenge Bow Build is reducing draw weight.
“I actually lower the poundage on my bow,” he says. “It allows me to practice more and maintain posture in more difficult situations.”
This isn’t just about fatigue. Lower draw weight allows for increased reps, better form, and easier shot execution in awkward mountain positions. If you’re usually shooting at 70 pounds during hunting season, consider dialing it back to the low-60s or even mid-50s for TAC.
2. Smaller Aperture for Improved Clearance
Another subtle but effective change Dudley makes is to his bow sight.
“I shrink my front aperture down a little bit… more clearance to the arrow.”
This adjustment gives better sight-to-arrow clearance and improves visibility downrange essential when you're lining up a 90-yard shot on a foam elk across a ravine.
3. Matching Peep Sight Size
To keep everything balanced optically, Dudley also reduces his peep sight size to match the smaller front aperture. This keeps sight alignment tight and precise even in bright, high-altitude conditions.
John Dudley’s Total Archery Challenge Arrow Build
1. Lower GPI Arrows for More Speed and Flatter Trajectory
When it comes to his Total Archery Challenge Arrow Build, Dudley opts for arrows with a low grains-per-inch (GPI) rating to gain speed and minimize drop at long distances.
“I go back to a lower GPI shaft… Easton Sonic 6.0 is a great option. The new 5.0 is another awesome arrow.”
Lower GPI means less weight, which translates to faster arrows and a flatter trajectory, both of which are crucial when you’re estimating yardage or making a steep downhill shot. A couple of Dudley-approved models include:
- Easton Sonic 6.0
- Easton 5.0
- FMJ Max (for those who prefer a full-metal jacket construction)
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2. Low-Profile Fletching for Less Wind Drift
Fletching may be an afterthought for some, but not for Dudley. He switches to a smaller, more low-profile four-fletch configuration specifically for TAC.
“There’s less surface area overall, so I’m going to have less wind drift and less deceleration downrange.”
The smaller vanes also help with arrow clearance, giving you a bit more freedom in tight tolerance setups. Plus, they hold up better in windy mountain conditions.
Seasonal Transition: Training vs. Hunting Setup
One of the most valuable takeaways from the interview was how Dudley uses TAC as a ramp-up to hunting season. He doesn’t just prep for one event he uses it to transition into full-season readiness.
“As the season progresses, I slowly bump up my weight. Once I hit August, I am back at full hunting weight again.”
This progressive overload strategy starting with a lower draw weight and lighter arrow and slowly moving to your hunting configuration gives your body and form time to adapt while maintaining shooting precision.
“You might see my hunting vanes start to creep back into that scene as I’m going up in weight, overall arrow weight too, and fletching because I’m preparing for control with a broadhead.”
So, the lesson here? Don’t think of TAC as an isolated event. Use it as a strategic checkpoint to test and refine your gear on the path to season readiness.
Dudley’s Favorite TAC Venues and Courses
Of course, no conversation with John Dudley would be complete without asking which Total Archery Challenge event is his favorite. The answer? It depends.
East Coast Love
“I love the people over here in PA and Michigan… I grew up in northern Illinois and Wisconsin. I’m used to a bunch of dudes that don’t know each other getting together and heckling hard.”
Dudley appreciates the camaraderie and Midwest hospitality at the Eastern TAC events. If you're a new archer or looking for that community vibe, PA and Michigan may be ideal venues.
West Coast Wilderness
When flying solo, though, Dudley prefers the solitude and scenic majesty of the West.
“If I go by myself, I would probably go to Sunlight in Colorado… epic, high alpine pines, long shots, anywhere you want 'em.”
And don’t sleep on Utah’s venues either.
“Big Sky is epic. The convenience of Salt Lake is tough to argue with.”
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Shoot Better
Whether you’re headed to Big Sky, Sunlight, or Seven Springs, the perfect Total Archery Challenge Bow and Arrow Build can make the difference between frustration and flow. John Dudley’s strategy is simple but profound: train with intention, adjust your gear for the event not just the hunt and let your shooting do the talking.
From adjusting draw weight and aperture to refining your Total Archery Challenge Arrow Build with lightweight shafts and low-profile vanes, Dudley’s advice gives you an edge both on the mountain and in your off-season preparation.
So as you prep for your next TAC event, remember this isn’t just about gear it’s about building a system that evolves with you, challenge by challenge, shot by shot.
Ready to Build Your Own TAC Setup?
Check out our curated collection of lightweight Easton arrows perfectly suited for your next Total Archery Challenge Bow Build. Gear up like Dudley, and go shoot with confidence.
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Easton FMJ Max Match Grade Shafts
$18.67
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Easton 5.0 Match Grade Shaft
$17.08
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Easton 5.0 Match Grade Fletched Arrow
$21.66
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Easton Sonic 6.0 Match Grade Arrows Fletched AAE Hybrid 26
$17.16
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