How Many Arrows to Bring to Total Archery Challenge: A Beginner’s Guide

Updated November 2026

For most Total Archery Challenge events, plan on bringing at least 12 to 18 arrows per session, which is enough to shoot a full round and cover a few losses. Bring more if you’re shooting multiple rounds or expect to lose arrows in tall grass or on wet ground. This guide explains how to work out your own number so you walk onto the course with enough shafts and don’t spend the day searching for stray ones.

Step 1: Confirm the Round Format

Start by checking the event rules for the number of targets and the arrows allowed per end. Many Total Archery Challenge formats use three arrows per target, so a 12-target round means 36 arrows shot once. Note whether the event includes a practice round or a second shoot, since each one adds to your total. Your count should be based on the shooting you will actually do, not a guess.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Arrows for Total Archery Challenge: Expert Picks for Beginners.

Step 2: Add a Buffer for Losses

Once you know the shot count, add a buffer for arrows you may not recover. A reasonable starting rule is:

• Shots per round (for example, 36 for a 12-target, 3-arrow round) divided by one arrow per round as a baseline.
• Add roughly 25 to 50 percent more arrows to cover misses into brush, hard-to-reach targets and rare breakage.
• Add a few extra if the course is heavily wooded or the grass is long.

For a 36-arrow round, that puts you comfortably in the 45 to 55 range if you want a real cushion. Beginners who are still learning to shoot straight should lean toward the higher end.

Step 3: Plan for Breakage and Nock Wear

Arrows break, nocks split and fletching comes loose, especially after a hard hit into a stump or a rock. Check each shaft after every end and set aside anything damaged rather than shooting it again. Keeping a few spare nocks and a small supply of fletching glue or replacement vanes in your kit lets you fix minor damage on the spot. Shafts with a consistent spine are easier to keep matched, which makes replacing a lost arrow less disruptive. If you’re unsure whether your current shafts are suitable, see Safe Arrows for Archery: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Them Right.

Step 4: Pack and Organize Before You Leave

Count your arrows before leaving home and pack them in a way that keeps them protected and easy to reach. Divide them into groups so you can track what you’ve shot. A simple setup looks like this:

Item	Suggested Quantity
Arrows for the main round	Shots per round plus 25 percent
Spare nocks	One for every three arrows
Fletching or replacement vanes	Enough for at least two repairs
Field points or spare tips	Two to four

A bag with dividers keeps shafts from knocking together, and a quiver with a secure belt clip frees your hands between shots. For options, read Archery Bag for Arrows: How to Choose and Use One (Beginner Guide).

Recommended gear

A sturdy arrow case helps you transport a full set without crushing fletching. View on Amazon

A dedicated quiver keeps spare arrows within reach so you don’t lose time between targets. View on Amazon

A small repair kit with nocks and vanes lets you fix damage on the spot. View on Amazon

Common mistakes

• Bringing only the exact number of arrows needed for the round, leaving no room for losses.
• Forgetting spare nocks, which are easy to lose and hard to replace on the course.
• Mixing damaged shafts back into the set without checking them first.
• Failing to count arrows after each end, which makes losses harder to spot.
• Shooting in tall grass or brush without marking where each arrow landed.

FAQ

Is 12 arrows enough for a Total Archery Challenge?

Twelve arrows is only enough for a very short shoot with no losses. Most participants need significantly more to complete a full round safely and cover misses.

Should I bring extra arrows if I’m a beginner?

Yes. Beginners tend to lose more arrows into brush and rough ground, so a larger buffer helps you keep shooting without interruption.

Can I reuse arrows I lost on the course?

Yes, if you find them and they show no cracks, splits or bent shafts. Inspect each one carefully, and if you’re unsure about its condition, consult an experienced archer or the range staff.

Conclusion

To work out how many arrows to bring to a Total Archery Challenge, start with your round format, add a 25 to 50 percent buffer for losses and breakage, and pack spare nocks and fletching. Count your set before you leave and again after each end. With a planned count and an organized kit, you can focus on your shooting instead of searching the grass.

Related reading

• How Much Are Archery Arrows? Price Factors and Buying Tips
• Archery Bow Arrows Set Guide: How to Choose the Right Setup

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