Some shoots are fun. Some are challenging. And then there are the ones that are absolutely worth the drive. The Tennessee Classic is definitely one of those.
Held on a beautiful piece of farmland in Tennessee and hosted by Twin Oaks Bowhunters, this shoot brings together nearly 1,000 traditional archers for a weekend that goes far beyond just shooting. Known as one of the finest archery facilities in the Southeast, Twin Oaks puts on an event that is well organized, welcoming, and packed with opportunities to shoot, learn, and connect.
For us, it was about a 10-hour drive. And by the end of the weekend, we were already saying this was one of our favorite shoots to date.
This year, my dad Pat, Kevin, Emily, and I all made the trip and spent the weekend shooting, exploring, and experiencing everything the Tennessee Classic had to offer.
Shooting the Tennessee Classic: Courses, Terrain, and Experience
We came into this shoot ready to compete, but also ready to experience it.
On Thursday, we shot competitive courses A and B with our longbows. Friday, we went back out and shot those same courses again, this time with our recurves. By Saturday, we slowed things down and spent time on the practice range and the pop-up range, just shooting for fun and enjoying the atmosphere.
One thing that makes this shoot really nice is that you can approach it however you want. You can shoot competitively, or you can take your time and just shoot for fun on Courses A and B without worrying about score. It made for a full weekend of shooting without ever feeling rushed.
And one thing we noticed immediately… Tennessee terrain is not Florida.
There is a lot of up and down. Hills, elevation changes, uneven footing, and angles that force you to think differently about your stance and your shot. It adds a level of challenge that you simply cannot replicate on flat ground. But that is also what makes this shoot so memorable.
Courses A and B each feature 20 shooting lanes set through a mix of wooded paths and open hillsides. As you move through them, the environment changes, and so does your approach to each shot.
What really stood out to us was how the targets were set.
This is not a shoot where you walk up to a single animal and take your shot. Many of the lanes are built as full scenes. You might walk up on multiple animals positioned together, creating something that feels more like a moment in the wild than a typical range setup. It pulls you in.
Each Twin Oaks club member is actually assigned a shooting lane, and they compete internally to see whose setup is voted the best. That adds a whole extra layer to the experience, because it is not just about putting targets in the woods. Each lane is intentionally designed, and you can tell. The staging goes above and beyond, which is a big part of why so many of them feel like full scenes instead of simple shots.
Some shots are wide open. Others are tucked into brush or framed by trees, forcing you to find your path and commit. It keeps you engaged the entire time. There is no autopilot shooting here.
The Tennessee Classic Experience: Vendors, Atmosphere, and Community
One of the things that really sets the Tennessee Classic apart is everything happening beyond the courses.
The vendor area alone is worth the trip. If you are into traditional archery, this is about as good as it gets. There was absolutely anything you could want. Bows, arrows, gear, materials, accessories, and the people behind them who are willing to talk, answer questions, and share their knowledge.
Vendors are not charged to be there, but space is limited and fills up early, which means you get an incredible mix of setups. Everything from larger, well-known vendors to small, mom-and-pop style tables set up right in front of tents. It gives the whole area a very real, grassroots feel.
But one of the biggest draws to this shoot, even for people who are not competing, is the self bow challenge.
Throughout the event, there is a full workshop set up where archers can build their own self bow from start to finish. There are experienced bowyers there helping, guiding, and making sure you have the tools and support you need, which makes it approachable even if you have never done it before. Then on Sunday, those who completed their bows can actually compete in a challenge using the bow they built. That is something you just do not see at most shoots.
And then there is the atmosphere.
Even with nearly 1,000 archers in attendance, it never feels overwhelming. It feels like a community. You see a mix of families, beginners, experienced bowyers, and people who have been coming to this shoot for years, all sharing the same space.
People are camped out across the property, cooking meals, sitting around talking, working on bows, and just enjoying being there.
Walking through the campgrounds, you smell campfires, hear conversations, and see people fully settled into the experience. It is one of those environments where you immediately feel like you belong.
Tennessee Classic Results and Personal Highlights
This shoot gave us a completely different kind of experience than we are used to.
We spent days shooting together, working through terrain and setups we had never experienced before. The elevation alone changed the way we approached our shots, and it forced all of us to adapt in ways we do not usually have to back home.
There were also a lot of firsts for us.
Emily shot a longbow for the first time ever, which was really fun to watch, especially seeing her step into something new and handle it so well. My dad Pat picked up a vintage recurve from one of the vendor booths for $50 and turned right around and put it to use on the course, which honestly just adds to the story of this shoot.
And on top of all of that, Emily took first place in girls youth, which was such a proud moment for all of us.
More than anything, this weekend was about stepping into something different. New terrain, new setups, new equipment, and just figuring it out as we went.
Between the shooting, the setting, and the people, it was one of those experiences that reminds you why you love traditional archery in the first place.
Planning to Attend the Tennessee Classic
If you are thinking about going to the Tennessee Classic, there are a few things that will make your experience even better.
If you are planning to camp, arrive early. The camping spots fill up fast, and many people come in well before the weekend to claim their space and settle in.
There is a concession stand on site with food available throughout the event, which is really convenient if you want something quick between shooting. We chose to pack our own lunches and ended up enjoying picnic-style breaks throughout the day, which worked really well with the flow of the courses.
Saturday night also includes a potluck-style dinner, where the club provides wild game and drinks, and others bring dishes to share. It is a great way to slow down, connect with other archers, and be part of the community side of the event.
We chose to stay off site this time and booked an Airbnb in Clarksville. It was a short and easy drive back and forth each day and gave us a little more space to rest and reset while still being close enough to fully enjoy the shoot.
Either way you choose to stay, plan to spend time there. This is not a quick in-and-out kind of event. There is too much to see and experience.
At the end of the weekend, we were tired, a little sore, and already talking about going back. And honestly, that is exactly how you know it was worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Tennessee Classic Traditional Archery Shoot
Do you have to compete at the Tennessee Classic, or can you just shoot for fun?
No, you don’t have to compete. One of the things we really appreciated about this shoot is how flexible it is. You can shoot competitively and keep score, or you can simply walk the courses and shoot for fun at your own pace. Either way, you still get the full experience.
Is the Tennessee Classic suitable for beginners or youth archers?
Yes, absolutely. While the terrain can be more challenging than flatter ranges, the event itself is very welcoming and family-friendly. With different stake distances for age groups and skill levels, beginners and youth archers can participate without feeling out of place.
What should you bring to the Tennessee Classic archery shoot?
At a minimum, bring your bow, arrows, and comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, and the hills make good footwear important. We also recommend bringing water, snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen. If you plan to be there all day, packing a lunch or planning breaks will make your experience much more enjoyable.
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