Archery Range Ideas

[260 Rem]

SPFGA is looking at doing some "range improvements" at the existing Archery Range which has not had upgrades for some time. Plans include widening the shooting lanes and installing new target butts, providing shooting benches for cross-bows, constructing a shooting platform to simulate "high stand shooting". The existing trails are also being cleaned up.
Hopefully, next year will see a covered concrete pad and shed similar to the one on the Handgun range.
Yes, this project will be of the same quality built into the firarms ranges.

[terry b]

I would like to see some 3d targets

[260 Rem]

I will check, but I think 3D targets were purchased last fall. They may not be put out for a while. If funds are approved on May 08, there will be some major work done ... as the brush will be cleared to provide a shooting lane about 20M wide and about 40M long.... and leveled. A "slash" about 8' wide will also be cut down the steepest drop-off as part of the planned "stand" arrangement to permit archers to shoot down onto targets. Road will also be graveled. With luck, this work will be complete by the end of May and we can set targets out again. Some wooden shooting benches will be brought in for crossbow shooters. If we get lucky, we get some grass growing. The archery trail walk has been cleaned up some already. A new storage shed has been purchased and is now on site.
A plan will be submitted for funds to construct a shooting shed similar to the one on the Handgun range next summer. Within two years, we should have a pretty attractive set-up.

[DeNomad]

Nice, I was considering getting a membership at SPFGA. A good archery range with 3D targets might clench the deal.

[depopulator]

It would be nice to have shooting lanes out to at least 60 yards.

[bezner]

A couple tree stand type spots would be good....I'm sure u have one already....realistic hunting type lanes would be good....make it so the hunters can use it as a training thing....different senerios where their is a branch or something covering the Target. Only partially exposed targets.....if u can some moving targets would be neat to see...where is this location for the range....just make it as realistic as you can for the hunters.....good practice spots are really hard to find....u will have my vote....try to stay away from the same old same old you get at every other range

[terry b]

Can you shoot brodheads or just feild tips?

[260 Rem]

I'm just responsible for getting the work done..so certainly don't have all the answers...but contact the the Archery Chair (spfga.org) ....First, I will need to pace it off, but the area that is marked off for clearing looks like about 50 M, so in the end, the farthest distance will be determined by where we pour the pad for the coverd shed.... second, the last time I spoke with the Chair, he advised he wanted some sand brought in so broadheads could be used ...but was going to to check to make sure there was no conservation easment in the area he has in mind. The idea of simulating actual hunting conditions is ( I think) what the trail walk is for? Moving targets are probably not in the stars as we do not have any power at that Range...so...power is something that can go on my ..."we should have list". In the end, we all want a facility that will attract archers that can not find the same variety and quality in a single spot. And, I like the idea because I know that archers leave a small environmental footprint (so it is easier to clean up

[Speckle55]

if you want something nice to look at or shoot

Come shoot the Yellowhead Arrow Launchers in Hinton on Fathers Day ABA sancationed.. they have a 60 yard station and a 30 lane 3D walk around course with a tree stand 5 shot imatationthe walk around is in the shape of a u so you come back to one side of storage shed and you start on other side of storage shed its awesome the trail is a gravel base and is outdoor wheel chair accessable it has hangers at each of the lanes.. the course is at the Hinton Fish and Game Shooting Range 7 km east of Hinton on hi-way 16 signs on hi-way.. check out www.Hintonfishandgame.ca then Yellowhead Arrow Launchers.. i will see if i can update some web site pictures .. we also have a 40 ft by 150ft indoor archery range and youth center

Food for Thought
David

[260 Rem]

Speckle --- would like to see some more pics. Looks good!
I paced off the area we plan to clear and it looks like there will be about 50M ---maybe a bit more, depending on where the firing line is established. Also peeked in storage and there are some 3D "animals" ...a deer / wolf / ram / maybe a lynx ...and a dianasour (not sure of the markings, but it looks like a brontosaurus)

[Antelopeous]

I am a journeyman Electrician and a member of the spfg. I you guys ever do get power and need any electrical work done at all I would be more then happy to help out

[Despain]

we are looking at setting up a Range in Magrath and would love to see pictures of your range and the improvements.

[brendan's dad]

X2 on the pitching in idea. If you need any help with framing or siding the new structures, let me know.

[bearbait]

whitecourt f&g has a nice range as well 3d targets going out tonite.. great loops to shoot in a hunting type setting..be a good idea to check out a few for ideas!
rob

[Speckle55]

Originally Posted by 260 Rem

Speckle --- would like to see some more pics. Looks good!
I paced off the area we plan to clear and it looks like there will be about 50M ---maybe a bit more, depending on where the firing line is established. Also peeked in storage and there are some 3D "animals" ...a deer / wolf / ram / maybe a lynx ...and a dianasour (not sure of the markings, but it looks like a brontosaurus)

here are some picture's of YAL's Walk around course and Youth Center plus the 60 yard range or more enjoy i have more pic's the walk around is cut out of the bush with a wheelchair path/walking all old 3D targets and Mill felt as backing on most.. they will have 3 courses ready for Fathers Day Shoot walkin through the bush paths.. David

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[Speckle55]

couple more of Youth Center/indoor archery..David
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[Despain]

Originally Posted by Speckle55

if you want something nice to look at or shoot

Come shoot the Yellowhead Arrow Launchers in Hinton on Fathers Day ABA sancationed.. they have a 60 yard station and a 30 lane 3D walk around course with a tree stand 5 shot imatationthe walk around is in the shape of a u so you come back to one side of storage shed and you start on other side of storage shed its awesome the trail is a gravel base and is outdoor wheel chair accessable it has hangers at each of the lanes.. the course is at the Hinton Fish and Game Shooting Range 7 km east of Hinton on hi-way 16 signs on hi-way.. check out www.Hintonfishandgame.ca then Yellowhead Arrow Launchers.. i will see if i can update some web site pictures .. we also have a 40 ft by 150ft indoor archery range and youth center

Food for Thought
David

Looks Great

[260 Rem]

Ante & B's dad...thanks for the offers of help. Will keep your handles and give you a shout when we need your expertise.
Speckle--great pics...got some ideas. Like the idea of the boxes around the butts. Thinking of a platform with a raised seat that simulates the size and discomfort of a stand set-up. The platform does not need much elevation as we have a pretty sharp drop of about 15 - 20ft that can be used
Also re: moving targets...we do have a set-up that could be easily adapted. It runs on rails like a ladder and is powered by 12V.

[GRCRYGTR]

As mentioned above, I think going out to 60 yards is a must as well.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Have you ever been out to the 3-D archery walk @ Pipestone Creek Archery? It is really nice place to take the Family and shoot 3-D at your own pace.

Has one course set up with 25 targetsright now and adds another course with another 25 soon....

LC

[Despain]

Guys are any of you running Fita Ranges? We are trying to get some examples of various sized ranges clubs have. and layouts

[260 Rem]

Update... SPFGA Exec made funds available for upgrades to the Archery Range. With luck and weather permitting, the basic clearing and ground work will be done by the end of May. The existing Archery Range will be closed while work is in progress. Anyone planning on buying a membership to SPFGA ranges, should make the purchase soon, as "cap" numbers are now in sight.

[260 Rem]

Update - Clearing the shooting lane began today..trailer will be "moved" and lane cleared down to 50M.

[Bent Arrow]

The Sherwood Park archery range has lots of potential. By and large it can be whatever members want it to be. Depends on how much effort they are prepared to make and to get involved.

We will haved 14 3D targets along a trail walk of about 300 meters, and the trail could be made longer. They will be out before the end of May.

Fixed targets at the main range will vary from 5 meters (kids) up to 60 meters. Targets on trail walk will vary from 10 and twenty meters to 40 and fifty meters. Some could be longer. Where it is safe to do so we will have markers at 10-20-30 and 40 meters or up to 60 meters. The farther you want to shoot the more vegetation will cover the target.

Cross bows will be allowed on the on the main range with shooting benches to sight them in. Cross bows will be allowed on the trail. Crossbows are not to have an arrow in place until ready to shoot. All bows (horizontal or verticle) are confined to target arrows only. No broadheads allowed.

We hope to develop a broadhead target later this year. This wil be a sand backed target with a shoot-through in front. The sand will hold the broadhead. Sure it will dull them but they can of course be re-shapened and/or blades replaced. Where else can you shoot broadheads to practice and test them out?

As said by 280 Rem, better get your membership soon if you want to use this range later this summer and fall.

[260 Rem]

Day 2 of the clearing on the Main Range...clean-up, leveling, and butt placement to resume after the site dries. We are having a bit of rain! Perspective is limited in the pic, but the shooting lane is approx 20M wide X 55M long. Hopefully will be able to show the stand shooting area next. Bent Arrow is the Archery Chair.

[260 Rem]

Day 3 of Range clearing and the ground work is complete. Main range shooting lane is 17M wide and 55M long. Groundwork for the stand position should be complete today. Saturday is "Work Party" day at SPFGA and we plan to set at least six "butt assemblies". With luck, the stand platform will also be in place by Sat evening. As will the shooting benches for cross bows. Volunteers welcome... you work, we feed you two meals and some refreshment. As an added bonus for anybody who does not been able to access a membership due to the cap, we will have a few memberships for sale on site (after you work the day.

[260 Rem]

[nrcamero]

I'm looking forward to coming out on Saturday to lend a hand. The range looks great since it's been cleared out a bit. I think the range has lots of potential.

Still looking into material for the targets as we discussed on Monday at the range. Also looking into a couple new design ideas for the targets. Will see you on Saturday!

[260 Rem]

NRC...sounds good...I will have 28 treated 4 X 4 X 12' on site for Sat AM..with the Bobcat & 9" auger. That will be sufficient for 6 butt sets like the ones with the ready rod, and for the stand platform. Hope to have at least 6 on the Archery crew. Plan is to dig the backside holes about 3' deep...tamp them in solid...and then drill the front holes...if that works, things should progress pretty quick. Just in case...do you have access to a 4" auger? Will also put a couple of volunteers on building the platfrom and when it is done, we can auger the holes for the 4 X 4 supports. All the treated wood material will be on site.

[260 Rem]

Bump for the "start point "pics