3-D archery range info

[hntr]

I am thinking of starting a 3-D range here in WV, and was wondering if anyone could tell me anything I might need to know about getting one started, like insurance and things like that. The property that I plan to put it on is 65 acres owned by my dad, would that affect anything?

also what kind of targets do people prefer, Mckenzie, Delta,Reinhardt, or others

any info would be appreciated

[Allen]

I don’t have any info for you but I will say that you would make a lot of people happy by opening a 3D range.

There is one in east Tennessee that I go to whenever I visit a friend over there. My family and his family will go and spend the afternoon and have a great time. ( I have to make sure my wife and daughter don’t out shoot me too bad) If you rush it will take an hour and a half to go through. The range is also a good work out, lots of hills to go up and down. The targets are all different brands and types of animals ( including one giant frog) and I couldn’t care less what brands they are. Some shots are very easy and some cost you an arrow if you miss. There are a few that look too easy but turn out to be very hard.

My thought is that insurance for liability will be your biggest problem. Second will be theft and vandalism.

I hope you can work out the details and get it up and running.

Good Luck
Allen

[Rustywreck]

Yes, you'll need insurance.
It would probably be best to affiliate with the IBO, at least to start since you are in the heart of IBO country. Through them, you'll be able to obtain insurance, and will have the opportunity to host an IBO Qualifier which, in your state, should be a big draw.
Reinhardt targets are nice, but also more expensive. Mckenzie targets are the standard for the IBO and probably most common because of the price and discount you'll be able to get if you purchase a large number. I'm guessing it will cost you about $5,000 initially for targets.
It will be a big investment of time and money to start. In at least three years you should be able to get your money back, if you are near a decent population. It would be wise to offer some concessions at your shoots. Bottled water and pop are good sellers, but consider offering hamburgers and hot dogs to really cash in.
The work will be extensive getting started. You'll need cut shooting lanes, make trails, make signs and markers, etc. You'll also need to keep adding to the initial shooting lanes, because shooters will get tired of the same shots everytime.
If you do get into it, then we can talk about setting up a fun, challenging shoot.

[hntr]

about how many targets should I try to start with, I have shot places with 20,30,and 40 targets, I will try to get 30 depending on $ right now being that the wife wants to build a house.

and also what days do you think I should be open, I work straight days right now and have two kids at home the wife watches during the day, so I think I will be open saturdays and sundays, and maybe 1 or 2 evenings through the week,

thanks for all the other input

[Rustywreck]

I guess if it were me I'd host a tournament once a month. Made have an end of the season award for the people in each class with the highest total score, or something.
You have to be careful not to be open too much and burn yourself and your family out.

[Allen]

This may not work for you but the 3D course I talked about in the earlier post is open every day except for tournaments. The owner works during the week and has a small archery shop, at the start of the course, he works on weekends. He runs the course on the honor system, just put $5.00 in the lock box on your way in. I don’t know if he makes any money, but he has not closed it yet either.


Allen

[Silver Bullets]

here in Nova Scotia, Canada 3D archery is really big!, i have 3 different archery clubs around me all with in a 45 min drive, I would say 30 targets would be great! Big targets are always good because they make the shot look closer then it really is!
I would have a shoot at least once a month, in Nova Scotia there is so many clubs that we always have a shoot we can go to every sunday, also make it so people can join your club, say 10 bucks to join, then they can come help u set up the course, and shoot durring the week if they want, selling hot dogs and such is also a great idea!, and having a "Long" shot where people pay say 2 dollars to shoot a arrow at a target say 100 yards away, then can shoot more then 1 arrow but charge 2 dollars a arrow! its fun and most people wont mind paying a few bucks to take some long shots knowing the money is going to the club to help make it better...

[TSadler]

I'm President of the Brazos County ARchery Club - a 3D club. Ask away!

I would recommend you try to buy used targets and replace the cores. It is much cheaper. McKenzie now has mid - scetions that have replaceable cores. The new midsections average a little more than the old ones, but when you replace the core, it is only about $50. That makes McKenzie the cheapest for long term investment. And, they've changed their foam - making it easier to pull arrows. Also, start out with 15 targets and shoot a double round - making it 30 shots.

You could also go to a major IBO or ASA tournament and buy the range (20 targets) for about $2400. They will be shot on one side, and sometimes they will throw in replacement cores.

Liability insurance - IBO or ASA has club insurance. I recommend ASA because it is cheaper, but you are in the heart of IBO country. ASA isn't that big in your area. Go to their web sites for information.

Tracey