Shooting Tips
Backyard Archery: How to Build a Legal, Neighbor-Friendly Range at Home
Jan
You’ve recently tried your hand at archery and discovered you have a love for this sport. Maybe you’ve actually been an archer for many years now and want more time to practice. Heading to a crowded range is one option, but you may find you have to wait an extended period for your turn to practice.
Avoid this issue by investing in an archery range in your backyard. Individuals with basic skills can build a range for themselves and practice at their own pace. Being able to walk outside and shoot a few arrows during downtime is convenient. However, before starting this project, there are important things to know to ensure the range is legal and meets your expectations. With this information, you can ensure you have a legal, neighbor-friendly range at your home, allowing you to spend more time using your recurve bows and improving your skills.
Learn the Laws
Can I legally practice archery in my backyard? This question must be answered before the project proceeds, as a person does not want to spend money only to learn they are not legally permitted to practice their archery skills on their property. The easiest way to gather this information is to call the local code enforcement department.
Some areas don’t have this department, so the next step would be to check with the clerk or the local police department. Some localities will send a government official out to inspect the range once it is complete and ensure it is safe for you. Learn about any fees associated with this inspection so there are no unpleasant surprises you did not prepare for.
Laws may extend beyond setting up the range. For example, many localities do not allow archers to shoot arrows across a road. When speaking with authorities, ask about additional restrictions beyond establishing a backyard range. With this information in hand, you should then talk to your neighbors and the homeowners’ association.
Neighbors cannot prevent a person from using their backyard archery range if local law allows it, but it is nice to let them know you plan to build one. The same holds for homeowners’ associations, but they may be able to fine a homeowner who practices archery on their property if the bylaws prohibit it. You’ll want to know this information before you move to the next stage.
Choosing a Location for the Range
After learning the local laws for archery ranges, the next step is to decide where the range will be located on the property. When selecting a location, ensure there’s enough space for you to shoot safely. Beginner archers typically need about 20 yards, while those with more experience may need a range that offers 100 yards.
Confirm there are no obstacles that an arrow could strike. Choose an area free of power lines, buildings, and trees, and ensure there are no other hazards. When choosing this location, think of the neighbors. While a backstop can contain arrows, nobody wants to find an errant arrow made its way onto the neighbor’s property, causing damage or injury.
Look for flat, level terrain, as this offers the ideal placement for targets. If no flat and level land is available, the range may be built on a slope. However, additional precautions must be taken. This location should be easily accessible, so the range gets used regularly.
Many beginners ask what they should do if they don’t have enough land for a full-size range. There is an easy hack they can use to get practice and increase their accuracy. If there is only space to make a range half the size of the desired distance for practice, mimic long-distance shooting by cutting the range in half. Use a target face half the size of the official target and easily simulate long-distance shooting.
Install a Backstop
Every backyard archery range needs a backstop. This device is used to contain the arrows and prevent them from flying off and injuring someone or damaging property. Many people use a straw bale as a backstop because it is inexpensive and has proven to be effective at stopping arrows over the years. Nevertheless, straw bales can be bulky and difficult to move around, and you must regularly maintain them.
An earth berm is another option for individuals in need of a backstop. This mound of dirt serves as a permanent solution, but you must account for the time required to build a strong, reliable foundation. For this reason, some people choose to invest in a commercial target stand. This stand comes with the backstop already built in, and the stand can be moved around as needed. Setting it up takes only a few minutes, but it is one of the more expensive backstop options.
If your backyard has a wooden fence, you already have a backstop. However, there are two drawbacks to using this option. The wooden fence may damage the arrows, and the noise of the arrows hitting the fence bothers many people. Consider installing a rubber mat over the fence to reduce noise and the risk of arrow damage.
Manufacturers make nets designed to stop arrows. Again, this option can be costly. Consider different sizes to find the one that best meets your needs while remaining within your budget.
A final option is to build a wall made of wood or concrete. This wall will serve us both as an affordable and effective backstop. However, you must ensure that it is thick enough that arrows cannot penetrate.
Setting Up Your Targets
After completing the backstop, it’s time to set up some targets. You may choose from a wide range of targets, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Knowing the pros and cons makes it easy to choose a target that best suits your needs. However, you always have the option of switching out targets to get different types of practice.
Many people use paper targets because they are inexpensive and can be replaced effortlessly when they wear out. However, some people are choosing to switch to foam targets because they are quieter than paper targets. They can withstand multiple arrow impacts, meaning they don’t have to be replaced as frequently. Individuals who hunt may want to invest in 3D targets that resemble their preferred prey. Hitting one of these targets can be challenging, so a person looking to advance their skills may wish to invest in one or more 3D versions.
The target’s size is also a consideration. Beginners typically opt for larger targets and place them at shorter distances. As their skills improve, they can decrease the size of the targets they use while increasing the distance.
The goal is to find a target that will stop the arrow cleanly without harming it. When purchasing targets, consider the bow’s draw weight to ensure the target will be able to stop the arrow. You don’t want to penetrate the target. Furthermore, you should inspect and rotate your targets routinely to extend their lifespan.
Safety Considerations
Every archer must prioritize safety. Arrow retrievers are a wonderful thing to have when an errant arrow lands in a difficult-to-reach place. Every archer should wear protective gear when shooting, including arm guards, and the finger tab or release aid. However, the best safety gear cannot protect a person if they do not use the proper shooting form. This form is needed for accurate and safe arrow launches.
Establish a safe zone for the archery range. Lay out the shooting area and clearly mark it so others know not to walk into the line of fire. A visual marker or rope is needed to designate the shooting line, and only active archers should be on or near this line.
In addition to marking the shooting line, establish a waiting line that will keep others at a safe distance when the arrow is in flight. Furthermore, ensure there is a minimum of 20 yards behind the targets to catch any arrows. Mark this area off so people know not to enter it.
Never shoot in the direction of a road or sidewalk. Confirm everyone is familiar with the shooting range’s boundaries so they don’t accidentally wander into the line of fire. Furthermore, ensure this area is away from busy areas of the property so no one is unintentionally harmed.
Always check the weather conditions before heading out to the range. A person should never practice when it is windy or stormy outside. The wind could deflect the arrow, causing unintentional property damage or bodily injury. Lightning also poses a serious risk.
Additional Features to Consider
Once the basics are in place, you can customize the archery range to meet your unique needs. Install lighting so you can practice at dusk and after dark. Ensure the lights illuminate the targets. You may wish to set up a shed or other storage building for your equipment to ensure it remains organized and protected, and you may want to have a gazebo or other covered shelter to provide you with shade and protection from the sun, rain, and more.
Maintaining the Range
Once the range is ready for use, your work is not done. You must maintain it to ensure it is safe for you and meets your needs. Inspect the backstop routinely to verify it has not sustained damage or is failing due to wear and tear. Confirm that no debris or clutter could interfere with your practice and examine all equipment for loose bolts, screws, or other damage.
Archery is an activity anyone can enjoy, regardless of age, skill level, or physical ability. People who engage in this hobby find that it provides stress relief by allowing them to get exercise. Regular practice is needed to improve one’s skills, because archery can be challenging. A backyard range makes it easy to get into a routine of practicing.
You may choose to start with a basic range and expand over time. However, you can also go all out when building this range. It depends on your budget, your level of interest in this activity, and the availability of land. With planning and dedication, you can create a personalized archery range that meets your needs and lasts for years to come.
About The Author
ROB LEE
