New outdoor archery range on target

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS --  Outdoor Recreation is set to unveil its new outdoor archery range here during a grand opening beginning at 11 a.m. Aug. 15.

"We're going to have Byron Ferguson, the world's greatest exhibition shooter, kicking things off with a demonstration," said Rachel Filkins, 5th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation manager. "He's a longbow hunter who does many trick shots. He does amazing things like throwing wedding rings in the air and shooting arrows through them. We're excited to have him here."

Ferguson will start off the day's events shooting alongside Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander.

Shortly thereafter an archery tournament will be held. Spectators are encouraged to come watch both the demonstration and the tournament.

The 15-target range offers a variety of 3-D animal targets set at varying distances to accommodate experienced and novice bowmen and women.

"We've got everything from elk, to moose, to caribou, to jackalope, raccoon, bear and turkeys." Filkins said. "We've got it all."

The highest range target is set at 50 yards but the range is designed for people of all skill levels.

"There are women's, children's, bow hunter-traditional and freestyle targets," Filkins said. "You can be a beginner or expert and have some fun. "

According to Filkins, the popularity of archery is skyrocketing at Minot AFB.

"This is just the beginning," Filkins said. "People are so excited about this. We already have 150 archery members. It's really picking up. People are very eager."

To use the archery range, individuals are required to obtain an archery membership with outdoor recreation. The fees are $25 for singles and $35 for a family. The annual fee gives people 24-hr access to the secluded range. In the winter, bowmen can use the indoor range and simulator. Anyone 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult when using the range.

The range is located near the south gate adjacent to the paintball field.

For more information on the archery range, contact Outdoor Recreation at 723-3648.