Archery club invites families, kids and friends to 3D shoot this weekend

BLACKFOOT — A local archery club is inviting the community to an upcoming event this weekend in hopes that people will have an enjoyable time and know what the club has to offer. 

Blackfoot River Bowmen, an archery club and range at 365 Archery Range Road in Rose, will host the “Bob Tieken Spring Fling Shoot” on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

“This shoot is just a for-fun shoot. People can show up, pay to shoot, and then go out. We’ll have two big 20-target courses that have all 3D animal targets on them located on the river here. There’s really no competition. People can just go shoot with their friends,” said Dallin Waddoups, president of the nonprofit. “It’s fun for families and we have a lot of kids that will come shoot.”

The shoot costs vary depending on whether you are a member. For example, if you are a member over 17, it costs $10. If you aren’t a member, it costs $30.

“You don’t have to be a member to come, but we encourage people to buy a membership because they can shoot cheaper, and when they buy their membership at the shoot, they actually shoot for free that day,” he said.

Waddoups has been a member of the club for at least 15 years. He grew up going to shoots when he was really young and has enjoyed it. His father got him into archery. 

“He archery hunted for a long time, and I wanted to hunt with him,” he said. “Eventually, I got into shooting tournaments and shooting competitively because I went to a local tournament and did pretty decent. I figured that could be something that I would really enjoy.”

Click here to learn more about different shoots that are offered throughout the year. 

The club was established in 1976, according to its website online. It offers an indoor range that members can access. It is a 20-yard indoor facility that can accommodate up to 20 shooters. At the end of last year,  the club had about 800 members, Waddoups said. Click here for membership pricing information.

There are three walk-around courses that are open to the public. Waddoups explained there are 14 target courses that are free. 

“They are 2D animal targets. It’s a good time. It’s scenic. We are right next to the river and people can go and just enjoy them,” he said. 

The ranges are open 24/7. There aren’t rentals at the range, but local archery shops can let people demo bows or rent them to get the experience, Waddoups told EastIdahoNews.com.

There’s a classroom at the range where hunter education classes are offered through Idaho Fish and Game. And there are even big game awards too if you harvest a big game animal in Idaho with your bow. 

Whether you want to discover if you have a passion for archery or just want to have a good time, he encourages people to give the 3D shoot a try this weekend. 

“With archery, I love that it’s such a good sport that brings people together, and then also it’s really rewarding. You work really hard to get good. Everyone wants that perfect arrow that lands right in the middle,” he added. 

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