August 7, 2007

To: Members of the Austin Archery Club
From: David Knobles, President
Subject: Static Range

The City of Austin has mandated that we move the static range in a manner that would keep arrows from landing on private property. Unfortunately a very small minority of individuals violating our no sky-drawing policy caused this. Over the past 48 hours, the static range has been modified. It now consists of two separate shooting areas. The first area is located at the same place as the old range, except that it has been rotated by 90 degrees where one shoots from east to west. The distances have been measured and a shooting line has been erected with distances in yards painted on concrete. For this first range, the distances lie between 20 and 35 yards. A drawback of this range is that sun becomes an issue late in the day. A second range is located behind the clubhouse and has targets at 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards. Here one is shooting from north to south. Again, the distances have been measured and marked.

So the good news is that we are back in business. With the two ranges we have addressed the concern of the City, preserved parking space, and have addressed safety issues on club property. We will close down one of the ranges on the day of a tournament depending on where we set up the targets. Overall, the ranges are in C- shape. There is significant work that remains to get our two static ranges to a condition expected by our members. We have to build two backstops. This is an area where we need volunteers very badly. Also, the ground on the range behind the clubhouse needs to be leveled and may require equipment heavier than a bobcat. We will need to build tables and bow racks. Therefore I am looking for volunteers. Once I get a critical mass of volunteers, we can schedule a few workdays. Finally I want to remind all members of the importance of observing the ban on sky-drawing. It is a critical issue of safety. An arrow can easily travel 300+ yards. Anyone caught will be expelled from the club permanently.

David Knobles
President