Archery is a very safe sport and we have done our best to design a safe target and 3D archery course for all members, but it takes each archer to ensure that their movements and shooting activities do not present a danger to themselves or others. All members of a shooting group are responsible to monitor the shooting control and safety of all members in the group, as well as any other persons in the immediate area.
The 3D trail labeled Range F begins just past the SJRGC clubhouse and extends to the other side of the hydro line. The archery Target Range is located between traphouses B and C on the Range D and extends out to 90 m on the trap field.
No firearms are allowed on the archery range and on the trap field when archery is active.
Archers must sign the logbook in the clubhouse prior to commencement of shooting. There is a members log and a guest log. Guests who are non-members but with a member must sign the guest logbook and pay a $5 fee to cover expenses. Guests are allowed two visits to the club after which it is expected they will join as members.
Before shooting can begin, the RANGE IN USE/CLOSED sign on the entrance road must be in the IN USE position and the RED RANGE ACTIVE flags located at the entrance to the 3D trail (Range F) and on the pole line must be flown. When using the Target Range (Trap Range D), the flag by the clubhouse must be flown.
Before shooting begins, the Shoot Coordinator and or Range Safety Officers (RSO) must verify that all shooters are aware of and understand the Archery Range Operating and Range Safety Instructions.
The Shoot coordinator and or RSO may ask for shooting to cease if he/she identifies a safety concern
The Shoot Coordinator and or RSO has the right to not permit an individual to participate if it is felt that the individual in question is not safe or has violated any of the range safety rules.
In the event of an accident affecting persons and/or property, the RSO shall take any action deemed necessary at the time. Such action shall include the following:
In the case of an injury to an individual, apply first aid and if necessary seek medical attention
Notify the Chair of the archery committee
Notify the police, if necessary
General Safety Guidelines for all Archery Activities
Both the Target and 3D ranges have designated shooting lines or markers, never nock an arrow or draw your bow unless you are at these designated shooting positions.
Never carry your bow down range to collect your arrows. Bows must be hung on designated racks or left behind the shooting line at all times.
Only approved target/field points may be used on the ranges, no broadheads or blunt tips may be used. The committee will advise of a broadhead “sight-in” day later in the summer.
Crossbows are not permitted on the Target or 3D course.
All shooting must be contained in designated shooting stations and at approved targets only.
No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances may be carried or consumed on any range at any time. Any person under the influence, or any person deemed by a Range Safety Officer to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall not be permitted to handle or discharge a firearm.
Never point a bow and arrow at another person.
Never draw your bow or shoot an arrow up in the air or outside of any designated shooting station.
When drawing your bow you must keep your bow level with or below the height of your intended target. If you need to point your bow up in the air to draw it, you are pulling too much weight and you should lower the draw weight of your bow.
Wait for verbal commands like SAFE TO SHOOT from the designated safety officer or squad leader before taking the line or peg to shoot. Archers must wait behind the shooting line until all archers have finished shooting and the ALL CLEAR command is given.
When looking for missed arrows, one member of your group must stay in front of the target at all times to ensure that the next group does not start shooting. Be courteous to other archers and keep search time limited to two minutes.
Never run, always walk throughout the course and towards targets.
When pulling arrows from a target, always stand to one side and ensure that no one is directly behind you.
If a person or animal enters a safety zone while shooting, the CEASE FIRE command must be given. If you are at full draw when this command is heard, do not release your arrow, let down the string and remove the arrow.
Individuals under the age of 16 can only shoot while under the supervision of a parent, guardian or other designated responsible adult.
Avoid physical contact with an archer in the shooting position and never handle another archer’s equipment without permission.
Do not use any damaged equipment.
Smoking is not permitted on the Target or 3D courses. Please use designated smoking areas outside clubhouse.
Specific 3D Course Safety Rules
Whenever possible, the 3D course should be shot as a group of 2-4 people, try to avoid shooting the course alone.
All target stations are clearly numbered and identified and an overhead map of the course is posted in the clubhouse. If you are not certain of the layout please consult one of the committee members.
It is not necessary to begin your round on station #1; however, it is recommended that you complete your round in numerical order from the station you started on. Do not jump back and forth between stations.
Each group should have an appointed squad leader that is responsible for the overall safety and activities of that group, the squad leader will act as Range Safety Officer (RSO) for the duration of the round.
When looking for lost arrows, at least one member of the group has to stand in front of the target to ensure that the next group does not take the line and shoot.
At no time are bows to be carried to the targets, they must be hung on the hangers provided; this also notifies the next group that the range is in use and NOT CLEAR.
Do not leave the marked trail. Always return to the trail from the target and continue to the next station. Never take shortcuts to the next target station; you may cross into the danger zone of a nearby target.
Always stay together as a squad; never leave anyone behind to look for arrows or for any other reason.
When approaching a shooting station that is in use, please stay back far enough so that you do not disturb the group that is shooting. You must wait there until the group has moved to the next target station.
Specific Target Course Safety Rules
When archery is taking place on the trap field no firearms are allowed.
When the Target Range is in use the clubhouse flag must be flown and Station 1 on the Clays Trail (Range E) must be closed.
A sign indicating that Station 1 is closed should be placed by the Station 1 shooting stand.
