Archery Range In City Of Shakopee - A Bullseye Partnership

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

June 12, 2020

Looking for a new outdoor activity? You don't have to travel far to perfect your aim thanks to a partnership among the Minnesota River Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the City of Shakopee.

Located off Highway 101, north of the Minnesota River, the city's archery range was developed in 2007 through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who owns the property.

The deer hunters association helped clear and build the range. Volunteers mow the range, supply and upkeep targets and set up and take down targets during the season and times of flooding.

"It's turned out to be the perfect location—other than dealing with floods now and then," said Minnesota River Valley Chapter member Wes McFarlane.

The Public Works Department helps maintain access to the range with a blacktop parking lot near the boat launch, grading of the gravel road that leads to archery range parking area and picking up garbage weekly. Public Works also assists with flood control and cleanup. The association and Public Works partner on addressing issues of vandalism, such as graffiti, and repairing areas where trucks may damage the range during times of high water.

Both teams helped with construction of the range's park shelter. Public Works prepared the foundation while the association provided and installed the structure.

The deer hunters association relies on volunteers and fundraising to maintain the range. While it's a lot of work, McFarlane credits the association's relationship with the city for keeping the range operational.

"We are proud of the range," McFarlane said. "We hope that the people who use it enjoy it."

Learn more about the range on the city website at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parks. You can also learn more about the deer hunters association on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDHArivervalley.

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2020 Hometown Messenger.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.