Awesome Setting for New Northwest Montana Public Archery Range

Just across the road from a state park that lies on the shores of one of Montana's jewels, its opening has been officially announced.

Yep. The result of a project that's been in the works for a period of time is that archery shooters now have a new range along Flathead Lake. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has completed development of its public archery range at the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park. FWP recently hosted a grand opening ceremony with Governor Greg Gianforte, members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department and Tribal Council, and members of the Dayton Elementary School archery team (more on that shortly).

AMENITIES

The archery range includes a gravel parking lot, a vault latrine, and a 30’ x 15’ covered firing line. Also, a range trail with 12 shooting stations spreads across approximately 35 acres overlooking Flathead Lake.

Montana FWP says the new range will be a place where both new and experienced archery shooters can spend time practicing and becoming better with their bows. The range is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There are no reservation or use fees.

The Big Arm park unit of Flathead Lake State Park is located 15 miles north of Polson on U.S. Highway 93 on Big Arm Bay along the west side of Flathead Lake. The park offers views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, as well as Wild Horse Island. In addition to the new archery range, the park offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM

The Big Arm Range will provide an excellent opportunity for archery programs for children and adults. Montana has a growing number of schools like Dayton Elementary  participating in the program that emphasize the importance of bowhunter education. More details on the NASP can be found here.

As with any facility like this in such a pristine and treasured area, here's hoping it receives the care and respect it deserves.