I have a new 3d range and need some help.

[BigJim]

I just finished setting up a 60 target(30) station 3d range on my property and am considering opening it up to the public.
It is a pretty cool range with most all the different animals including some african and all is set in a nice realistic yet challenging backround.
I have only been to a tournament course and am not familiar with how the ranges operate normally.
What do they charge ?(average), are there memberships?, are they only open on certain days?, what are some of there rules?, etc..
Thank you for any help, BigJim

[Killdeer]

Insurance.

Killdeer  :(

[ncboman]

first think perhaps to consider is the price of a million dollar blanket liability ins policy.

[ncboman]

Hi Killey,  

crossposted but great minds ...

[von]

Big Jim , I belong to a club , we hold 3D shoots once a month ( twice a month as hunting season nears) our shoots are reasonable $6 for members $8 for non members cubs are free. Sure there are rules , have stakes for all classes especially women and cubs . The stakes are at different ranges and different colors for the different classes , Some part of the body has to touch the stake and only one arrow per target (otherwise you'll be replacing targets often! scores super kill 10 kill 8 wound 5 miss 0 . Or you could go to the old scoring system which the compound guys hated super kill 3 kill 2 wound -2  that one really seperates the men from the boys . remember an important issue , keep your targets at hunting ranges and keep things interesting , mostly hunters will use your course and are not going to come back if the targets are all longe range shots that no one would normally take . The 3D archery shoots have been off the last few years in our area many shoots and clubs are struggling financially because of the fact most have a couple targets in their back yard . hope this helps.

[Shakes.602]

Keep a Lawyer on Retainer too. Have Waivers they Sign, or they Dont Shoot. CYA!!

[BigJim]

Good info, keep it coming.
Insurance I have. We shoot a little quail around here and my insurance man takes part in everything I do related to hunting on the property.
I'm not trying to make a living off of the range. It will be there weather or not I open it up to others. It would however be nice to recoup a little money to replace targets and to improve the course. Ultimately trying to  meet more people who like to shoot bow. I know a few but would be nice to meet more.
thanks, bigjim

[bentpole]

Most important thing is what Killy and ncboman stated.Now days in this society we have everyone is "sue" happy.I belonged to a club over 10 years ago. Each member had their own key to the building so you could go and shoot anytime you wanted. Then twice a year they set up 3-D shoots and members payed reduced rates non members paid say 20.00 members paid 8.00. This was to cover wear and tear on the targets.It was around 4 to 6 weeks long.  . We actually had four man teams averaged the scores of each team to pick the winners.At that time it was 175.00 a year but like I said it was 10 years ago if not more.They even had game dinners once a year again members paid reduced fees. Scoring was 10,8 and 5 if you didn't hit inside one of the rings on the target no score.Targets have to be shuffled every week. Members have to get involved.Hope I helped a little GOOD LUCK!

[Talondale]

There's a 3D course near me that has 32 targets winding through woods and field edges.  It has a honor system lockbox for after hours shooters. $5 for a round.  They have a mailbox with waiver forms and scorecards/pencils.  Course is closed weekends of tournaments. Don't know what membership fees are.

[MI_Bowhunter]

As others have said, Insurance, insurnace, insurance and have a lawyer handy.

At my archery club we make everyone on the course, shooting or not, sign a waiver.  If someone gets hurt, even if they signed the waiver, we could still be sued.  Sad but true.

Not trying to discourage you but consult with your insurance company and/or a Lawyer before you decide.

[Jeff Strubberg]

Gonna go against the grain here and say be careful about buying liability insurance.

Injury liability insurance goes by the name of bait in legal circles.  You can land yoruself in a pile of lawsuits just because ambulance chasers find out you are insured.  Spend $200 and ask a lawyer (not an injury lawyer!) in your area about this before you buy a policy.

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

Can you bypass the insurance issue by having people sign a waiver saying that the owner is not responsible for anything that happens?