I wish there were other Trad dealers in Southern Maine.
Original Poster asked; Is it moral to pay to use your dealers range and not buy from him? I think so. If the range was free, then it would be different. If your dealer is an HONEST person trying to make an honest buck, I say stick with him and Give Thanks! There is a learning curve in everything, and if he is trustworthy, give him a chance. If your dealer is in Southern Maine, please PM me, as I may want to swing by the next time I need arrows or glue.
I do my own tuning, etc. and buy supplies from 3-Rivers, Cabelas and Kittery Trading Post. And I have a "Trad" dealer (although he primarily sells compounds and lies), right across the street. Why not support him you ask? I tried, but to start with... his work was off, made "custom" strings that were either an inch too long or an inch or more too short. He even tried to sell me a fast flight string for an old 60's Ben Pearson recurve, he didn't know the difference between fast flight and B-50 Dacron until I told him. A real "Custom" shop, if BS can be scaled and measured! The final straw was when he scammed an elderly man out of 2 vintage Bear bows and then bragged to me about the lies he told to get them for free, and then he wanted ME to sell the bows for him on #-Bay, so none of the customers at his shop would see them for sale and go back and tell the old man!!! I was steamed! His True Colors showed. I have not spoken to that SOB since that day. Honesty and integrity are everything, and I refuse to support or deal with a liar and a con artist. I was setting up and tuning Traditional tackle myself before I foolishly tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and my $$$ (due to his well known reputation as a poacher), and I'm much happier now I'm doing it myself again... and it is done right. And I don't cross the street questioning my ethics and morals for dealing with the loud mouthed, crooked little troll.
Moral of the story; when in doubt about a dealer's integrity (despite his smile and smooth talk), check with local law enforcement / game warden's, as they often have the inside story.