Possible weekend trad. shoots, just testing the waters

[moleman]

Well folks, ive done some research and found a nice state managed range, and done some insurance research and found that I could possibly put some weekend trad. shoots together at a low cost..
Heres my dilemma , the cost of targets. Since most of my cost will be out of pocket for starters Im posing this question to the Gang.
For starters I was considering the " U-Stuff it" style targets, very durable, lifelike to a point and cost effective.
Would this style of target be a big turn off to weekend trad. shooters?  

[mjh]

Cost dependent??  How much are you going to charge to shoot at bag targets?  How many?  $5 or $10???   Anything more and you had better have regular 3d quality targets.  Just my .02 for what it is worth.  What other reasons would shooters have to come to your range??

[Craig]

I would say if it's Trad only most guys wouldn't mind. It's a Trad get together.
shoot,eat and talk trad.

[Bud B.]

Is it possible to partner with another range and maybe use their targets an split proceeds until you build enough to buy your own?

Sometimes after a big shoot the event holders sell the targets used for the shoot at a reduced rate. Our club (not a trad only club) has bought a 20 target course in that manner. Yes, the targets are torn up by the compounders, but it's a start. Usually the opposite side of the targets are good and unshot.

[Bud B.]

And yes, just to get together and shoot targets and the bull is always good.

[skychief]

My friends and I would shoot stuffed targets if set well.

[moleman]

" What other reasons would shooters have to come to your range?" As stated above.
How about a social gathering where folks who enjoy traditional archery, can come together, and shoot to the best of there ability for score or fun.
I remember the days of shooting at 2D targets and everyone had a great time, not because of the high quality of the targets but rather the coming together as hunters and shooters.

[gregg dudley]

The cost of 3D targets that will withstand tournament shooting is through the roof.  I am seeing a lot of clubs shoot targets long past the point where they would have previously replaced them because the cost is so prohibitive.

After looking at the old Grayling thread that was recently resurrected I think that a quality 2D course set could attract shooters.  I would not have said that before I saw the pictures of their targets.  

It is just like anything else in that you have to sell whatever it is you are providing. A lot of recreational 3D shoots are $15 or less.  Heck, I shoot a homegrown 3D course every other week that has 20 beat up old targets that you can shoot as much as you want and you get lunch included for $5!  There are 20-30 people there most times.  

If you are doing something different that is perceived as "less" you better stick a hamburger in their hands or charge them less.

[old_goat2]

Originally posted by gregg dudley:
The cost of 3D targets that will withstand tournament shooting is through the roof.  I am seeing a lot of clubs shoot targets long past the point where they would have previously replaced them because the cost is so prohibitive.

After looking at the old Grayling thread that was recently resurrected I think that a quality 2D course set could attract shooters.  I would not have said that before I saw the pictures of their targets.  

It is just like anything else in that you have to sell whatever it is you are providing. A lot of recreational 3D shoots are $15 or less.  Heck, I shoot a homegrown 3D course every other week that has 20 beat up old targets that you can shoot as much as you want and you get lunch included for $5!  There are 20-30 people there most times.  

If you are doing something different that is perceived as "less" you better stick a hamburger in their hands or charge them less.

after reading this post, I went back to the grayling thread, quit reading it after the first few posts first time I looked at it this morning, this time I went far enough to find the pictures of the 2d targets. WOW! Those are some pretty cool 2d targets, I'd pay a little to go shoot them in the right setting, I think that would be key!

[tecum-tha]

I don't understand the need for "more" shoots. There are already a myriad of shoots in Indiana.
More and more "traditional only" too. Most "normal" shoots will have a traditional stake set out. All you have to do is to meet up with some other traditional shooters and shoot the course. Most "modern arrow launching equipment" shooters let you shoot trough.
More and more shoots only divide the "fund" cake in too many pieces that sooner or later the ranges can no longer survive.
Within 1 hour drive I can virtually shoot every weekend. Always full 3D and always targets in excellent shape.
My archery club has about 90 3D in very good shape, if one is shot up, it will be replaced.
The shot up targets are for sale and I have two in my backyard for training. They are still good for a season or two of hunting training.
As to money for "U-Stuff-it" targets: $5 max. You pay $10 for a 3D round where every target is in excellent shape...

[T Lail]

Tecum-tha, cut the boy some slack........never will their be too many traditional shoots......maybe he is like me and does not like the so called "normal shoots".......no disrespect to you, but a lot of us prefer trad only shoots.....be glad you can shoot somewhere every weekend....when we started 40 years ago we shot paper attached to straw bales......over the last twenty years or so we have all been spoiled to the 3-D life......jmho  

[Red Beastmaster]

Yeah, most archers are spoiled.

 We about went nuts the first time we saw a 3-D target! A local club had the normal paper animal targets on straw bales but included a deer and a standing bear as a surprise toward the end! That was a long time ago.

I actually miss the old bales and paper targets. No one ever had to look for lost arrows, and many of the targets were set up to shoot multiple arrows as you walked up.

[Friend]

May wish to consider contacting Big Jim concerning 3D target Blems.

[B.Finder]

Are there any trad shooters in your area?

[B.Finder]

I shoot the same shoots thet Gregg Dudly is talking about. I would still go if we were shooting bag targets...heck the targets at Long Hammock are so shot out, I got a complete pass through today on a mule deer!

I go for the comrodery...and the guys at the shoot gregg is talking about are all huntersd and fishermen and the lunch that is provided is always great.

I think if you have a nice place, people that would come, charge $5.00 or $10.00 per person and bring a covered dish, or at least something to eat, that it would be a sucess.

[moleman]

Thanks to all for your comments.
I think ill keep the idea alive for next yr., even though there a number of folks, that feel that shooting at 3 grand worth of targets, trumps getting a bunch of traditional shooters together for an afternoon of challenge, comradery and fun, where the price to shoot would not be much more than the price of simply showing up.
Call me old fashioned, but the monetary value of targets and awards will never match the value and joy of bringing like minded folks and friends together for an afternoon of good sporting fun and enjoyment.

[B.Finder]

I say set it up stuff your targets, plan on cooking some good food, advertize it and see what it turns in to.

If I lived closer I would show up!  

[moleman]

B.Finder, Im optimistic that good things will happen, so what the hey...I think im gonna give it a try, but if it fails Ill have about 20 good targets to beat the tar out of in my woods.  
Once I get things rolling I will for sure post.