Archery Range Reopens After Safety Concerns Addressed and Fixed

(KNSI) – A central Minnesota archery range has reopened after being shut down for four months after arrows were found in a neighbor’s yard.

In October 2023, the range at Mississippi River County Park in Rice was closed due to errant arrows flying off course. Officials aren’t sure if it was caused by carelessness, improper bow use, or some other negligence, but it was decided to close the range out of an abundance of caution.

Staff spent months reviewing safety guidelines, best practices, rules and regulations from state statutes, recommendations by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and insurance requirements. An engineering firm was hired to conduct an independent review. The investigation showed the range complies with safety regulations; however, additional changes were made.

The county has constructed a dirt berm behind the archery bags to keep the arrows in the range. Archery lanes were moved closer together and at a different angle. Pergolas were installed at each archery station and signs were added to remind archers that bows must be drawn so arrows are parallel to the ground.

Anyone who sees someone using the range improperly is asked to report the problem to the park office. The archery range is open from May to October.

___