The purpose of this project is provide safe, accessible public archery opportunities in new york to increase participation in shooting sports and improve proficiency of NY s bowhunters

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) of New York was awarded a $3,317,170.61 Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education program (CFDA 15.611). The purpose of this grant is to provide safe, accessible public archery opportunities in New York to increase participation in shooting sports and improve proficiency of the state's bowhunters.

To achieve this, DEC will use the grant funding, along with non-federal sources, to construct a network of up to 13 public archery ranges across the state's Wildlife Management Area system and on lands of partner municipalities and organizations. The ranges will be designed to prioritize user and non-user safety, offer target opportunities from 5 to 50 yards, and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. DEC will maintain and operate the archery ranges constructed on Wildlife Management Areas, while partner entities will be responsible for operation and maintenance of ranges on their lands through written agreements. The grant period is from August 15, 2024 to July 31, 2029.

To this end, the department of environmental conservation (DEC) will use funding from the wildlife restoration act enhanced hunter education and safety program as well as non-federal sources to construct a network of public archery ranges on NY s wildlife management area system and lands of partner municipalities and organizations. This network will consist of up to thirteen archery ranges (one existing and up to 12 new ranges) distributed across the state each range will utilize a standard design that prioritizes user and non-user safety, provides target opportunities from 5 to 50 yards, and may include optional enhancements such as an elevated shooting platform that will be added when and where feasible. The ranges will adhere to accessibility guidelines set forth by the americans with disabilities act. DEC will maintain and operate the archery ranges constructed on wmas throughout their useful life using funding from an existing pittman-robertson grant, w-184-d-2 administration of the NYS wildlife management area system, whereas operation and maintenance responsibilities at ranges constructed on partner lands will be established through written agreements with the partner entities.