TALLADEGA, Ala. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Archery Range at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama is gaining popularity. After over a year-and-a-half in operation, having opened in 2021, word of the range’s existence is starting to get around.
“The range is seeing new shooters coming into the park for the first time,” said William Chapman, Talladega archery supervisor.
Depending on the weather, which can be temperamental in Alabama during the early season, Talladega sees an influx of guests coming to the park to check out the Archery Range. Staff members are even seeing those who visit Talladega for rifle, pistol or shotgun picking up a bow to give archery a try.
“Just about anyone who likes to shoot archery can use our facilities at the park,” Chapman said. “Starting at 6 years of age, we can find a class for almost any person. We’ve even seen individuals at 80 years old out here on the Archery Range.”
The 3D Archery Range at Talladega Marksmanship Park is located on the shotgun side of the grounds and outfitted with 20 lanes of life-size 3D targets, specially painted to look like live animals in their natural habitat. The foam Delta-McKenzie targets are designed to fit along pathways set between the trees of Talladega’s terrain and can be arranged from 15 to 50 yards. The archery area also contains a 30×60-yard practice range.
“We’ve seen almost every customer come to shoot archery more than one or two times,” Chapman said. “Most of the customers come to get some practice before hunting season, and we have some that come and get ready for tournament shoots.”
For those who have never tried archery before but are interested, CMP staff members are working on assembling a Basic Archery Class that will be offered to the public in the near future. Soon, those who have always wanted to learn archery but didn’t know where to start will have the opportunity to fulfill that dream in a safe, fun and welcoming environment.
Currently, Talladega offers bows for youth who want to try archery for the first time, with trained staff members on-site to help them through.
“Adults are also able to get some help, but the equipment is more geared to youth,” Chapman explained.
Outside of everyday use, Talladega hosts its own monthly 3D Archery Tournaments that are open to the public – with both new and experienced individuals welcome to compete. Those interested will only need a bow and at least one arrow, though typically more than one arrow will be needed for those wanting to finish a round.
Each tournament follows ASA (Archery Shooters Association) Rules and uses professional Delta McKenzie Targets. Tournaments are held over two days to allow individuals to choose one day to complete his or her 20 total targets for score. Points from the ASA State feed into the Alabama ASA State Shooter of the Year Program.
Using the archery range is $12.50 per person, while tournament costs range from $15 to $25. Upcoming 3D Archery events in 2023 include: April 22-23, June 24-25, Aug. 19-20, Sept. 16-17 and Oct. 7-8.
“We try to make sure that our customers come first, and we do our best to ensure that they have an enjoyable time while here at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park,” Chapman added. “We hope to grow CMP Archery to new levels as we get bigger. I feel that we are going to see big things to come in the future.”
The Archery Range at Talladega is open during regular park hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info on Talladega’s Archery events may be found on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/archery/. Questions may be directed to William Chapman at 256-474-4408 ext. 421 or wchapman@thecmp.org.
About the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park:
Aptly named “The Home of Marksmanship,” the park is a worthy destination for firearm supporters and guests looking for practice, competition and mindful learning opportunities. Featuring CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery events all year long. The CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills in the field of over 100 steel targets, out to 625 yards, and provides even more marksmanship fun at the Park.
The public is welcome daily, all year long, to test out their firearms or to simply take a tour of the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop that includes an exclusive collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
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The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
