TALLADEGA, Ala. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) archery range at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama is gaining popularity. After more than a year and a half in operation, having opened in 2021, word is beginning to spread about the existence of the range.
“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 visitors who come to the park to see the archery range. Staff members are even seeing those who visit Talladega for a rifle, pistol or shotgun pick up a bow to try their hand at archery.
“Almost anyone who likes to practice archery can use our facilities at the park,” Chapman said. “From the age of 6 we can find a class for almost anyone. We have even seen 80-year-olds here at the archery range.”
The 3D Archery Range at Talladega Marksmanship Park is located on the shotgun side of the grounds and is equipped with 20 lanes of life-size 3D targets, specially painted to resemble live animals in their natural habitat. Delta-McKenzie foam targets are designed to fit along established paths among the trees on the Talladega grounds and can be placed from 15 to 50 yards. The archery area also contains a 30 × 60-yard driving range.
“We’ve seen almost every customer come in for archery more than once or twice,” Chapman said. “Most of the clients come in to practice before hunting season, and we have some that come in and prepare for tournaments.”
For those who have never tried archery before but are interested, CMP staff members are working to organize a basic archery class that will be offered to the public in the near future. Very soon, those who have always wanted to learn archery but did not know where to start will have the opportunity to fulfill that dream in a safe, fun and welcoming environment.
Talladega currently offers bows for youth trying archery for the first time, with trained staff on site to assist them.
“Adults can get help too, but the team is more youth-oriented,” Chapman explained.
Outside of daily 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, although more than one arrow will usually be needed for those who want to finish a round.
Each tournament follows ASA (Archery Association) rules and uses professional Delta McKenzie targets. Tournaments are held over two days to allow people to choose a day to complete their 20 total scoring goals. ASA State points feed into the Alabama ASA State Shooter of the Year program.
Using the archery range costs $12.50 per person, while tournament costs range from $15-$25. Upcoming 3D Archery events in 2023 include: April 22-23, April 24-25. June, August 19 and 20, September 16 and 17 and October 7 and 8.
“We try to make sure our customers come first, and we do everything we can to make sure they have an enjoyable time while they’re here at CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park,” added Chapman. “We look forward to growing CMP Archery to new levels as we grow. I feel like we’re going to see great things to come in the future.”
The Talladega Archery Range is open during regular park hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm More information on archery events can be found at Talladega on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/archery/. Questions can be directed to William Chapman at 256-474-4408 ext. 421 or [email protected].
About the CMP Talladega Shooting Range:
Aptly named “The Home of Marksmanship,” the park is a worthy destination for firearms supporters and visitors seeking opportunities to practice, compete, and mindfully learn. With CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors found throughout the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery events throughout the year. CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills on the range of more than 100 steel targets, up to 625 yards, and provides even more shooting fun in the park.
The public is welcome every day, year-round, to try out their firearms or simply take a tour of the grounds. Out of the line of fire, the Clubhouse features a fully stocked Pro Shop featuring an exclusive collection of CMP rifles, ammunition, marksmanship and memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.
Watch a video about our archery range at https://youtu.be/1hV2e7jVZCg.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.