BEFORE YOU REGISTER, READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES BELOW!!

Due to the relaxation of COVID safety rules we are increasing the numbers of archery participants on the field. We strongly recommend that you preregister to ensure that you have a space to participate (we will hold your space for 30 minutes after the start time). Drop ins will be allowed until we reach our field limit.

Thank You
Dr. William Cole Ph.D.
Archery Program Manager
USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources–Department of Fish and Wildlife

SHOOTING RANGE RULES

Traditionally, courtesy and safety have been part of the heritage of archery. While any shooting is in progress, individuals should always try to be aware of the rights and feelings of the rest of the group they are either shooting with or watching. Additionally, we are now very concerned with the bio safety of all participants. Social Distancing and personal health must now also be taken into consideration. The Division of Fish and Wildlife reserves the right to revoke usage privilege to any individual who does not comply with the Archery Range Rules.

To this end, here are some things you should be aware of:

Preparation:

During the “Yellow – Safer At Home” phased re-opening of the local economy, the Isaac Gateword James Park Archery Range will be open for practice from 2 to 5 Saturday and Sunday. Check the St. Croix Archery web site for lane availability and updates. Until we are “Green – New Normal”, there will be a maximum of 10 persons on the field at any one time. (One range officer/instructor and 9 participants.). This means there will be 9 open lanes in which to practice. Targets will have a 15 foot separation. To participate please:

• Sign up (on line) for a practice lane, (sign ups are in 90 minute blocks). You can sign up for practice lanes no earlier than 36 hours before practice. (one person per target)
• You must bring a face mask with you. Face masks must be worn while at the Isaac Gateword James Park.
• All public equipment (bow, arrows, arm guards, finger tabs, finger slings, etc.) shall be cleaned (disinfected) by the archer both prior to and after use.
• Please follow walking guidelines to get to and from your shooting lane (when possible walk in front of the waiting line when leaving, and behind the waiting line when approaching your lane).
• Please maintain at least a six foot separation with others whenever possible.

Setting up:

• Make sure you know where the first-aid kit is located.
• Make sure your cellphone battery is charged so you can call for help in case an accident were to occur. Please set your phone to vibrate when on the range.
• Take off your watch and/or jewelry before you begin shooting.
• It’s strongly recommended that you wear an arm guard.
• Your personal equipment must be inspected and maintained by you for safe operation. Range officers or instructors may make spot safety checks on your equipment.
  • Always check arrows for cracks or splintering before your shooting session.
  • Make it a habit to always check the bow limbs for any damage before you start shooting.
  • If you notice signs of wear on the string (for example separation of the string serving), replace it immediately – do not wait for it to become completely non-operational.
  • Make sure your string is waxed regularly (if unsure of how often to do it, wax the string once every 100 arrows shot)
• Always use a bow-stringer when stringing your bow.
• Forbidden items on the range: vehicles (except for range set up and take down), firearms, crossbows, fixed or mechanical broadhead arrows, alcohol, or drugs, negative attitude.

Shooting:

• Listen carefully to commands given by your Range Officer. If you can’t hear them, ask the Range Officer to speak louder. The range commands used in the USVI are:
  • “Archers to the line” (you may have your bow on the line, but arrows are kept in the quiver). (One – Whistle)
  • “The range is live” (you may knock an arrow but not shoot it yet).
  • “You may start shooting” (you may start shooting at your target). (Two whistles)
  • **“Stop, bows down” (cease all activity, put bows and arrows on the ground). (4 or more Whistles). (This is an emergency command) **
  • “Bows down, range is safe” (put your bow on the ground or a rack. Stand back from the shooting line. Range Officer will check to make sure the range is safe).
  • “you may go get your arrows” (you may walk down range and collect your arrows.) (3 whistles)
• Never point your bow at anyone, even if there’s no arrow drawn (this is important for creating proper shooting habits).
• Shoot only from distances where you are likely to hit the target. Select a closer target if you can not hit the target.
• All shooting will be from the marked shooting line.
• Only straight in-lane shooting is permitted. No crossing, roving or clout shots.
• Shoot only 6 arrows, more are allowed only with permission of the range officer, and you are not holding up other archers.
• Do not nock an arrow until everyone is on or behind the shooting line and the range officer indicates that it is safe to do so.
• Keep your arrow aimed towards the ground as you nock it.
• Never over-draw your bow (over-drawing is when you pull the string further than the actual length of your arrow or anchor point). This can result in serious injury and can damage to your equipment.
• Never draw above the top of your target butt or fire the arrow high into the air as you cannot predict where it’s going to land.
• When you have shot your 6 arrows, step back to the waiting line to give the other archers a chance to complete their end. You must be behind the waiting line. This is for your safety and will allow the Range Officer to see who has yet to complete the end.
• Never dry fire your bow (pulling and releasing the string without an arrow nocked); this will be dangerous to both you and your recurve.
• Never cross the shooting line until the Range Officer gives a clear command for everyone enter the range to retrieve their arrows downrange.
• If you drop anything in front of the shooting line do not retrieve it until the command has been given for everyone to stop shooting.
• Make sure no one is standing immediately behind you when pulling out an arrow from the target, as you could accidentally hurt them when forcefully pulling the arrow out.
• Never run while retrieving your arrows; you could hurt yourself with an arrow lodged in the ground, or fail to stop in time and hurt yourself with the arrows lodged in the target (yes, it happens).
• If you hear the command “STOP” or “3 whistles” do not shoot an arrow even if it’s already nocked and the bow is drawn.
• Finish each shooting session by un-stringing your recurve bow.

RANGE ETIQUETTE:

• Don’t talk on the line or distract other archers in anyway during the shooting of the end. However, visitors should be allowed to talk in a normal manner behind the waiting line (In competition, there is an area 2 meters from the shooting line called “the waiting line”). This will reproduce the same atmosphere you will find at a tournament, will permit the visitors to enjoy their visit to the range, and maintain range safety.
• Have an encouraging remark to pass rather than a negative, or sarcastic one.
• When you shoot an arrow you are not happy with, do not abuse your own shooting as this may upset or distract others.
• Help others look for lost arrows (maintain your 6 foot buffer with others). You may lose one of your own one day.
• Archers should walk, not run, on the shooting range.
• Respect the other arrows in the target while you are pulling your own.
• Do not touch the equipment of other archers without their permission.
• Please help set up, take down, and clean up.
• Above all, be a good sport, have fun, and remember: it’s not the winning that counts, but the participation and competing fairly.

Photo/Video Release:

By registering for this event hereby grant St Croix Archery Facebook Page, viarchery.org website, TABISDCVI LLC or USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources–Department of Fish and Wildlife permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration.

I understand and agree that all photos will become the property of St Croix Archery Facebook Page, viarchery.org website, TABISDCVI LLC or USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources–Department of Fish and Wildlife and will not be returned.

I hereby irrevocably authorize St Croix Archery Facebook Page, viarchery.org website, TABISDCVI LLC or USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources–Department of Fish and Wildlife to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo.

I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge St Croix Archery Facebook Page, viarchery.org website, TABISDCVI LLC or USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources–Department of Fish and Wildlife from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE PHOTO RELEASE. I AFFIRM THAT I AM AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE, OR, IF I AM UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, I HAVE OBTAINED THE REQUIRED CONSENT OF MY PARENTS/GUARDIANS.