Archery Range Info
Welcome to The Issaquah Sportsmen's Club

Archery Range Info

TMA Youth Program

Tiger Mountain Archers Junior Olympic Archery Development Club (JOAD)

Please Download the JOAD handbook!

Also more information about the JOAD Program can be found here

The Issaquah Sportsmen's Club is a proud sponsor of the Tiger Mountain Archers youth archery program. We are a Junior Olympic Archery Program or better known as (JOAD). This program is open to all youth 7 years of age or older. Our goal is to provide a positive fun experience for young archers to enjoy the sport.

Wait List

I'm sorry to say that we now have a rather extensive waiting list. Please use the registration link in the menu to be added to the waiting list. We are looking at alternative ways to include more people in the program.

I encourage you to join the waiting list because I will alert you to other opportunities as they become available.

Please click here to fill out the wait list form.

(A google account is required; this will enable you to change your registration).

 

Note from Pat

 


I am the head Coach My name is Pat Moore. I am a National Archery Association certified Community Coach, often refereed to as. (Level 3). I am assisted by several Level 2 coaches and many more level one coaches. I highly encourage each of the parents to obtain at least a level one coaching certificate. Once the certificate is obtain I request that you actively participate in the instruction and safety monitoring of the youth archers.

 

We are not a daycare service. Should your child choose to participate you are expected to remain on the premises to help supervise your child's behavior and safeguard all the participants. I will be encouraging adults to also participate in all aspects of the sport: setting up, tearing down and yes shooting too.

 

Time Frame:
Our Archery year is from the First week of March to the first Wed of August.

Where we meet:
We will shoot at the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club. They have a covered roof and lights so we can shoot in the evenings. For directions please click the directions link to the left. Address 23600 S.E. Evans St, WA 98027, although this is a new address and does not show up correctly on many GPS units. In general the range is directly behind the Issaquah High school about 1/4 of a mile outside the downtown section of Issaquah.

Even with the roof and lights this is still an outdoor venue so dress appropriately. Youth should wear warm tight fitting jackets when possible. The club has a warming area if you get cold. In the summer time, Sunscreen and Bug Spray are a good idea.

Restrooms with indoor pluming too! We also have permission to use the club house as a meeting room for those nights when we have projects or demonstrations to do.

 

Nights that we meet:
We meet once a week with 2 separate classes either Tuesdays or Wednesday night. In the case of inclement weather If the Issaquah School District is closed for the day because of inclement weather we too will also be closed. (unless an email is sent stating otherwise)

 

Times:
Setup starts at 6:00pm and shooting starts between 6:30 and 6:45. we typically shoot for an hour but often stay as long as we have archers who are willing to shoot. If participation gets to high then we will split the shooting up into 2 sessions a 6:30 to 7:45 and an 8:00 to 9:15 sessions. If you can please show up at 6:00pm to help with the setup that would be great.

 

Cost:
This has become an ISC members only activity and only those who have been invited by coach Pat. So the only cost associated with the program is the cost of a family membership. This also will give you access to the Practice range during those times when the club is not meeting. It also will allow you to use the rifle range and all other ISC benefits.

 

Equipment:
You will not need equipment for the first year. (although bring it if you have it I encourage you to use your own.) I will however encourage you to purchase your own equipment should you decide to enroll for a second year. I have some Mathews Genesis bows and several recurve bows of varying sizes and draw weights, complete with arrows that you can use initially. I do expect each member to eventually purchase their own equipment. I will be happy to discuss those options with you and help in any way I can to get you setup with a system that works best for you. As a jump start you will find a hardware purchasing guide in the links to the left. Looking forward to seeing you all again and here’s wishing you straight shooting!  Please be advised if you choose to use club equipment you will be required to share it with other shooters.

 

Content:
We are a fun driven program with success measured by the frequency and width of the smile. I will be instructing the archers on all aspects of archery. I teach students how to: fletch an arrow,  make a bow string, tune their bow, know and understand the tools and increase their general knowledge about all equipment and setup. Although we include the general archery knowledge,  primarily we cover the details of proper form and technique as taught by our national Olympic coach. I do NOT have a bias on the type of equipment a student uses. I encourage everyone to shoot the style of equipment that makes them happy. I shoot compound bows and recurve bows, with sights and instinctively. I have been shooting archery equipment for 40 years and teaching archery for nearly 10 years. I am a bowhunter and as such I am obviously pro-hunting, but hunting is not part of the curriculum.  I emphasize having fun and for those interested in learning I work with them in detail. Because my time is precious, those students who routinely ignore my suggestions will get a minimum amount of my time.  I still encourage everyone's participation but I recognize some have loftier goals than others. If you are interested in a ultra competitive high pressure results driven program you will be disappointed. I have an extremely high coaching competency level and can prepare a student for the highest levels of competition but I do not require students to compete or prepare specifically for completion. So if you think you would love archery and want to give it a try by all means shoot me an email to confirm availability and we'll get you signed up.

Looking forward to seeing all the old and new faces.

If you have additional questions feel free to email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gun Range Rules of Conduct

ISSAQUAH SPORTSMEN'S CLUB RANGE RULES

ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION REGARDLESS OF IF YOU ARE SHOOTING OR NOT!

You might not be shooting and feel like you don't need eye and ear protection on, but what about the shooter next to you? What happens if his brass casings shoot out and hit you in the eye? Eyes and ears don't just protect you from your own firearms!

1.2 GENERAL SAFETY RULES

1.2.1. Place firearms in rack, with actions open or in a case, and check in before entering the firing line shelter.
1.2.2. Hearing and eye protection must be worn on the range. See the Range Safety Officer if you need to purchase hearing and/or eye protection.
1.2.3. The use of drugs or alcohol on Issaquah Sportsmen's Club property is prohibited. Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied the use of club facilities .
1.2.4. Smoking while in the firing line shelter, range control building, restroom, or in the warming shed is prohibited. Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking area only (Gravel areas). Gunpowder is not allowed in the smoking area. Dispose of butts in containers provided for their disposal.
1.2.5. Eating or drinking in the firing line shelter is not recommended.
1.2.6. Horseplay is prohibited . Horseplay or other activities not related to shooting are not allowed on the range.
1.2.7. Use staplers on target frames only. Do not staple posts, benches, seats or other areas where users may contact sharp staple points.
1.2.8. User ages: Pistol shooters must be 21 years of age or older, or be supervised by a parent or guardian. Rifle shooters must be 18 years of age or older; except as follows: Children under 18 may shoot when supervised by a parent or guardian, or between the ages of 14 and 17 with a Hunter Education Certificate.
1.2.9. Visitors or spectators shall remain outside and to the rear of the firing line shelter.
1.2.10. Only club approved targets may be used. No human shaped targets are allowed at ANY time. 
1.2.11. Any violation of the safety rules, operating procedures, or Range Safety Officer's instructions can be cause for removal from the range.

1.3 FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SAFETY RULES

1.3.1. Know how the firearm operates.
1.3.2. Be sure that the firearm and the ammunition are compatible.
1.3.3. Keep the action open and the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
1.3.4. Keep fingers off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
1.3.5. A maximum of ten rounds at a time may be loaded in rifle chambers or magazines.
1.3.6. A maximum of ten rounds at a time may be loaded in pistol chambers or magazines.
1.3.7. Quick draw shooting is prohibited.
1.3.8. Wearing of holstered or concealed firearms is not allowed on firing line.
1.3.9. Speed shooting is prohibited. Slow fire only.
1.3.10. Armor piercing ammunition is prohibited.
1.3.11. Tracer or incendiary ammunition is prohibited.
1.3.12. Use of cannons is prohibited.
1.3.13. Use of fully automatic firearms is prohibited.
1.3.14. Rifles with automatic shell ejection shall have a spent casing catcher installed or shooters shall use a cartridge deflection screen available from the Range Safety Officer.
1.3.15. Shotguns are allowed for all. Slugs can be used on the rifle bays at 25 yards. Shot or any spreading projectiles must be used on the shotgun bays (lanes A&B) at 7 or 25 yards. We don't have any moving targets for shotgun and use of throwers is prohibited.

1.4 RANGE OPERATING PROCEDURES

1.4.1. Know and obey all range commands.
1.4.2. All firearms will be unloaded with the action open and magazines removed before entering or leaving the range. Unloaded firearms may be transported in gun case, with the actions closed.
1.4.3. All firearms will be placed on shooting benches with the muzzles pointed down range or in the rifle racks.
1.4.4. All shooters will remain behind the red line, except when the range is cleared for shooting. The red warning lights will go off and the Range Safety Officer will announce "commence fire" allowing shooting to begin.
1.4.5. Shooting periods are normally 15 minutes long. There will be a 5 minute and a 1 (one) minute warning before a cease fire is called. Use this time to finish firing, unload your firearm and step behind the red line. Leave your firearm on the bench with the action open.
1.4.6. When a cease fire is called remain behind the red line until the red lights go on and the Range Safety Officer announces it is O.K. to change targets. Do not handle any firearm during the cease fire period.
1.4.7. During target change cease fires, place your paper target on the frame above the number frame matching your numbered shooting position. Do not place targets on posts, number boards or other devices or holders not provided by the club or approved by the Range Safety Officer.
1.4.8. It is your responsibility to clean up after yourself. Recycle your targets and put spent casings in the provided buckets. Brooms are provided to sweep up spent casings. If brass on the ground or in the buckets does not belong to you, you may NOT take it for yourself unless approved by the Range Safety Officer.
1.4.9. When the range is cleared, the Range Safety Officer will turn out the red lights and announce the commence fire. Then and only then may you proceed forward, load your firearm and begin firing.
1.4.10 EMERGENCY CEASE FIRE If an emergency cease fire is needed, it may be called and all shooters shall immediately cease fire and step behind the red line and remain there until the cease fire is cleared.

1.3.16. BLACK POWDER RULES

NEVER

1. Never allow your rifle to point at anyone . Careless gun handling and an accidental discharge could result in tragedy.
2. Do not use modern smokeless powders in muzzleloading firearms.
3. Do not load directly from powder horn or flask. A lingering spark in the barrel can ignite the incoming charge, causing the horn or flask to explode in your hand.
4. Never fire a muzzleloader unless the ball or shot charge is firmly seated against the powder charge. The barrel could be damaged or burst.
5. When loading your muzzleloading firearm, do not expose your body to the muzzle.
6. Never use 4Fg Black Powder as a main charge. 4Fg bums too fast and could burst a barrel . Severe injuries are possible.
7. Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended maximum loads or attempt to load multiple projectile loads. When in doubt, secure information concerning proper loads from an authoritative source.

ALWAYS

1. Treat muzzleloaders with the same respect due any firearm . They are not toys.
2. Use only black powder or PyrodeXTM, of the proper granulations, in your muzzleloading firearms.
3. Use a separate measure for loading powder.
4. Always make sure that the ball is seated against the powder.
5. Always make sure that your downrange area is a safe impact area for your projectiles.
6. The nature of a muzzleloading firearm requires that you, the shooter, exercise caution and skill in the care, loading, and use of such a firearm. Make certain that you are informed as to the proper steps in such care and use.

BLACK POWDER HELPFUL HINTS

1. The half-cock notch is the safety notch on a muzzleloader . Always be sure it is functioning properly . If your lock or triggers seem to be improperly functioning, take your firearm to a competent muzzleloading gunsmith for checking and correction of the problem.
2. Never snap a percussion lock. It will often break the tumbler. If you snap a flintlock to adjust or test the flint, never do so with the firearm loaded. Even though the pan is not primed, many firearms will fire from the sparks alone.
3. When you prime your pan, fill it only 1/4 to 1/3 full. More powder gives an excessive flash and acts as a fuse delaying ignition time.
4. Grasp the ramrod only a short distance above where it protrudes from the barrel, pushing it down in short strokes . If you grasp it near the outer end and the rod breaks it could injure your arm or hand.
5. If you forget to run a cleaning patch between shots and a patched ball hangs up halfway down, follow this simple procedure. Pour a couple tablespoonful of water down the barrel and allow to stand for 30 seconds. The water will soak into the patch and loosen the fouling that caused the hang-up. Pour the water out and seat the ball on the powder . Shoot immediately, and clean.
6. Maximum range of a firearm is obtained by firing at a 35 degree angle above horizontal . Round balls may carry as far as 800 yards and elongated projectiles well beyond this distance.

SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING-RULES TO LIVE BY

The following rules of safe firearms handling are not just rules for the firing range. They are rules meant to keep you and others alive wherever you are. You don't want to be the guy whose sentencing papers or epitaph reads, "I thought it was unloaded." This list is not comprehensive; it's just a few of the basics.

#1. The gun is always loaded. Treat every firearm like it's loaded . (It's always the "unloaded" gun that "accidentally went off.")
#2. Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to destroy or kill. (Note: BB, air, and pellet guns count too. For that matter, it's probably a good rule for nail guns as well . . .)
#3. Keep your finger off of the trigger and out of the trigger guard unless firing.
#4. Always be sure of your backstop. (That's where the bullet will hit after it goes through your target. You must know what is beyond your target.)

ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION REGARDLESS OF IF YOU ARE SHOOTING OR NOT

Revision ISCBD 12-04-95. Reformatted 01-12-2006. Updated 09-30-2011.
-The Range Safety Officers

Archery Range Test

Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club

ISC Archery range orientation test. Print this out at home, fill it out, and bring in your test to the range office to get it graded and receive the gate code.

When are you allowed to climb the BERM to look for arrows?
a) When the rifle range is closed
b) Only in the presence of the Archery Director.
c) Anytime as long as I don’t peek over the top.
d) Never the ISC will designate specific days where a metal detector will be brought in to find lost arrows.

What target butts can you use to shoot your broad heads?
a) Anyone of them if they have an animal target posted on them.
b) Only the ones specifically designated as broad head targets (Sand Pit)
c) Any target that doesn’t specifically say you can’t.
d) Broad heads are too expensive to practice with and don’t belong on the range.

What does it mean if you are the first person on the Range?
a) I should police the range picking up trash so that potential guest that show up don’t see how messy people can be.
b) You are the default range master.
c) Fling a couple of arrows down range to see if anyone yells “hey I’m down here”.
d) Lock the gate behind you to keep the riff raff out.
e) All of the above


What do I do if I need to look behind a butt for an arrow that passed through or missed the butt?
a) Yell to everyone that you need help and perhaps more eyes will decrease the time needed to look for the arrow.
b) Report to the range master you need to look for a passed arrow so he\she doesn’t declare the line hot while you are down range.
c) Place your bow in front of the Target so anyone who tries to shoot it knows you are back there.
d) All of the above are good things to do but item B is the most critical since the range master is controlling the activities on the range.

What if the range master asks me to do something that is specific to the archery range and I disagree?
a) If it is safe and responsible, do it, the range master is in charge and responsible and should be treated with respect.
b) Politely, tell the range master he/she is an idiot and that they should go find someone else to bother.
c) Read the range rules and you’ll probably find they are acting accordingly, if they are not report their behavior to the Archery Director.
d) In a private civil conversation point out the range rule in question, the range should be run in the safest manor possible.
e) Ignore them they are just on a power trip.
f) A, C, D are all acceptable approaches B and E are totally unacceptable.

When is the archery range open?
a) When the rifle range is not open, I should review the posted rifle range hours to be sure.
b) After 6 because that is what the city of Issaquah demands.
c) Whenever I don’t hear any shooting.
d) Anytime that is why I have my own gate code.

Who can use the range?
a) Everyone can just leave the gate open so everyone gets access
b) Only those Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club members that have passed this exam and received a gate code, and are accompanied by no more than a single guest. Or Nonmember groups that have been approved by the board.
c) Anyone living in a ten mile radius of the club.
d) Any member of the ISC.


True or false, I am expected to lock the gate behind me when I leave?
a) True     b) False

If I’m behaving like a total jerk or being unsafe what are the repercussions?
a) I may be asked to leave the range.
b) I may be removed from the club and my dues forfeited
c) I may be charged with trespassing or reckless endangerment punishable by law.
d) All of the above. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

What if I find a target butt that is being shot through and is in real bad condition?
a) Tell the board they are dropping the ball and to do their job and pay someone to fix it.
b) Make any repairs I can so that others don’t have to deal with the problem
c) Come to the next work detail and help make sure the problem is addressed.
d) B and C are great, A is ridiculous

What if I’m the Range master but I don’t want the responsibility?
a) Just leave the range someone else will figure it out.
b) Start yelling and acting like a psychotic  so everyone else leaves and you’ll have the range to yourself.
c) Ask someone else to be the range master if they agree to be the range master, announce the change to the group.

As the range master you see someone struggling to pull their bow back and in the process aims it up in the air as they are pulling it back?
a) Issue them a warning that the bow must be drawn back at no more than 15 degrees above the target.
b) Explain to them that perhaps they should lower the draw weight so they can pull the bow back safely.
c) Explain to them that if they cannot draw the bow back in a safe manor they will need to leave the. Range until they can.
d) All of the above actions should be taken.

When is it safe to shoot arrows down range?
a) If you are the only one at the range, take a look down range and shoot only if you are sure there is no one down there. Or wait for the range master to give the line is hot signal.
b) Shoot some arrows down range to see if anyone yells at you.
c) Yell Ollie Ollie Ollie three times and wait for a response, if there is none it’s safe to shoot.
d) Wait five minutes after you return from gathering your arrows for all shooters to return from down range.

How many archers are allowed at each shooting position?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) As many as you can fit.

What is the maximum number of arrows you can shoot per end if there is more than one person at the range?
a) 15
b) 8
c) 3
d) Until I run out ! Who cares if the other shooters on the line have to wait, that’s their problem.

What equipment is allowed on the range.
a) Archery equipment legal for hunting or allowed by NFAA,  FITA or IBO.
b) Archery equipment and BB guns because they have a limited range.
c) Paint-ball guns and BB guns.
d) Any archery gear including Rambo exploding tips and poisonous pods.