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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – A local archery range is sporting major improvements thanks to the On Target Archers, a local chapter of the Christian Bowhunters of America. The group partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to upgrade the archery range at Maintz Wildlife Preserve by installing seven new targets and repairing six existing targets. The group also helps maintain the range on a monthly basis keeping targets in working order and the trail passable to foot traffic.
MDC Wildlife Management Biologist Matt Bowyer said thanks to the group’s efforts, the MDC is now able to better serve the public at the area.
“This partnership helps us keep the range in a condition that invites public use, and the new targets give archers more of a variety of shots to practice in a natural setting,” Bowyer said. “We hope these changes will lead to events for youth and other folks that want to get into archery in the future.”
The work took two years to complete because the group was working around damage leftover from the storm that ravaged the area in May of 2009. Mike Calahan, a representative for the group, said they were thankful to finally complete the project.
“We hope area archers will be able to use the new targets, practice their archery skills and get outside more often to enjoy God’s creation,” Calahan said.
The group has 12 active members and welcomes more, Calahan said, adding that they hope to be able to make further improvements to the Maintz archery range in the future. For more information about the On Target Archers, contact Calahan at (573)335-3994.
For more information about Maintz Wildlife Preserve, contact Bowyer at (573)290-5730 or Matt.Bowyer@mdc.mo.gov.
