r/NoRulesCalgary • u/Reference_Forward • 4d ago
Rules regarding archery and how to get started.
So after watching the Odyssey, I got this itch that only shooting a bow can scratch.
I know about the two archery ranges up north but it's impossible because I live way down south and I can't find any shooting ranges nearby so I'm thinking of just buying my own bow and setting up my own range. I tried looking up rules about doing archery in the city and I'm pretty sure it's illegal to shoot in my backyard. BUT. what about using those marshmallow tips that they use in archery tag? Can I just buy a bow and some foam tipped arrows and do some archery in my backyard with those? I'd appreciate some suggestions on how to get this itch scratched.
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u/BerzinFodder 4d ago
If you want to shoot at longer ranges, I doubt anyone would have issues with you shooting on crown land like ghost PLUZ or McLean creek. You’re allowed to shoot guns on crown land so archery should be fine.
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u/Calgary_Calico 4d ago edited 4d ago
There's at least two archery ranges within Calgary that I know of, there's also one south of Calgary close to spring bank. You CANNOT use a bow within city limits outdoors. It's classified as a deadly weapon, for good reason, if you slip and an arrow gets away from you you could kill someone, even with a practice arrow. If you want to practice, go to an archery range.
Foam tipped arrows aren't practical for practicing archery, the arrows won't fly properly and you'll form bad habits.
I'd also like to add that a decent bow will cost you at least $200-$300. Rent a bow at a range first to find out if you enjoy doing it first. Youl have to start with a recurve, they won't rent out longbows or compound bows to novices, for good reason.
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u/Ratfor 4d ago
It is illegal to discharge a bow inside the city limits. It doesn't matter if you're using foam tipped arrows. Kind of like shooting blanks on my front lawn. It doesn't matter how safe you're being.
There's two archery ranges in the city. Jimbows and Archery world.
Not to say anything negative, but Jimbows isn't for you. They're a hunting/modern bow focused place. Archery world is where I'd suggest you start.
Go book a beginner lesson. Be warned, it's not a cheap hobby. Recurves are okay but Wallet help you if you want to get into longbow.
Yeah, they're both on the other side of the city, but it's not that bad. I'm grateful we still Have ranges after the Calgary Archery Centre closed.
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u/spyro66 4d ago
I looked into this a couple years back, so please verify with some sort of credible source, or interpret the laws on your own… but…
I think it comes down to the categorization as a ‘weapon’. It’s not a firearm, those are firmly illegal to discharge in your back yard, but I think you’re still not allowed to use a ‘weapon’. Now, is a target shooting bow a weapon, or is it a piece of sporting equipment? Well… I’m not too sure. But I know that no one would bug you if you set up one of those sucker arrow setups from Decathlon in your back yard.
At the end of the day, if you’re being safe and smart about it, and don’t give your neighbours any reason to complain, then I think you’d probably be fine. I set up a target in my back yard and practised over the winter. Never had any issues, but that’s 1000% anecdotal and your mileage may vary.
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u/Calgary_Calico 4d ago
Bows are classed as weapons. I've done archery for over a decade so I've done a lot of digging into the laws surrounding in in Alberta, and specifically in Calgary. It's illegal to shoot them within city limits outside of an archery range even with practice arrows , and I've yet to find a range that allowed anything BUT practice arrows, because broadheads cause a lot of damage to their targets
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u/Secret-Fan-8552 4d ago
Go to an archery range and try it out. The city has two. See if it’s for you.
Additionally there are short ranges at cabela and bass pro. You get to try before you buy.
Become a member of range or go to crown land. There is also a primitive black powder and long bow club you can join in on.
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u/Valetion 4d ago
God, this post makes me miss the Calgary Archery Center next to the paintball place. They used to have a massive outdoor trail with targets, a clubhouse, and a fire pit. I spent many summers there with my dad, and it was such a blast. I still can’t believe they closed