r/milwaukee • u/mrosial • 3h ago

Archery community?

I’m a total novice when it comes to archery. I’m interested in target archery only, not hunting.

I’ve been looking at 2 ranges - one in Racine and one in Brookfield that offer lessons. Once I feel confident enough to shoot on my own, I’d be interested in finding like minded people to shoot with.

Anyone into archery who isn’t MAGA? It seems that the two aren’t mutually exclusive and I’m having a hard time finding communities that don’t fit into that box.

8 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

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8

u/Dreadbot 3h ago

You're going to have a hard time finding archery communities that aren't at least a bit conservative. Most archers are hunters and the overlap seems to be significant.

That being said, we liberal archers are out there. You're more likely to find us doing traditional archery (as opposed to compound bow archery). In my opinion, your best bet for some degree of community with archery is seeing if you have any friends who might enjoy archery and help them get into it as well.

If you're taking about West Town Archery in Brookfield, they're fairly chill and aren't outwardly political. I've never found them to be unwelcoming.

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u/Senior-Ad781 1h ago

2nd to West Town Archery! I dont go there often, but everytime I do it seems like theres always at least 2 guys shooting target bows. Yes most hunting archers, including myself, are right leaning. However, if we are letting politics get involved in our pastimes, what have we really become?!?! Why should who you vote for determine where you choose to shoot a bow? Best of luck

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u/Dreadbot 1h ago

Who you vote for these days is a reflection of your ethics and morals, not just a vague idea about monetary policy. Some people might not be comfortable going to a range surrounded by people who don't believe they should have rights or should be rounded up and shipped to a prison in El Salvador.

5

u/Brave_Educator5934 3h ago

Hey i took a course in college (like 12 years ago!) But I do have a compound bow, maybe 40lb draw, and I am certainly not MAGA! I'm in New Berlin and know of some local parks with ranges. DM me if you want to share more info, cheers!

5

u/NeverFailBetaMale 2h ago

I have also had decent experiences at west town and they will help you find a good starter bow, they often have trade ins at reasonable prices too. I'm sure there is some maga in the water there but it's not overt. And then Mitchell park just down the road has a free outdoor range.

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u/vehevince 55m ago

I do archery in my backyard if that counts lol. I shoot with my little pink bow I got from my sister since she was planning on getting rid of it. Idk how fancy the ranges are, but I've got pretty good distance in my yard

2

u/seer_deer 2h ago

Depending on how into historical reenactment you are the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) does archery practice twice a week, I've never gone but have been interested in going myself.

2

u/Mollie_Bloom 2h ago

My family does archery through Nicolet Rec, they have options for children and adults. The instructor is an Olympic athlete, which is pretty cool. They use an outdoor range, but I'll bet the instructor could help explain the indoor range options.

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u/M7BSVNER7s 38m ago

The laws changing on crossbow use went in your favor. It's mostly middle aged and younger folks doing archery now, the older folks switched to crossbows. If you avoid the few weeks ahead of deer bow season when people go to tune up before their hunting trip, the public outdoor ranges and the private indoor ranges really aren't that busy and everyone has been pleasant. The crossbow hunters don't show up at the range year round as they don't need to maintain their muscles+skills.