ARCHERY CLUB - BISMARCK, ND
This club was established in Bismarck in 1956 as the Nishu Archery Club. The club established an outdoor shooting and target range in south Bismarck in 1958. The outdoor range has evolved, through club efforts, into a 28-target outdoor range. Now known as the Nishu Bowmen Club, the group developed a strong and effective working partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD). For more than 30 years, BPRD provided space in the World War Memorial Building for the club to teach archery classes to children and adults.
What's Coming Ahead for the Nishu Bowmen
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6:30pm Meeting with THE Matt Vollmers
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6pm Fall indoor 3D league
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ARCHERY / BOW HUNTING RANGE IN BISMARCK, ND
AVAILABLE YEAR 'ROUND
Nishu Bowmen in a cooperative effort with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation Department have constructed the new indoor Nishu Bowmen Archery Complex located at the same location as the outdoor range in south Bismarck next to Riverwood Golf Course. The 90′ x 150′ facility will provide a permanent, year-round location and allow Nishu Bowmen, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to conduct archery leagues and classes, tournaments, Bowhunter education classes and adaptive archery classes. This facility features an upper level 20 yard target range in conjunction with a lower level area for hosting 3-D leagues and tournaments along with an additional 20 yard range on the ground level and a classroom.
The outdoor range features a practice range for shooting up to 70 yards. There are two other NFAA Field 14-target practice ranges which include targets for shooting from 10 to 80 yards and an elevated shooting platform. The outdoor range has picnic tables, restrooms, and a facility for Nishu socials and other events.
Nishu Monthly Meetings
Meetings
Nishu monthly meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of every month (see exceptions below) at the Nishu Archery Complex located in south Bismarck on Riverwood Drive next to the Riverwood Golf course.
All members are welcome to participate in the monthly meetings.
History of the Nishu Bowmen
History of Nishu Bowmen
Archery is where it is today in North Dakota because of the efforts of many people from all walks of life – all sharing the same interest.
People like Dr. Ralph Wheeler, Mandan, ND, and some of his associates were successful in persuading the 1953 Legislature to lift the ban on the bow and arrow. Thus, making the bow and arrow legal weapons for the taking of big game in North Dakota. A group of local enthusiasts had a fourteen target course north of Bismarck in the vicinity of the old Boy Scout cabin, which was used about two years. National Field Archery Association Tournaments had been held within the state since 1950, however none could be held in Bismarck because of the range requirements set down by the N.F.A.A. More room was needed.
Mr. Jake Swenson, who lived south of Bismarck, was approached and terms of paying the taxes on a parcel of land were agreed upon. Soon a new range south of Bismarck sprang up. Wanting more than just a group of people with no direction, the idea of a club was suggested. Mr. Berk Strothman called a meeting in 1956 at the new range south of Bismarck.
The first slate of officers in this newly formed club were Mr. Fred Tiddens, President, Mr. Berk Strothman, Vice President, and Mr. John Gierman, Secretary-Treasurer. Looking for a unique name for this new organization, the recommendation of the Rev. Boechol, a Methodist minister recently from New Town, ND, was adopted – the Arikara word Nishu, meaning “straight to the mark”. The Nishu Archery Club was born. Though not the first club in North Dakota by any means, the Nishu Bowmen Club has been responsible for the growth of archery in this area and through this clubs effort, we now have the range south of Bismarck, next to the golf course.
Today the club has over 400 members who, through the cooperation of the City of Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department, boast an outdoor 28-target range for summer use and a permanent indoor range for winter use. Both ranges are a beehive of activity during their respective seasons as most club members participate in summer and winter league activities – as well as fun shoots, local and state tournaments, or just plain shooting for practice or fun. Regardless of the club member’s preference, target archery or bow hunting, the club sponsors and has range facilities to suit both activities.
From beginners to the old pros, the Nishu Archery Club belongs to and serves the members – and they would like you to become one of them.
HOW TO FIND US
CONTACT US AT NISHU BOWMEN