How do I become a member of Bear State Bowhunters?
There are two levels of membership available:
1. Nonworking member $250 per year
2. Working membership $125 per year
As a club, we admire our club members and encourage anyone to join. We wouldn't be able to function without our members.
What is the difference between working and non-working members?
Working members are required to work 1 work party and 1 shoot set up day per year. As a working member, if you attend any of the shoots, you are asked to pull and store all targets and equipment at the end of day. In return for members volunteer services they will receive a discounted $125 membership. Members may select which shoot they want to work at the time of membership renewal.
Non working $250 per year members are not required to do any of the above.
If you have any questions regarding club membership please contact Mike Yerkey at 760-505-0913 or contact us through e-mail. Mike will provide clubs mailing address.
All memberships are completed in person.
Do Not Mail Club Memberships to Lake Henshaw Resort
Where can I find schedule of upcoming shoots?
Our schedule is posted on the upcoming events page of our website. You can also get detailed info about our shoots on the flyers page of this website.
I want to attend one of your shoots. Please tell me about them.
All Shoots are scheduled to begin at 7:00am. Registration is from 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM. Many people arrive earlier to shoot the Pacific Bow Butt Target System marked yardage practice range . Please note that there are no "shotgun" starts scheduled at this time for any of the shoots. After parking, go to the registration trailer to sign up for the shoot. Spectators are always welcome but for liability reasons everybody will need to check in at trailer, even if not shooting
How much does it cost to shoot?
Members in good standing shoot for free at all events. See below for membership requirements.
Fun Shoot fees - Adults $15 Active Military $10 Youngsters 8-18 years old 10$ Cubs 7 and under free
42 Target competitive shoots vary by price. Please see flyers for specifics.
Are crossbows permitted at your range?
No.
Are rangefinders permitted?
Yes.
How are the 3-D animal targets scored?
Most animal targets have 3 scoring rings (circles) etched into them – For targets with 3 rings, scoring would be as follows:
Middle ring: 10 points
Larger (outer) ring: 8 points
Anywhere else on the body: 5 points
Miss the target completely: 0 points
Note that we do not usually bother to count the inner (12 point or X ring) ring in our shoots, hence the maximum score achievable per target is 10 points. (The inner rings may be used for tie-breaker purposes, on occasion) If you’ve purchased a mulligan, you’ve bought yourself an opportunity to repeat your shot.
What is a mulligan?
You shoot and you don't like your score? Use a mulligan, re shoot and keep your second arrow score. Not permitted on Buck Doe combo targets.
How are steel targets scored
Some bonus targets are made of steel plate. These can be very intimidating. The steel targets are animal silhouettes with a large hole in the center. The circumference of hole is about the same diameter as a aluminum beverage Can. The target is usually set out between 10-25 yards distance. Making the arrow through the hole scores the bonus score of 20. Hitting the steel body counts as zero points, and destroys the arrow with a loud "DING!" Everybody around knows you missed the target! These targets can be a real adrenaline rush for the archer, knowing that if they make the shot, they have extra points, and if they miss, they have one less arrow in their quiver. No worries if you dont feel up to the shot, there is always a normal 3D animal target near the steel target that scores 10-8-5.
How are Buck Doe combo targets scored?
Buck is scored as outlined above 10-8-5
If you hit a Doe your score is -5
If you have a Doe tag you will receive a 0 (zero) score
Mulligans not permitted.
How are Turkey combos scored?
A Jake is the only scoring target. 10-8-5 as outlined above
Are alcoholic beverages allowed to be consumed on the range?
Due to liabilities, we cannot have alcoholic beverages on the range. Sorry!
Do you permit the use of broadheads on the range?
No. Our 3D targets cannot sustain their integrity if broadheads are used.
Is hunting permitted on the range land?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is not public land.
Are food and other refreshments available during the scheduled shoots?
The Lake Henshaw Resort has a restaurant available
Note that we do provide bottled water for large shoots, but it's always a good idea to bring along a canteen filled with your favorite beverage during the warm/hot weather shoots.
Is camping available at Bear State?
Yes, Lake Henshaw Resort is has spots available. Dry camping only with flush toilets and showers available.
Are there bathroom facilities available?
Yes, There are out houses near the registration trailer and full restrooms in the campground.
What about possible course hazards?
Aside from the fact that we're all out there to shoot sharp projectiles through the air at high velocities, the two main hazards on the course are rattlesnakes and poison oak. We do our best to keep the latter under control by spraying, but the snakes are out there (usually hiding) doing their part to keep nature in balance. There are also some red ant colonies in the area, the usual bees/yellow jackets, mosquitoes, etc. No reason to panic. Shooters with bee sting allergies are encouraged to keep an epi-pen kit with them (prescribed by your doctor) and some anti-histamine tablets. In general, never reach into brush or under rocks where you cannot see what may be lurking! Use your bow or a nearby stick if necessary to check a spot before using your hands to pull out an arrow.
What should one do in the highly unlikely event of getting bit by a rattler? Again, don't panic, but don't waste time dabbling with tourniquets, sucking out venom, etc... The most important thing to have on hand is a set of car keys so that someone can drive you to the local hospital emergency department. The physicians at nearby Palomar Hospital are very experienced with rattlesnake bites and antivenin serum is on hand.
Although our trails are cleared and are easily navigated with sneakers, sturdy hiking boots are recommended if you have to walk through brush. Long pants are not a bad idea either.
I just like archery. Do I have to be a hunter to join the club?
Nope. Everybody is welcome!
I don't own a bow but want to try archery?
Visit our links page on this website, choose any local archery shop near you. They will be glad to introduce you to the sport. Most shops will rent you a bow and all necessary equipment to shoot in their indoor range.
I'd like to shoot better. Where can I get archery lessons?
We are fortunate to have great local archery shops in San Diego, Temecula and Riverside. Most offer free advice and some offer organized lessons and classes for a reasonable fee.
Members must carry their membership card with them when using the range.
