An archery facility isn't exactly the first place people think of when it comes to nature conservation efforts, but the link between bow hunting and wildlife conservation exists.
For those who want to sharpen their aim, whether for bow hunting, leagues, or even training for the Olympics, head to West Michigan Archery Center.
The West Michigan Archery Center is home to a 10,000-square-foot building owned by Plainfield and partnered with Algoma Township.
The facility hosts introductory archery classes for people of all ages, as well as hosts competitive groups, junior Olympic archery groups, and a S3DA shooting group.
The West Michigan Archery Center also is home to a number of indoor and outdoor competitions every year. Competition types include paper targets, 3D targets that look like wild animals, hunting simulation courses, and more.
Since Michigan is a big bow hunting state, the organization teaches bow hunter education classes designed to teach new hunters how to set up a blind, set up a tree stand, follow a blood trail, to properly tag a deer, field dress a deer ,and so much more.
But how does hunting relate to conservation efforts in West Michigan? In order to hunt in the state of Michigan, hunters must purchase licenses and kill tags. The fees directly lead to conservation efforts in the state, pay for salaries of natural resource employees, and more.
The West Michigan Archery Center is located a mile east off exit 97 on US 131, just outside of downtown Rockford at 3500 10 Mile Road, Rockford, Michigan 49341.
To learn more about archery and the West Michigan Archery Center, visit WestMichiganArchery.com.
Also to learn more about the Michigan Wildlife Council, visit HereForMIOutdoors.org.
