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Andrew Gallegos explains key differences in bow types, arrow styles and how those factors impact target choices on the range.
Temporary signage — outlining basic safety guidelines get posted by SunUte Technician Chris Howlett, who works under Building Maintenance, Wednesday, Aug 10.
Avid archer and Grounds Maintenance Division Head, Andrew Gallegos, sets up a practice shot to gauge target distance at the new SunUte archery range. The target range was recently relocated to the Multi-Purpose Facility Park, just south of its former location.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
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Archery range relocated to improve safety, accessibility 

Friday - August 12, 2022 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

Archery has long played an important role in the Southern Ute community, from competitive shoots to recreational events tailored for all ages. Youth teams sign up each spring and fall for archery events, hosted in conjunction with the Southern Ute Tribal Fair or athletic events like the Tri-Ute Games. Avid hunters and archery enthusiasts while away the time on weekends and afternoons practicing their marksmanship. SunUte Recreation uses archery as a means of empowering youth, while teaching them social skills and safety protocols on the shooting range.  

While the location of the Tribe’s archery range was centrally located near SunUte Park, the proximity to the Bear Trail has been a point of concern. SunUte staff and the Tribe’s Property and Facilities team resolved the issue by relocating the target range just south of its former location, adjacent to the Pine River bordering the Multi-Purpose Facility Park.  

“I had some funding for safety, this is a collaborative effort … Grounds Maintenance did it,” SunUte Director Robin Duffy-Wirth said. “To find the right place, I got together with DNR, SUPD, the Wildlife Advisory Board. I know nothing about archery, so the idea was to bring the best people together to find the best place.” 

SunUte got the blessing from Elise Redd with the Multi-Purpose Facility and the tribal land assignment owner Daniel Weaver, whose property is across the river, directly behind the new archery range location.  

“We still have a little work to do in terms of dressing it up,” Grounds Maintenance Division Head, Andrew Gallegos emphasized. “It’s better than what it was. The goal is to improve it as we go. Depending on the style of the shoot, maybe [we accommodate] 9-10 archers [in a row] …we can go even wider. We could do a long-distance shoot here.” 

“You’ll always get better at shooting, by shooting around others,” he said, “There’re the die-hards, but plenty more that just come out to shoot — just to enjoy it and get some exercise.” 

The SunUte archery range is already open to the public for use in its new location— open to the community. The first official events are scheduled for early September to coincide with the Southern Ute Tribal Fair.  

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