DEC Region 5 Reopens Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area Archery Range Following Upgrades
New Accessible Trail Provides Access to Pavilion
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the reopening of the public archery range at Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the Town of Wilton, Saratoga County, following completion of a new pavilion and wheelchair-accessible trail. The new 24-foot by 36-foot pavilion provides a covered space for range users and spectators, as well as a venue for archery and bowhunting education classes and other events.
“The Saratoga Sand Plains archery range provides a great opportunity to hone existing bow skills or take up the sport for the first time,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “The latest upgrades will help make archery even more accessible and enjoyable for bow enthusiasts and spectators throughout the region.”
Since opening in 2020, the Saratoga Sand Plains WMA Archery Range has been well-received by archers and crossbow users. Its popularity highlights the public’s strong demand for additional archery ranges and serves as a model for New York State’s archery range program. The new pavilion and accessible trail will enhance functionality of the range, enabling events regardless of weather conditions and expanding access for all visitors.
These improvements are part of DEC’s $3.1 million investment fully funded with a five-year federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grant. The program will support the development of up to 13 archery ranges statewide, providing safe, accessible, and high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities. This project and the recently established Black Creek Marsh WMA in Albany County are the first facilities funded by this grant.
New York State recently expanded big game crossbow regulations to allow hunters to use a crossbow during the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. Changes include requiring a bowhunter education certification, removing outdated size limits, and development of more standardized setback distances.
Access to safe, publicly accessible range facilities is one of the most significant barriers to participation in shooting sports and hunting. The popular crossbow regulation expansion in conjunction with expanded access to the use of archery equipment and increasing DEC’s public archery range offerings is helping build upon the success of the regulation by creating more access. These ranges will also complement DEC’s efforts to increase student participation in the National Archery in the Schools Program and will provide additional locations for 4H Shooting Sports Programs and DEC's bowhunter education and HuntFishNY courses.
To learn more about the Saratoga Sand Plains WMA Archery Range or to contact DEC, visit the webpage.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
