Bear State Bowhunters

1. Go to the FAQ Page and read through all of our rules.2. Download and complete the membership application and archery range waiver below.3. Call our Membership chairman, Mike Yerkey, at 760-505 0913 to confirm the mailing address.4. Select a working or nonworking membership (See the FAQ page for more information).5. Mail your application, waiver, and check payable to Bear State Bowhunters.6. Once approved, you'll receive a membership card and the gate code.7. Be Safe and enjoy yourself!

• Membership Application
• Archery Range Waiver

Bear State Bowhunter's Range Safety and Rules for Archers:Use Range At Your Own Risk.No Broadheads Allowed On Range, Period, End of Story.Cell Phone Service Is Available, But Spotty. It is your responsibility to know where you are at on the range at all times. There Is A Fire Station Located At The Lake Henshaw Campground Entrance. In Case Of Emergency Dial 911.Close All Gates Behind YouKnow The Risks Before You Go:Physical Hazards: This is an active archery range. While we take every precaution to help ensure range safety, it is the responsibility of each archer to exercise common sense and practice safe shooting. Know your target and what lies beyond it. You are responsible for each arrow you shoot and where it lands, whether it hits the target, misses, or ricochets; you shoot it, you own it. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. If you are involved in an incident with another archer, exchange information and notify Bear State Bowhunters Chairman Mike Yerkey AT 1.760.505.0913. If someone is injured, render first aid and call 911. BE SAFE!Wildlife and Insects Hazards: Beware of our resident rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, black widows, fire ants, mountain lions, deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, bobcats, bears (maybe), wild boar, fleas, and blood-thirsty ticks. Do not harass, stalk, bother, molest, hunt, or kill the resident wildlife. NO HUNTING ALLOWED.Terrain, Natural, and Man-Made Hazards: Our range is on natural and unimproved terrain. Beware of loose rocks, uneven ground, trip hazards, slip hazards, steep grades, sudden dropoffs, creeks, water hazards, drowning hazards, mine shafts, wells, unstable structures, fallen structures, fallen trees and tree limbs, poison oak, animal remains, animal waste, discarded machinery and equipment, rusty nails, broken glass, discarded or broken arrows, and other physical or natural objects that could cut, puncture, pierce, or impale you on the range. Wear appropriate footwear and protective clothing.Environmental Hazards: There is no potable drinking water available on the range. It is your responsibility to carry sufficient drinking water with you to maintain proper hydration. During the Summer and Fall, it gets HOT. Wear appropriate clothing, drink water. In the Winter and Spring, it gets COLD. Wear appropriate clothing, drink water. When it rains, it gets wet and cold. Wear appropriate protective clothing, drink water. During thunderstorms, lightning strikes are possible; don't stand under trees, seek shelter.1. Equipment Handling
- Inspect Equipment: Before shooting, examine all equipment for damage or defects. Damaged arrows, especially carbon fiber ones, should not be used as they can shatter upon release.
- Proper Drawing: Never draw a bow in a manner that, if accidentally released, could send an arrow beyond safety zones or backstops.
- Avoid Dry Firing: Only release the bowstring when an arrow is nocked. Dry firing (releasing without an arrow) can damage the bow and cause injury.2. Range Conduct
- Follow Commands: Obey all range signals and commands promptly.
- Signage: Obey signs indicating range boundaries, rules, and emergency procedures.
- Shooting Line Discipline: Only step up to the shooting line when instructed and ready to shoot. Keep arrows in the quiver until it's time to shoot.
- Arrow Retrieval: Do not retrieve arrows until the range is declared clear and safe.
- Maintain Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings, including other archers and potential hazards.3. Shooting Protocol
- Target Identification: Shoot only at designated targets. Ensure that the path to the target and beyond is clear.
- Shooting Positions: Use the correct shooting stakes or positions as marked.
- Arrow Retrieval: When retrieving arrows, approach the target cautiously and be mindful of others.4. General Safety Practices
- No Alcohol or Drugs: Consumption of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited on the range during shooting hours.
-Zero Tolerance: Archers are not permitted to be present or use the range when they are either intoxicated from alcohol and/or under the influence of drugs.
- Proper Attire: Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear, such as eye protection, sun protection, armguards, finger tabs, etc.
- Respect Others: Treat fellow archers and their equipment with respect. Do not touch another archer's equipment without permission.Help keep the range safe and clean, pick up any trash, litter, broken or discarded arrows you find on the range, and responsibly dispose of them.IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO HELP KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE. IF YOU SEE AN UNSAFE ACT OR BEHAVIOR, TELL THE OFFENDING PARTY TO STOP. IF YOU WITNESS CRIMINAL CONDUCT, INCLUDING TRESPASSING, CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REPORT THE INCIDENT TO MIKE YERKEY AT 1.760.505.0913.

The members only archery range is located behind the campground at Lake Henshaw Resort.Address: 26439 Highway 76 Santa Ysabel Ca. 92070On Fun Shoot and Tournament days, the directions to the range are clearly marked once you enter the Lake Henshaw Resort. Please Park in the Parking Lot located at the bottom of the range.Bear State Bowhunter range is a private range and is limited to Members Only except on Fun Shoot and Tournament days. The archery range is open 365 days a year.To enter the range turn off of Highway 76 into the Lake Henshaw resort. Drive up to the monitored electric pole gate and enter your membership code. Proceed to the Cattle Gate and enter you membership code on the padlock.Make sure to always close all gates.

Q: How do I become a member of Bear State Bowhunters?A: There are two levels of membership available:
1. Nonworking member $250 per year
2. Working membership $125 per yearQ: What is the difference between working and non-working members?A: 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 ResortQ: Where can I find a schedule of upcoming shoots?A: 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.Q: I want to attend one of your shoots. Please tell me about them.A: All Shoots are scheduled to begin at 7AM. Registration is from 7 - 830AM. 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 the trailer, even if they are not shootingQ: How much does it cost to shoot?A: 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 the flyers for specifics.Q: Are crossbows permitted at your range?A: No.Q: Are rangefinders permitted?A: Yes.Q: How are the 3-D animal targets scored?A: 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 pointsNote 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.Q: What is a mulligan?A: 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.Q: How are steel targets scoredA: 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 the hole is about the same diameter as an aluminum beverage Can. The target is usually set out between 10-25 yards distance. Making the arrow through the hole scores a 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 don't feel up to the shot, there is always a standard 3D animal target near the steel target that scores 10-8-5.Q: How are Buck Doe combo targets scored?A: Buck is scored as outlined above 10-8-5. If you hit a Doe, your score is -5; you will receive a 0 (zero) score if you have a Doe tag. Mulligans are not permitted.Q: How are Turkey combos scored?A: Jake is the only scoring target. 10-8-5, as outlined aboveQ: Are alcoholic beverages allowed to be consumed on the range?A: Due to liabilities, we cannot have alcoholic beverages on the range. Sorry!Q: Do you permit the use of broadheads on the range?A: No. Our 3D targets cannot sustain their integrity if broadheads are used.Q: Is hunting permitted on the range land?A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is not public land.Q: Are food and other refreshments available during the scheduled shoots?A: 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.Q: Is camping available at Bear State?A: Yes, Lake Henshaw Resort is has spots available. Dry camping only with flush toilets and showers available.Q: Are there bathroom facilities available?A: Yes, There are outhouses near the registration trailer and full restrooms in the campground.Q: What about possible course hazards?A: Aside from the fact that we're all out there to shoot sharp projectiles through the air at high velocities, rattlesnakes and poison oak are the two main hazards on the course. 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. Never reach into the 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.Q: What should one do in the highly unlikely event of getting bit by a rattler?A: 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 antivenom 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.Q: I just like archery. Do I have to be a hunter to join the club?A: Nope. Everybody is welcome!Q: I don't own a bow, but I want to try archery.A: Visit our links page on this website, and 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 the necessary equipment to shoot in their indoor range.Q: I'd like to shoot better. Where can I get archery lessons?A: 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.

Member Hunts

Share pictures from your successful hunts and adventures by emailing to [email protected].

Please support your local archery dealers! They provide lots of useful archery information regarding equipment, techniques, etc. (you can't get service like this from an internet provider or EBAY).Willow Creek Archery
27496 Commerce Center Dr C, Temecula, CA 92590
(760) 432-0605
Bret Scott, owner
willowcreekarchery.comBow N Arrow Shop
9748 Los Coches Rd. Suite #5
Lakeside, CA 92040
Ph#(619) 443-5488
Bruce Marshall owner
bownarrowshop.comPerformance Archery
8995 Miralani Dr. #301
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 653-5945
Bob Fromme, owner
performancebowhunting.comLake Henshaw Resort
26439 Highway 76, Santa Ysabel, CA
Store (760) 782-3501
lakehenshawresort
Campgrounds/Cabins (760) 782-3487Archery Resouces:World Archery (formerly International Archery Federation)
3DShoots.com
USA Archery (Olympics)
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Archery Homepage
State Archers of California
California Bowman Hunters/State Archery Association (CBH/SAA)
Archery Talk - Archers Helping Archers
Pope & Young Club
San Diego Archers
Rinehart 3-D Targets

See below for detailed google map and directions to archery range.For information, questions or comments about Bear State Bowhunters please fill out your email contact info to the left and we will get back to you in a timely manner.If you have any questions regarding club membership please contact Mike Yerkey at 760-505-0913. Mike will provide club's mailing address.DO NOT MAIL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS TO LAKE HENSHAW RESORTVisit our Facebook page at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @bearstatebowhunters.Email: [email protected]

Bear State Bowhunters cares about accessibility! We are committed to supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/ and making our desktop site and mobile website accessible for all viewers following the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/ and The A11y Project Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) checklist https://www.a11yproject.com/checklist/. We are reviewing all aspects of our website and working to ensure that the existing site and our future online activities meet appropriate guidelines and standards on web accessibility issues. If you have a suggestion or comment about accessibility issues related to bearstatebowhunters.org, please email us at [email protected].While we continue to develop and enhance our accessibility features, we encourage you to explore the accessibility options installed on your device. Below is an overview of how to enable some of the accessibility options on your desktop device.Enabling Accessibility Features (Microsoft Windows 10)Screen Reader SupportFeature: Narrator reads text on the computer screen aloud.Steps: Click Start, Control Panel, Ease of Access, Ease of Access Center, Start Narrator.Zoom SupportFeature: Magnifier allows the user to zoom in and navigate a page with higher visibility.Steps: Click Start, Control Panel, Ease of Access, Optimize Visual Display, Click the checkbox next to “Turn on Magnifier.”Color Contrast SupportFeature: Windows allows you to change the contrast to what works best for you.Steps: Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, Personalization, scroll down to Contrast Theme options and choose the best option for your needs.Navigation SupportFeature: Speech Recognition allows you to control your PC using your voice rather than a keyboard or mouse.Steps: Make sure the microphone is plugged in, click Start, Windows Speech Recognition (first-time users complete the wizard and tutorial).Enabling Accessibility Features (OS X El Capitan, version 10.11)Screen Reader SupportFeature: Voiceover reads text to you and can be used to control the computer using only the keyboard.Zoom SupportFeature: Zoom allows the user to zoom in and navigate a page with higher visibility.Steps: Click System Preferences on the dock, Accessibility, Zoom, then choose either of the following options:1) To zoom with keyboard shortcuts, select "Use keyboard shortcuts to zoom."2) To zoom with your mouse or trackpad, select "Use scroll gesture with modifier keys to zoom."Visual SupportFeature: Under the Display options, you can alter the coloration and/or enlarge the cursor size to improve visibility.Steps: Click System Preferences on the dock, Accessibility, Display, then check "Invert Colors" for a black background with white font, "Use Greyscale" for a grey display, and/or "Enhance Cursor Size" to enlarge the cursor.Feature: Dictation and Speech reads text on the computer screen aloud.Steps: Click System Preferences on the dock, Accessibility, Dictation and Speech, Text to Speech, select the checkbox for “Speak selected text when the key is pressed,” choose the key/key combination you prefer (when text is highlighted and these keys are pressed the text will be read aloud).Web Browser Accessibility ResourcesAn aspect of web accessibility is browser compatibility. The following browsers may be used to view bearstatebowhunters.org web pages:Edge AccessibilityChrome AccessibilityFirefox AccessibilityApple Safari on the newest generation of iPhone and iPadContact UsQuestions or feedback on accessibility features on our desktop or mobile website? Please contact [email protected].