History

& Future Plans

The South Fork Archers Club (SFA) was founded in Southeast Idaho by combining the Jefferson County Bowhunters with the Wapiti Bowhunters in the early 1970’s. SFA officers procured an Archery range in cooperation with the Idaho State Department of Transportation along the Ririe Highway soon after and operated and maintained it until about 2003. That range was lost due to a land swap for a housing development. From that time until 2013 the club struggled to find a suitable location for a good range, but were able to maintain operations of other club functions.

 In the spring of 2013, SFA signed a co-operative lease agreement with the city of Idaho Falls to operate and maintain a new city archery range located at Sandy Downs, east of the horse racing facility and south of Sand Creek Golf Course. Volunteers constructed the practice range of seven large target stations at distances from 20 to 80 yards. In 2018 the city lease ended and the land was transferred to Idaho Falls Power for the future construction of a substation.  A new lease is in the works to form an agreement between South Fork Archers and the power company to insure both can benefit from use of the land. 

One of the club’s goals is to make the range as safe and enjoyable as possible. Future plans for the 25-acre range include a new electric gate, a net to catch stray arrows, complete the cover for the shooting line on the practice range and a walking range.

The club operates on a fairly tight budget and membership dues allow us to maintain and make these improvements to the range.  Memberships are available online, at Archery Idaho, at any club event, or by contacting one of the officers. Individual memberships are $50 and Family memberships are $90.

The club is also looking to get the public involved. To do that we will be rolling out some sponsorship and donation programs. Local businesses or individuals will be able to sponsor targets in exchange for advertising or pay to have their logo on our shoot trailer. Also, to pay for the cover over the shooting line we will be looking for donations of building materials and labor. Contact a board member if you would like to donate to any of SFA’s future projects or would be interested in advertising your business.