Maine is one of the most breathtaking states in the country. It boasts a beautiful coastline and countless acres of dense, stunning wilderness.
Since the state comes with so much beauty, it seems only natural that there would be a substantial archery community amongst its residents.
If you’re going to shoot some arrows, finding the most suitable range for you is key to your enjoyment and time spent there.
What to Look for in a Range
Picking the right archery range for you means determining what is most important to the success of your experience. For beginners, that might mean access to lessons or rental equipment. For more experienced archers, this might mean finding a range with diverse and challenging courses.
Listed here are a few things to consider before going:
- Location: Picking a spot that’s not only easy to get to but has the right ratio of indoor to outdoor ranges is essential. Some locations could also offer stunning environments that would enhance your overall experience.
- Safety: Making sure the archery range you choose has strict yet reasonable rules set in place for safety precautions is important, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Equipment: Knowing what equipment the range allows you to bring is another vital consideration. If they don’t allow the equipment you have, it’s probably not the right range for you. Additionally, if you don’t have equipment of your own yet, you’ll want to make sure any range you go to offers rentals at reasonable prices.
PS. We released our list of top ranges in Hawaii. Check it out here.
Best Ranges in Maine
Listed below are some of the best archery ranges in Maine. They all have excellent but differing features, making them unique and suitable for all sorts of archers. Each of these ranges have top safety protocols in place, such as distancing from other patrons, eye equipment, and barriers between lanes.
Old Town Archery & Survival
Located in Old Town, ME, this archery range is great for those who want variety. Old Town Archery & Survival offers three distinct types of indoor ranges: a 3D shooting range, a computer simulator, and a traditional one. The traditional range has 12 lanes that are National Field Archery Association (NFAA) certified.
The 3D range at Old Town is 30 yards, consisting of unique angles and places to shoot 3D targets from. They have an awesome simulator called the TechnoHunt requiring a 35-pound bow or greater.
Lakeside Archery
Lakeside Archery is another excellent choice. This range, in North Yarmouth, is one of the highest-rated ranges in Maine. It offers many lanes, both indoor and outdoor.
The indoor range at Lakeside Archery has 3D targets while their outdoor 80-yard range caters to those who prefer a ringed target.
One of the biggest draws of Lakeside is their classes, which are designed to get beginner archers shooting like a pro.
Howell’s Indoor Range & Gun Shop
Another great option for Maine archery is Howell’s Indoor Range & Gun Shop. Located in the town of Gray, Howell’s offers two indoor ranges with 12 lane each. This is great for those who want to experience the range with friends and family.
Howell’s offers special events that you can attend as well. These events are listed on their schedule. Some events have an entry fee or require purchasing tickets, so be sure to read all pertinent information before heading out.
Summerhaven
Located in Augusta, the Summerhaven range is another notable location. The range has six outdoor shooting stations that range from 15 to 25 yards. They also have some moveable targets with ranges up 30 yards.
Summerhaven requires you to bring your own gear, which is great for keeping a feeling of familiarity when you shoot, probably not the best for beginners who have yet to invest in their own gear.
Maine Outdoor Sportsman
This range, in Northport, ME, is another popular choice and has been in operation for over 28 years, receiving many stellar reviews online.
Maine Outdoor Sportsman offers a 3D archery range and an indoor range with 10-, 20-, and 30-yard lines. Having a variety of yard lines provides archers the possibility for more varied shooting styles. This indoor range is definitely a solid choice for those who want to hone in on their skills.
Wrap Up
Maine offers an exciting variety of high-quality archery ranges for people at any skill level.. Looking out for what each range offers before going will help you succeed in finding the best place for you.
