Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area Receives Grant for New 3D Archery Range and Walking Trail

February 3, 2026
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Indiana's Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area just scored a $49,377 grant from the Community Amenities Program, funneled through the Department of Natural Resources, to build a state-of-the-art 3D archery range boasting 25 target stations alongside a 1.5-mile walking trail near North Webster. Slated for completion by mid-2026, this isn't your grandpa's static bullseye setup—3D archery mimics real-world hunting scenarios with life-sized animal targets hidden in natural terrain, demanding precision, stealth, and split-second decisions that sharpen skills transferable to the rifle range or defensive scenarios. It's a smart, low-barrier entry into the shooting sports world, where bowhunters hone marksmanship without the roar of gunfire, yet the muscle memory and situational awareness scream Second Amendment synergy. For the 2A community, this development is a subtle but significant win amid urban encroachment on public lands. Archery ranges like this democratize training grounds, pulling in families, youth, and newcomers who might otherwise shy away from louder firearms venues—think kids slinging arrows today, sighting scopes tomorrow. It bolsters the shall not be infringed ethos by expanding accessible, government-backed facilities that foster self-reliance and marksmanship culture, countering anti-gun narratives with wholesome, community-driven recreation. As states like Indiana invest in these amenities, we're seeing a ripple effect: more public land shooters mean stronger grassroots support for hunting rights, concealed carry expansions, and resistance to range closures. Keep an eye on Tri-County—it's not just trails and targets; it's the front line of building the next generation of 2A defenders. The implications extend further: with completion timed for 2026, this could inspire copycat grants nationwide, especially as outdoor rec funding surges post-pandemic. Pair it with rising bowhunting participation (up 20% in recent years per the Archery Trade Association), and you've got a blueprint for blending archery's quiet appeal with firearms advocacy. Pro-2A folks, mark your calendars—volunteer for the build, host intro clinics, or just show up to sling some foam critters. This is how we grow the movement, one arrow at a time.

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Indiana’s Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area just scored a $49,377 grant from the Community Amenities Program, funneled through the Department of Natural Resources, to build a state-of-the-art 3D archery range boasting 25 target stations alongside a 1.5-mile walking trail near North Webster. Slated for completion by mid-2026, this isn’t your grandpa’s static bullseye setup—3D archery mimics real-world hunting scenarios with life-sized animal targets hidden in natural terrain, demanding precision, stealth, and split-second decisions that sharpen skills transferable to the rifle range or defensive scenarios. It’s a smart, low-barrier entry into the shooting sports world, where bowhunters hone marksmanship without the roar of gunfire, yet the muscle memory and situational awareness scream Second Amendment synergy.

For the 2A community, this development is a subtle but significant win amid urban encroachment on public lands. Archery ranges like this democratize training grounds, pulling in families, youth, and newcomers who might otherwise shy away from louder firearms venues—think kids slinging arrows today, sighting scopes tomorrow. It bolsters the shall not be infringed ethos by expanding accessible, government-backed facilities that foster self-reliance and marksmanship culture, countering anti-gun narratives with wholesome, community-driven recreation. As states like Indiana invest in these amenities, we’re seeing a ripple effect: more public land shooters mean stronger grassroots support for hunting rights, concealed carry expansions, and resistance to range closures. Keep an eye on Tri-County—it’s not just trails and targets; it’s the front line of building the next generation of 2A defenders.

The implications extend further: with completion timed for 2026, this could inspire copycat grants nationwide, especially as outdoor rec funding surges post-pandemic. Pair it with rising bowhunting participation (up 20% in recent years per the Archery Trade Association), and you’ve got a blueprint for blending archery’s quiet appeal with firearms advocacy. Pro-2A folks, mark your calendars—volunteer for the build, host intro clinics, or just show up to sling some foam critters. This is how we grow the movement, one arrow at a time.

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