They're not just Robin Hood’s weapon of choice... Bows and arrows are used for recreation as well as hunting and local retailers say interest in archery has gone up.

"You can shoot your bow in the backyard but you cannot shoot your gun in the backyard, but there are a lot of people who use 3D targets or a bail of hay with a paper plate on it and shoot with that as a target." Says Michael Faye, an Avid Archery Hunter

Dothan's East Gate park will soon be home to a brand new archery range complete with a variety of targets and platforms.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January.

"We're encouraging everyone to come out and be a part of this, we are looking forward to it, there is a lot of interest in it, and this is something we wanted to do for a long time. Its something new to this area and Dothan will be the first to have something like this in the area." Says Elston Jones of Dothan Leisure Services

Basic archery ranges are 50 meters in size, but this range is expected to be 90 meters so that Dothan will have the option to host tournaments.

"The range will have an elevated platform, and permanent targets, so that the longevity of the targets will be great. There will be so many spaces and they will be separated and different distances, to be able to invite the 3D type tournaments." Says Jones.

The elevated platforms will be used for hunters to shoot as if they were shooting from a tree stand.
This could also be a way for gun hunters to seek a new kind of thrill.

"The hunter has a chance, the deer has a chance, its more exciting, the heart beet, and thumps more, and the adrenaline rush is there and if you do not have that going for you, than you have lost your thrill of hunting." Says Faye.

Dothan leisure services will offer lessons when the range is complete.
In the meantime there is a range open to the public at Sportsman’s outfitters in Dothan.