Range Rules

This is a public archery range - all persons must without exception operate under the following rules. These rules are mandatory and are for the protection and safety of all archers. If you observe unsafe behavior, report it immediately to the Range Master, a Park Ranger or LAPD (LAPD Park Police at 213-978-4600).

Short Range (Covered Range)

  • Enter the range and shoot at your own risk.
  • Archers are expected to be courteous and cooperative on the range at all times.
  • Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
  • No running or playing on the range is allowed.
  • Broadheads & crossbows are strictly prohibited.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
  • Smoking and vaping are NOT allowed anywhere on the range.
  • No alcohol is permitted on the range
  • No loud talking, noises or music are allowed at the range.
  • All shooting at the covered range must be done from the 18 meter line unless an authorized WPA class is in session.
  • Archers must straddle the shooting line (one foot on each side) at both ranges.
  • Arrows must always point downrange
  • Arrows may only be loaded on the shooting lines.
  • No skydraws are allowed on the range except for in the clout shooting area.
  • When you are done shooting, step behind the shooting line to alert others that you are waiting.

Whistle Commands

2 Whistle Blasts: Straddle the shooting line
1 Whistle Blast: Begin Shooting
3 Whistle Blasts: Retrieve arrows
5+ Whistle Blasts or 1 Long Whistle Blast: EMERGENCY! Cease fire, unload, do not move and wait for instruction..

Verbal Commands

CLEAR: When all archers are done shooting, anyone may call CLEAR. All archers should repeat CLEAR, confirming that the range is safe, and then may retrieve arrows.
RANGE IS HOT: After carefully checking that no archers are downrange ANYWHERE, this command tells archers that it is safe to begin shooting again.
CEASE FIRE: This command is for emergencies. Every archer must stop shooting, remove their arrows from their bows, stay in place, and carefully observe. The person that called for a CEASE FIRE will give the okay to resume shooting.

Safety is our top priority!
All archers are responsible for safety!

All archers may ask any archer to stop doing anything unsafe and to read and follow these rules. Additional rules and procedures may be posted anywhere on the range by the WPA Board and MUST BE FOLLOWED. Any archer refusing to shoot safely may be asked to leave. To enforce these rules if necessary, archers may call: LAPD Park Police (213) 978-4600 for any non-emergencies. For all emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For reference, the closest street address is the Wildlife Reserve at 6350 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406.

Long Range

All archers are to shoot from the designated shooting line only. No exceptions.

No archer may shoot if another archer is down range. All persons must be clear of the down range area before shooting can commence. No exceptions.

IMPORTANT - RULES FOR RETRIEVING ARROWS There are two outdoor ranges, a West Range and an East Range. The West range has long distance targets and the EAST range has shorter distances.

  • The WEST and EAST ranges can run independently of each other. However, ALL archers must shoot and retrieve arrows at the same time on the range they are shooting on.
  • When all persons are on the behind the shooting line and it is confirmed that no one is down range, shout (West or East) "Range is Live" for the range you are on EXAMPLE: "West range is live" or "East range is live".
  • Arrows must not be shot unless all archers are on or behind the shooting line for that range. Arrows may not be retrieved while any archer is shooting on that range.
  • If present, the direction of the Range Master must be followed at all times. If a Range Master is on duty, all users must clearly communicate arrow retrieval intervals with each other.
  • When the last person on the shooting line has finished and stepped behind the shooting line and the line is clear, shout "WEST Range Clear" (if you are on the WEST Range) and "EAST Range Clear" (if you are on the EAST Range).
  • Everyone retrieves arrows in UNISON for the Range you are on. No Exceptions
  • If you are the last on the shooting line, be courteous and don't make others wait for you to finish shooting additional arrows. When retrieving arrows, do so in a timely manner so archers are not waiting for your return to the shooting line before shooting can commence.
  • No sky draws. Do not raise the arrow point higher than the top of the bale when drawing the bow.
  • Arrows are to be pointed down range at all times once the arrow is drawn from the quiver.
  • Arrows must be aimed and released at target butts only. Do not shoot across lanes. Never point a loaded arrow at anything other than the target directly in front of you.
  • No placement of any temporary (portable) targets or target butts on the rage except directly in front of permanent target butts. Any portable target must have its own stand and backstop.
  • Spectators must remain behind the shooting line at all times. Be respectful of archers' concentration and do not attempt to distract them.
  • Shooting is permitted only from the designated shooting line. No one may shoot in front of or behind the shooting line. (The organized Clout Round shooting near the west fence is the only exception.)
  • Archers under 18 years of age must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at all times while on the range.
  • This range is for target arrows only. No hunting broadheads or practice broadheads of any kind allowed. No exceptions.
  • No disruptive or loud behavior. Be considerate to all archers and spectators.
  • No unsolicited coaching or unauthorized instruction.