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Photo Gallery The early morning rays of light rose over the mountains, bleeding orange over the top of the forest as if the moon had lacerated the sun. Below the painted trees strode an animal with the silence of a ghost in the dawn’s dew. Unbeknownst to this creature, an invisible force waited in the trees, watching down on its prey as icy breaths were drawn, slowly and controlled, in a moment when life and death could be dictated by the slightest movement or sound.
“When you’re that close to a deer — when you can see the sweat frozen on its whiskers and the ticks behind its ears — the adrenaline is nothing you’ve ever experienced before,” said Richard “Trainwreck” Burkett, vice president of the Downeast Archery Coalition, which runs and maintains the archery facilities aboard Camp Lejeune off Parachute Tower Road.
The archery range, made up of various target courses, caters to every need; from the youngest beginner, to the oldest arching veteran.
“We’ve had kids as young as three shoot here, all the way up to people over 70,” said Burkett. “Archery is truly a family activity, as well as a great way to get out and enjoy nature.”
The facility is made up of a course which takes archers through a maze of trees, randomly exposing targets through different types of shooting conditions, while also providing a controlled environment practice range.
“We have all sorts of different animals for targets,” said Burkett. “Our most popular is the velociraptor. What I mean is everyone likes to look at it; it’s not an easy target to shoot.”
Mike “Big Fish” Figgins, the president of the DAC and head of the range, elaborated on the value the archery facility plays in terms of family involvement as well as helping the community.
“Every year we hold a Toys for Tots shoot, in which we donate a truck full of toys,” said Figgins. “The sport itself is a good way to hang out with your buddies; simply just a lot of fun.”
As an incentive to younger archers, every child 12 years or younger receives an archery participation award for shooting at the facility.
Everyone who regularly shoots at the facility can attest to the level of professionalism as well as assistance it offers.
“We have more than experienced archers that come here on an almost daily basis,” said Burkett. “They are able to help you with any questions you might have. We also have a maintenance shop if you need to make any sort of repairs or modifications on your bow.”
Even if just visiting for a day, the archery range instills at least a consideration to start practicing, for the help and fun is to be had is easily apparent.
“Eventually this area will be plowed over and rebuilt into barracks for the 9th Marine Regiment,” said Burkett. “Our only concern is where we will be relocated, if anywhere. A lot of people are counting on still being able to shoot.”
With the range’s future in question, base archers can only hope the option to bow hunt a velociraptor after a long day at work will still be available for every fledgling archer to enjoy.
