Big Thompson Bowhunter

Big Thompson Bowhunters stewards the Dennis Hansen Archery Range, a community resource where archers practice in realistic hunting scenarios to become effective, ethical bowhunters. Named after founder Dennis Hansen, who served as Range Director for over 40 years before his death in March 2023, the range reflects his legacy of teaching and mentorship.

The club hosts monthly 3D shoots on a regular schedule. For 2025, shoots are scheduled for:

These shoots accommodate archers of all skill levels and are open to non-members. Each shoot requires volunteers for setup, breakdown, and lunch service.

• •Big Game Feast — Held in February at Colorado Youth Outdoors (4927 East County Road 36, Fort Collins), this annual gathering draws 170+ attendees. Doors open at 4:00 pm, dinner at 5:00 pm. Entry is free. Members and non-members bring dishes to share, purchase raffle tickets, and bid on silent and live auction items. All proceeds support range maintenance and improvements.

• •Bow Raffles — The club runs separate raffles for premium bows:
• •2025 Compound Bow Raffle: Mathews Lift bow ($1,300 MSRP) from Scheels Johnstown. Winner can exchange for left-handed model. $10 per ticket.
• •2025 Traditional Bow Raffle: $600 gift card to Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear (RMSGear) for custom traditional bow selection. $10 per ticket.

Winners are drawn at the final July shoot. You don't need to be present to win, but tickets must have your full name and phone number legibly written on the back.

Annual Range Work Day happens in May (2025 date: May 3rd, starting 8am). Tasks include: - Repairing elevated stands - Rebuilding targets and blinds - Spreading gravel - General range upkeep

Volunteers bring gloves and sunscreen. The club provides BBQ lunch and post-work shooting time. Email [email protected] to sign up.

The club maintains a memorial bench honoring Dennis Hansen, featuring the inscription: "aim small, miss small" — his guiding philosophy. Current Range Director is John Williams, supported by longstanding members like Mike Fiscus, Wayne Depperschmidt, Dave Colter, and Tracy and Helen Grzeskowiak.

You don't need to be a member to attend shoots or the Big Game Feast. The club welcomes friends, family, co-workers, and hunting buddies. Board meetings are open to all BTB members who want to get involved.

"We had over 170 people show up [to the 2024 Big Game Feast], buy raffle tickets, as well as bid on silent and live auction items. Thank you to all of our donors who gave amazing prizes such as hunts, knives, tools, taxidermy services, hunting & fishing equipment, and a wide range of gift cards!" — Matt Short, BTB President

Based in Loveland/Longmont area, northern Colorado. The Dennis Hansen Archery Range serves bowhunters throughout the region.

• •Contact: [email protected]
• •Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1984, Loveland, CO 80539

The club's mission centers on building a safe, fun community where bowhunters develop skills through realistic practice and where fundraising directly supports range improvements benefiting all users.