Black Mountain Bowmen is a non-profit archery club established in 1949 and located on Avenida España in San Jose, California. Operating as a 100% volunteer-run organization, the club maintains a public-access archery range consisting of a practice range and an official 28-target NFAA field course designed similar to a round of golf, with distance markers at each target. The range operates daily from 8:00 AM to sunset and is free to use, though donations are encouraged to support maintenance. No membership is required to shoot, though the club welcomes frequent visitors to join and help sustain the facility.
The range requires archers to bring their own equipment, as Black Mountain Bowmen does not offer rentals. Bow poundage is limited to a maximum of 80 pounds, and the club prohibits crossbows, broadheads, knife and axe throwing, and oversized arrow shafts. Safety rules are strictly enforced at the practice range, requiring all shooters to use designated shooting line markers and prohibiting any downrange activity while arrows are in flight. Those interested in archery instruction can inquire about private lessons, group lessons, or special shooting events by contacting the club directly.
The club hosts a monthly work party on the first Saturday of each month to maintain the range and targets, welcomes both members and non-members to participate, and organizes regular tournaments and competitions including a Wednesday night 3D league. Club membership is available at $80 per year for adults and families, and $30 annually for seniors, with benefits including free entry to monthly club shoots and discounted fees for other events.
