Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec — Nestled in the fertile plains of southwestern Quebec, the Club de chasse et pêche Maska has quietly turn into a regional hub for outdoor recreation. Now, with the official opening of its newly constructed archery ranges, the facility is expanding its offerings to include one of the world’s oldest precision sports, drawing interest from both seasoned archers and newcomers eager to try their hand at the bow.
The latest ranges, unveiled earlier this spring following months of planning and construction, feature multiple shooting lanes at varying distances, designed to accommodate everything from introductory lessons to competitive practice. Located on the club’s existing grounds along Route 116, just outside downtown Saint-Hyacinthe, the setup includes covered shooting stations, target butts compliant with Fédération Internationale de Tir à l’Arc (FITA) standards and secure storage for equipment.
According to club officials, the project was driven by growing demand from local residents and affiliated hunting groups who see archery as both a complementary skill and a year-round activity. “We’ve had members asking about archery for years,” said Jean-Marc Lévesque, president of the Club de chasse et pêche Maska, in a recent interview with Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe. “It’s not just about hunting — though many of our members do use bows during season — it’s about focus, discipline, and enjoying the outdoors in a different way.”
Verification through the club’s public announcements and municipal recreation records confirms that the ranges opened to members in early April 2024, with public access beginning in May following a series of introductory workshops. The facility now offers rental equipment, beginner courses certified by Tir à l’Arc Québec, and scheduled practice times for both recurve and compound bow users.
This development aligns with a broader resurgence of interest in archery across Canada, fueled in part by heightened visibility during international competitions and the accessibility of the sport to people of all ages and abilities. Data from Sport Canada shows a steady increase in archery participation over the past five years, particularly in Quebec, where provincial registration numbers rose by 18% between 2019 and 2023.
For global readers unfamiliar with the region, Saint-Hyacinthe lies approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Montreal, in the heart of Quebec’s Montérégie region. Known for its agricultural heritage and vibrant community life, the city has long supported outdoor pursuits through clubs like Maska, which was founded in 1949 and currently serves over 1,200 active members.
The new ranges are not illuminated for night use, and shooting hours are limited to daylight hours, typically from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. Local time (12:00–24:00 UTC during daylight saving time), in accordance with municipal noise bylaws and safety protocols. All users must complete a safety orientation before accessing the lanes, and supervision is required for minors.
While the club does not currently host sanctioned tournaments, officials say they are exploring possibilities for future regional events in coordination with Tir à l’Arc Québec and the Archers de la Vallée, a nearby competitive club based in Boucherville. Such events could bring added visibility to the facility and stimulate local tourism, particularly during the summer months when outdoor recreation peaks.
From a technical standpoint, the ranges were constructed with input from certified range designers and adhere to guidelines set out by the Archery Trade Association (ATA) and the International Field Archery Association (IFAF). Target distances range from 10 meters for beginners to up to 70 meters for advanced recurve archers — matching the standard used in Olympic competition. Compound bow shooters can practice at distances up to 90 meters, though most recreational use centers on 30–50 meter ranges.
Safety features include earthen berms behind all target lines, clearly marked waiting zones, and audible signal systems to indicate when shooting is active or halted. The club emphasizes that safety is paramount, especially given the shared use of the property for hunting-related activities such as trap shooting and firearms training in designated zones.
Environmental considerations were also factored into the build. The ranges were positioned to minimize tree removal, and natural vegetation buffers were preserved to reduce erosion and maintain wildlife corridors. Lead-free ammunition is not applicable in archery, but the club encourages the use of biodegradable target faces and promotes proper retrieval of arrows to prevent littering.
For visitors planning a trip, Saint-Hyacinthe is accessible via Highway 20 and Route 116, with ample parking available at the club’s main entrance. The nearest major airport is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (YUL), about a 50-minute drive away. Accommodations range from local bed-and-breakfasts to chain hotels in the city center, many of which welcome outdoor enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the Club de chasse et pêche Maska says it plans to evaluate usage patterns over the coming season and may consider adding 3D archery courses or hunting-simulated trails in the future, depending on member feedback and land availability. Any expansion would require renewed consultation with municipal authorities and adherence to Quebec’s wildlife conservation regulations.
As archery continues to grow as a recreational and competitive pursuit in North America, facilities like the updated Maska club play a vital role in lowering barriers to entry. By offering structured access, expert guidance, and a safe environment, they help transform what might seem like a niche pastime into an accessible lifelong activity.
For now, the twang of bowstrings and the soft thud of arrows finding their mark have become a familiar soundtrack along the edges of Saint-Hyacinthe’s fields — a quiet testament to the enduring appeal of drawing back, aiming true, and letting go.
The next official update regarding programming or facility changes is expected in September 2024, when the club reviews its summer season outcomes. Readers interested in archery opportunities in the region are encouraged to contact the Club de chasse et pêche Maska directly or visit the Tir à l’Arc Québec website for certified course listings and club directories.
If you’ve visited the new ranges or have thoughts on the growth of archery in Quebec, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experience in the comments below or pass this along to someone who might enjoy picking up a bow for the first time.
