SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (KTIV) -
Sandy Hollow looks like the perfect range for shooting a bow and arrow.
"We have water, we have the trees, we've got 180 acres. This is the right place to have it," said John Byl, president of NWIOSC.
But it could have been more. In February, Sioux County supervisors voted down John Byl's plans to put a gun range here.
"You don't get to be this age without being frustrated, and until things are all said and done, you never know where life is going to take you," said Byl.
Byl says neighbors rejected the idea because of noise concerns. But he keeps touching base with the NRA and the county and hasn't given up his hopes for a shooting range yet.
"We've had some real good words of encouragement to keep going and trying to make it happen," said Byl.
While the gun range goes on the back burner, the focus moves to the archery range.
There's a 20-station walking course for target practice. Then, there's a 3-D range, with targets that can pop up at different speeds and intervals.
"Little bit of anticipation there, little bit of nerves going on," said Tim Floen, president of the Sioux County Archery Club. "I like to think it puts you in kind of a hunting situation, where you've got to make a pretty quick decision."
Tim Floen says he's happy the course is laid out like this, and he's relying on the youth to help take it to the next level.
"We've got a couple local schools that have shown an interest in that and we're going to try to get them set up with a grant to try to purchase some of that equipment," said Floen.
Chloe Vonk got a new bow for Christmas. And now, she has a hard time putting it down.
"I just like shooting. It feels nice when I hit the target," said Chloe Vonk of Sioux Center.
For now, Chloe's eager just to shoot the pop-up deer.
"I just love doing it. And my dad helps me out with it and he'll keep on doing it," said Vonk.
They're still hoping the facility can become an even bigger hit.
