DEADLINE: The Archery Range qualification period will be held from Friday, May 1, 2026, through Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Please contact one of the approved Archery Ranges below for their availability and direct any questions about the qualifications or applications to Sgt. Earit Powell at earit.powell@fairfaxcounty.gov.

1. Qualifications will now be required prior to the start of the application process.
    
2. You must have a current qualification and be able to provide proof of qualification in order to apply.
    
3. There will be a qualification fee for each attempt to qualify at an approved range - Maximum of 3 attempts to range qualify for the Archery Program. Please contact the range for their qualification fee and for an appointment.
    
4. 2026-2027 Qualification Standards:
   Three out of three arrows in a 6- and 1/4-inch target at 20 yards and two out of three arrows in a 6- and 1/4-inch target at 30 yards. ALL qualification attempts must be done from a standing position, NO EXCEPTIONS.
    
5. Crossbows and Compound bows only. Only bows used to qualify may be used to participate in the Archery Program. Those qualifying with crossbows may be required to bring their own target or pay an additional fee.
    
6. Broadheads only - Field tips not permitted for use to qualify at the range. “Practice” broadheads are no longer permitted for qualifications. Archers must use the actual broadheads they will be hunting with during the season. Also, if your broadhead is secured with a screw or rubber band, this must be removed prior to qualification. Your broadhead must be in full working order as it would when you are hunting! When going to the range you must have 3 or more broadheads with you in order to qualify. Range Officers will not allow you to take one shot and then go out to your target to pull your arrow/bolt to take your subsequent 2nd and 3rd shots.
    
7. Broadheads must, minimally, cut a 7/8th-inch hole.
    
8. Coring broadheads like the Toxic brand will not be permitted with range targets. If an archer wants to qualify with one, they must bring their own target block. See individual Range page for any restrictions.
    
9. All qualification will be attempted from the standing position. If qualifying with a crossbow, you may utilize a rest if it is attached to your body, or you can utilize a shooting stick (monopod or bipod shooting sticks only; tripod shooting sticks are not permitted). Tables or benches of any kind may not be used.
    
10. Important: You may only hunt with the same equipment you qualified with. This includes, but not limited to, crossbow and bolts, compound bow and arrows, broadheads and sights. If you change any equipment after you have qualified, you must requalify with your new equipment.

1. Participants may qualify at an approved public (or private) archery range. Range qualifications are by appointment only. Appointments for Group qualifications are preferred.

All attempts to range qualify for the Archery Program will be closely monitored and recorded by the Range Master and Fairfax County.

2. Range master’s decision regarding range safety or qualification is final – NO appeals.
    
3. Failure to comply with all range rules and instructions by a range master will result in immediate removal from the site and failure to qualify to participate in the Archery program.
    
4. Qualifications are valid for one (1) year.

Please contact one of the approved Archery Ranges below to make an appointment in order to qualify and become eligible for participation in the Archery Program.