Viking Archery is the only complete archery-only facility in Texas, featuring both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges in the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Canyon Lake. Established in 1963 by Tim and Lannie Whiteford and now operated as a family business alongside sons Kevin and Scott, Viking Archery has been serving the archery community for over 55 years. As the first Archery Lane Operators Association (ALOA) facility in Texas, it represents a significant presence in the region's archery landscape.
The facility is designed to accommodate archers of all skill levels and styles, from novices to competitive shooters. The ranges feature both flat and 3D targets, allowing visitors to practice various archery disciplines including bow hunting, Olympic recurve, field archery, 3D archery, traditional bow shooting, and recreational archery. The scenic setting in the Texas Hill Country provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor shooting, while the indoor range allows year-round practice regardless of weather conditions.
Viking Archery offers rental equipment for the indoor shooting range, making it accessible to those without their own gear. The facility welcomes individuals, families, and groups and has hosted numerous tournaments and events, including state championships and the Texas Bow Hunter Jamboree. Adult archery classes are held every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., while the highly regarded Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program meets every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Since 1974, this program has trained over 10,000 young archers and continues to develop the next generation of competitive and recreational shooters. The facility also hosts the Texas Senior Games archery competition.
Beyond range services, Viking Archery operates as a comprehensive archery retail and service center. The store stocks hundreds of brands and offers custom-fitted bows, arrows, and accessories tailored to each customer's specific needs, draw weight, draw length, and archery style. Services include custom bow fitting, arrow cutting and tipping, equipment repair for all makes and models, and expert guidance from experienced staff including USA Archery Level 4 instructors. The business also manufactures archery equipment and holds patents on several archery-specific designs.
Google reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, with visitors praising the instructors' approachable teaching style and evident passion for sharing the sport. Parents report that their children felt welcomed and excited after their first experiences at the facility. The staff is consistently described as kind, professional, and eager to help archers of all abilities enjoy the sport.
