The WWC-Arolsen shooting center (Waldeckischer WurftaubenClub Arolsen e.V.), located in the scenic Bickerbusch natural valley near the town of Volkmarsen, is one of Germany’s most prominent and technically advanced clay target shooting facilities. Operating as a non-profit sports organization under the leadership of Thomas Beling, the club is an officially registered operator with international associations such as the CPSA (UK) and ATA (USA), cementing its status as a world-class venue. The range attracts a diverse audience, ranging from Olympic-level athletes to hunters preparing for the season and corporate groups seeking a premium recreational experience.
The technical infrastructure of the Wurfscheibenzentrum Bickerbusch is massive, featuring an arsenal of over 120 throwing machines from leading brands such as Laporte, Promatic, and Bowman. The facility is divided into 13 specialized zones covering nearly every clay target discipline, including Olympic Trap and Skeet, dynamic Jagdparcours (Sporting), and Compak Sporting. A defining feature of the range is the strategic use of the natural valley relief to create extremely demanding trajectories, particularly at Stand No. 11 ("Tal"), which shooters have nicknamed the "Valley of Tears" due to its high technical difficulty.
A cornerstone of WWC-Arolsen’s operational policy is its strict adherence to environmental standards. Since 2023, the facility has been a lead-free zone, permitting only the use of steel shot up to size No. 6. This requirement complies with EU-REACH regulations and underscores the club's commitment to preserving the protected Bickerbusch forest surrounding the range. For visitors without their own equipment, the center provides a full "turnkey" service, including gun and protective gear rentals, as well as specialized "Allround" introductory packages for beginners.
The club maintains an active educational program, offering seminars on weapons proficiency (Waffensachkunde), preparatory courses for hunters, and technical training in ammunition reloading. Professional coaching is provided by experienced instructors such as Hendrik Strothmann, while technical maintenance and stock fitting are available through a partnership with the WAFFEN-WIEGAND workshop. The competitive highlight of the season is the prestigious Frankonia ZOLI Cup, which attracts the elite of European sporting shooters and features on-site mobile service from Italian Zoli specialists.
The center’s social infrastructure includes a cozy clubhouse with catering services offering hot meals and beverages, alongside a professional grill area for groups. To navigate the challenging terrain, the complex is equipped with a "rental park" featuring Trionic Veloped mobility aids, ensuring accessibility for shooters with limited mobility. Its proximity to the resort town of Bad Arolsen and Lake Twistesee allows visitors to combine their shooting trip with a broader tourism itinerary, with luxury lodging options available at establishments like the Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss.
Key Advantages & Features
Massive Equipment Park: Over 120 machines across 13 independent shooting stands.
Unique Terrain: Valley shooting and high towers create unparalleled ballistic challenges.
Environmental Leadership: Full transition to steel shot and active forest conservation.
Multi-Disciplinary Range: Supports rare formats such as black-powder muzzleloader shooting.
Beginner-Friendly Services: "All-inclusive" packages and access to personal trainers.
Inclusivity: Availability of Trionic mobility equipment for traversing the rugged terrain.
Specialization & Disciplines
Sporting: Olympic Trap, Double Trap, Skeet, DTL, ABT, American Trap.
Hunting: Jagdparcours (Sporting), Compak Sporting, and "Rolling Hare" (Rollhase).
Simulations: Specialized halls for group hunting simulations and recreational "fun shooting."
Hours of Operation
Wednesday: 01:00 pm – 07:00 pm (Trap & Skeet)
Saturday: 01:00 pm – 06:00 pm (Trap & Skeet)
Sunday: 09:00 am – 12:00 pm (Skeet & Trap)
Other Days: By prior arrangement for groups and specialized Sporting/Compak training
