Mt Petrie Bowmen was started in 1964, with 4 original members.  Tom Petrie was instrumental in getting it started on what was previously a small bore rifle range - complete with shooting mounds that were never entirely flattened until the big redevelopment of the late 90s. It remained a small club until the early 80s, shooting on fixed straw butts. Permanent target butts of sawn edge-on stramit were installed in the early 80s, with a staggered shooting line, and membership started to expand as a result of some Beginners' Courses being held.

In the late 90s extensive earthworks were undertaken to develop the Hannay Range into a level, 100m x 100m area, surrounded by earthen mounds, complete with permanent clout pad. Mobile target butts were introduced to enable a common shooting line.

The club is now recognised as having facilities amongst the best in the world, and is one of the top 3 in Australia. In 2000, the club hosted the British and Italian Olympic teams for their pre-Olympic training. Since then, several overseas teams have utilised the grounds for training, as well as the AIS.

The club has hosted the National Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2010, the National Junior Championships in 2006 and will be hosting the 2011 National Championships.