Which Archery Target Do You Need

Do you know how to make an archery target? Have you ever wondered how to make a block target for archery? No matter what your question, this blog post will answer them. We discuss the different types of archery targets and How to make one for yourself.

What is Archery Target?

The archery target is designed to be hung in the field. When an arrow reaches it, that means they were successful and hit what they aimed at!

Types of Archery Targets

• 3D

3D archery targets come in many shapes and sizes. The most common forms are humanoid, such as a deer or bear target, but there can be other options for archers looking to shoot at something more specific than the standard round block.

Some examples of this include animal cutouts like turkeys and rams; foam archery targets shaped like humans with bull’s eyes; or even fake fur targets where the archer shoots an animal on a mannequin.

However, the best 3D archery targets can also be turkeys, skunks, or woodchucks. Hunters and archers use them for practice, and they tend to be more expensive than other targets.

• BULLSEYE

Bull’s eye targets are the standard block style archery target. They come in many forms and materials, but they’re all round with a bulls-eye painted on them.

These types of archery targets may be adjustable for how far away you can shoot from to give yourself more or less practice time before having to reset your arrow placement again.

The color scheme is red, yellow, blue, white, and black. They are often larger than other types of targets and are favored by some archers because they are old fashioned and nostalgic. While they can be fun to use, they generally don’t last as long as other targets.

• BAG

The best archery target for compound bows is a bag. A bag target is how to make a archery block that’s easy to transport. They are large, round targets with soft material inside of them for the arrows they catch not to break or get damaged when struck by another arrow. These types of archery targets also have multiple layers so you can shoot at different levels without having your arrows bounce back or get lost.

Archery bag targets are portable and easy to store when not in use. These targets can withstand hundreds of shots and are typically weatherproof. They’re great for beginners because they feature a large surface area that makes them easier to hit.

• BLOCK OR CUBE

The best archery target for beginners is a block or cube. These types of targets are how to make an archery block that’s easy to set up and transport. Block targets are shaped like cubes, and they are popular with hunters. They are made of foam, so they’re lightweight and easy to carry.

Many foam block targets feature different images, such as bullseyes or vital organs, on different sides, so you can shoot them from various heights and angles. However, they can lose their shape if you consistently strike them on the same side.

Best Archery Targets Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Morrell Double Duty Field Point Bag Archery Target

This heavy-duty archery target by Morrell can be used with crossbows, compound bows, traditional bows, and airbows. It’s made with Double Duty 450FPS to withstand penetration from any shot.

The target includes five traditional bullseyes, nine ball bullseyes, a dartboard game, and deer vitals for practice so you can execute precision shots in various types of archery applications.

The multiple target types on the sides of the cubes keep you from getting bored from shooting the same picture. The target includes a replaceable cover to enhance durability.

The material in the bag does not degrade, it can take multiple shots at a time, and it comes with carrying handles for portability. It can also withstand thousands of shots.

Block Classic Archery Target

Block Classic Archery Targets are iconic to the sport of archery, but until now they have been neglected as toys. Introducing the Block Classic Archery Target from Toysmith!

This fun target will provide hours of entertainment for those aged 8 and up. This two-sided archery target is available in different sizes: 18, 20, and 22 inches.

The open layer design stops arrows using friction instead of force, which fosters easy arrow removal. Accuracy is easy to measure due to the high-contrast, white-on-black color scheme.

The target is light and portable and comes with a handle. It is super durable, and it holds up well after shooting hundreds of arrows into it and leaving it out in the rain. Paper targets stay pinned in place very nicely, particularly when compared to other bag or block targets.

Overall, it stops arrows effortlessly, and pulling them out is a breeze.

Field Logic Hurricane Bag Archery Target

The Field Logic Hurricane Bag Archery Target is durable, offers a high level of visibility, and is built for easy portability.

It’s a two-sided target constructed with 1,000 PSI tri-core technology, which offers long-term durability so you can keep practicing without worrying about your target breaking down. That unique technology also helps prevent arrows from going right through the target.

The Hurricane Bag is a versatile target for archery and crossbows. The outer cover of the bag protects the surface underneath with its multi-layered, sound deadening material; perfect for any novice or expert.

You’ll be able to fire hundreds of arrows at this target bag, and it’s built to be weather-proof as well as resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. If you’d like, you can even move this target around or carry it on the go.

Equipped with a heavy-duty handle, it’s easy and convenient to bring along anywhere.

Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Field Point Archery Target

Morrell’s Yellow Jacket range of targets have been setting the industry standard for years. This target is designed to be used with high-speed bows and can withstand thousands of shots.

It features high-quality material and is known for its easy, two-finger arrow removal. It comes with a removable cover for enhanced durability and to increase its core life.

The manufacturer claims the target will last for years. Its carrying handle makes it portable, and it’s easy to hang because it comes with grommets.

The target features white and black graphics on a yellow background for visibility, and it can take several shots at a time. The arrows easily penetrate the plastic sheathing, and they do not go through to the other side.

How To Make An Archery Target

To make your own archery target you will need a frame for the target and material to put inside it. The material and frame need to be strong enough to withstand the impact from an arrow.

The target size, weight, and construction all need to be taken into consideration when building an archery target.

Foam Mat Archery Target

This is a fun target to make and they tend to be pretty durable and will last quite a while. After a while this type of target will need some repair. But if you make the frame right, changing out mats that are falling apart is simple. 

Materials:

• 50 or more mats (5 packs of 10 or more)

• 4 lengths of 2×4, longer than your target width (3 or 4 feet)

• 4 lengths of threaded rod, longer than your target height (5/16″ diameter will work)

• 8 nuts (5/16″ or same size as threaded rod)

• 8 washers (inner diameter to match threaded rod)

• Piece of cloth or carpet (optional)

Steps

• Connect mats together to make the width of target you want.

• Stack mats on top of one another until you’ve reached the height of target you want.

• Add a few more mats to the top.

• Drill holes in each end of the 2×4’s big enough for the threaded rod to pass through.

• Place the threaded rod through the 2×4’s one on both ends.

• Put the washers and nuts on the threaded rod.

• Place the stack of mats in between the 2×4’s with the threaded rod on each side.

• Tighten the nuts on the threaded rod to compact the mats tightly.

• Attach a printed target to the side of the mats to aim at.

Wood Box Archery Target

Wood Box archery target is the latest rage that’s getting people packing cross country. The only maintenance for this target is to replenish some of the stuffing and replace the target face. You probably will only need to do this every other year though.

Materials:

• 8, four foot long 2×4’s
• 4, 2′ by 4′ pieces of plywood
• One 4′ by 4′ piece of plywood
• Tarp, burlap, or old grain sack
• Deck screws or drywall screws
• Staple gun with staples
• Packing material (plastic pallet wrap)
• Spray paint (optional)

Steps:  

• Attach 4 of the 4′ 2×4’s to make a perfect square.

• Attach the other four 2×4’s to make another perfect square.

• Attach the two frames together with a piece of 2′ by 4′ plywood.

• Attach 2 other pieces of 2′ by 4′ plywood leaving one end open.

• Attach the 4′ by 4′ piece of plywood closing up the back of the target.

• Staple the target face (layers of tarp or burlap, or grain sack) to the front of the frame.

• Stuff packing material into the opening of the frame.

• Compact the packing material inside the target frame.

• Put on the last 2′ by 4′ piece of plywood to close up the target.

• Spray paint target spots on the target face (optional).

HAY BALES

The hay bale archery target is one of the most common targets made for at home use. Hay bales are made from herbaceous plants that were cut, dried and packed together.

They’re suitable for beginners because they’re big and cheap, and arrows penetrate them easily. Youths and others shooting low-poundage bows have no problem getting arrows to stick in hay bales, which can also handle large target faces.

Materials:

• Hay bale
• Paper
• Tape

Steps:

• Decide how big you want your archery target to be.

• Cut the hay bale down into that size if it’s too large.

• Attach a printed out target or make one using paper and tape.

• STRAWide the size of target you will need.

• Get enough straw hay bales to cover that size (usually 4-6).

• Stack the hay bales or position them in an enclosure or target stand.

• Print out a paper target to attach to the hay bales.

Cardboard Archery Target

Cardboard Archery Target takes cardboard-cutting to a whole new level, because it definitely gets old just cutting up boxes all willy-nilly.

This pack of sturdy targets comes with 4 pieces per set and are designed specifically for archery training on target practice ranges or 3D rangefinders.

They’re durable enough for multiple uses but also lightweight so they’ll be easy to transport on adventures in nature!

Materials:

• Cardboard

Steps:   

• Determine the size of the target and find a cardboard box that will fit those dimensions (I suggest getting a box that is as deep as it is wide)
• Fill the cardboard box with material that will stop an arrow (rags, old clothes, more cardboard, plastic wrap, packed newspaper, etc)
• Pack the material into the box and seal the box nicely
• Draw rings on the box to aim at, or attach a printed out target