Do It Yourself Archery Target: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to make your own archery target? Yes, you can make your own archery target! This guide offers DIY archery target plans and explains how to build a durable and cheap archery target for backyard archery practice.

Archery is a fun and challenging sport. But buying archery targets can be expensive. Luckily, building your own is a great alternative. This detailed target construction guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating a homemade archery target that will last. Whether you are looking for DIY archery target plans or want to save money, this guide is for you.

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Why Build Your Own Archery Target?

There are many reasons to build your own archery target.

• Cost Savings: Store-bought targets can be costly. Building your own cheap archery target can save a lot of money, especially if you shoot often.
• Customization: Making your own target lets you tailor it to your specific needs. You can adjust the size, shape, and firmness to match your bow’s draw weight and your shooting style.
• Durability: A well-made DIY target can be more durable than some commercial options. By choosing the right archery target materials and using a layered archery target design, you can create a target that lasts for years.
• Satisfaction: There is a great feeling of accomplishment that comes from building something yourself.

Choosing Your Archery Target Design

Several DIY archery target plans are available. Here are some popular options:

• Layered Foam Target: This is one of the most popular and effective designs. It uses layers of foam stacked and compressed together.
• Bag Target: A simple design involving stuffing a bag with fabric scraps or old clothes.
• Cardboard Target: A very cheap and easy option, but less durable.

This guide will focus on the layered foam target, as it provides the best balance of cost, durability, and ease of construction.

Archery Target Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary archery target materials. This list includes:

• Foam: Closed-cell foam is the best choice for a layered target. Look for foam exercise mats, camping mats, or even repurposed packaging foam. The thickness of the foam will determine the target’s overall size.
• Plywood (Optional): Use plywood for the front and back to compress the foam layers. This is not strictly necessary but will significantly improve the target’s durability and longevity.
• Straps or Ratchet Straps: These are essential for compressing the foam layers. Heavy-duty straps are recommended.
• Duct Tape: Used to reinforce the edges and prevent the foam from splitting.
• Target Face: You can print a target face online or buy one.
• Marker: To mark the foam for cutting.
• Knife or Saw: To cut the foam to the desired size. A utility knife, jigsaw, or even a bread knife can work.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate cuts.
• Gloves: To protect your hands while cutting the foam.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.

Step-by-Step Target Construction Guide

Follow these steps to build your own layered foam archery target.

Step 1: Preparing the Foam

1. Gather Your Foam: Collect enough foam to create a target of the desired thickness. A target at least 12 inches thick is recommended for most bows.
2. Cut the Foam: Use a knife or saw to cut the foam into squares or rectangles. The size will depend on your desired target size. A common size is 24×24 inches. Make sure all the pieces are the same size.
3. Stack the Foam: Stack the foam pieces to ensure you have enough layers for your target’s desired thickness.

Step 2: Compressing the Foam

1. Layer the Foam: Stack the cut foam pieces neatly on top of each other.
2. Add Plywood (Optional): If using plywood, place a piece on the top and bottom of the foam stack. This will help distribute the compression evenly.
3. Secure with Straps: Wrap the straps tightly around the foam stack. Use at least two straps, one horizontally and one vertically, to ensure even compression. Ratchet straps are ideal, as they allow you to tighten the foam more securely.
4. Tighten the Straps: Tighten the straps as much as possible. The goal is to compress the foam tightly together, creating a dense and durable target. The tighter the compression, the longer the target will last.

Step 3: Reinforcing the Target

1. Wrap with Duct Tape: Wrap the edges of the target with duct tape. This will help prevent the foam from splitting or tearing, especially after repeated use.
2. Reinforce Corners: Pay extra attention to the corners, as these are the most vulnerable areas.
3. Check Compression: After wrapping with duct tape, re-tighten the straps if necessary.

Step 4: Adding the Target Face

1. Choose a Target Face: You can print a target face online or buy one. Choose a design that is appropriate for your skill level and the distance you will be shooting from.
2. Attach the Target Face: Use tape or staples to attach the target face to the front of the target. Make sure it is centered and securely attached.
3. Replace as Needed: Replace the target face as it becomes worn or damaged.

Step 5: Testing and Adjusting

1. Test the Target: Shoot a few arrows at the target from a safe distance. Observe how the arrows penetrate the foam.
2. Adjust Compression: If the arrows are penetrating too deeply, tighten the straps further. If they are bouncing off, the foam may be too dense, but this is unlikely with proper compression.
3. Adjust Layers: If you notice any weak spots, you can add more foam layers or reinforce the area with duct tape.

Different Archery Target Stuffing Options

While foam is the most popular choice for DIY archery targets, several other materials can be used for archery target stuffing, each with its pros and cons.

Material	Pros	Cons	Best For
Closed-Cell Foam	Durable, weather-resistant, good stopping power, easy to cut and compress	Can be expensive depending on the source, might require sourcing from multiple places to get enough.	Layered targets, high-poundage bows
Fabric Scraps	Cheap, readily available (old clothes, towels), eco-friendly	Less durable than foam, can shift and create soft spots, may not stop high-poundage arrows	Bag targets, low-poundage bows
Burlap	Readily available, relatively inexpensive	Doesn’t provide much stopping power alone, best used in conjunction with other materials like fabric scraps or loosely packed clothing.	Bag targets as an outer layer to contain stuffing
Cardboard	Very cheap, easily accessible (old boxes), good for beginners	Least durable option, breaks down quickly, not suitable for high-poundage bows, can be messy.	Temporary targets, practice at close range, low-poundage bows
Recycled Plastic Wrap	Environmentally friendly if using existing plastic, good stopping power when tightly packed	Requires significant effort to collect and compress, may not be as durable as foam in the long run, can be slippery and difficult to handle.	Bag targets with a focus on environmental friendliness
Straw or Hay	Natural, biodegradable, readily available in some areas	Can be messy, attracts pests, susceptible to moisture damage and rotting, requires a specialized frame or container to hold it tightly compressed.	Traditional archery, reenactments, requires specific construction methods (typically tightly packed bales).
Carpet Scraps	Durable, good stopping power, can often be obtained for free or cheap from carpet installers or discarded remnants	Can be difficult to cut and compress, may contain staples or other debris that could damage arrows, can be heavy.	Layered targets, bag targets, requires careful preparation and inspection of the scraps before use.

Choosing the right archery target stuffing depends on your budget, the power of your bow, and how long you want the target to last. For maximum durability and stopping power, closed-cell foam is generally the best choice. For a cheap and easy option, fabric scraps or cardboard can work, especially for beginners with low-poundage bows.

Backyard Archery Target Placement

Safety is paramount when setting up a backyard archery range. Consider these factors:

• Backstop: Always have a solid backstop behind your target to stop stray arrows. A hill, a thick wall, or a purpose-built backstop can work.
• Clear Space: Ensure a clear space around the target, free from obstacles and people.
• Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance between the shooting line and the target. Consult archery guidelines for recommended distances.
• Arrow Retrieval: Have a plan for safely retrieving arrows.
• Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and ensure that no one is in the line of fire when you are shooting.
• Local Regulations: Check local regulations regarding archery in your backyard. Some areas may have restrictions on where and when you can shoot.

Tips for a Durable Archery Target

To maximize the lifespan of your homemade archery target, consider these tips:

• Tight Compression: The tighter the foam is compressed, the more durable the target will be. Use ratchet straps and tighten them as much as possible.
• Reinforce Edges: Wrap the edges of the target with duct tape to prevent splitting and tearing.
• Protect from Weather: Store the target indoors or cover it when not in use to protect it from rain, sun, and extreme temperatures.
• Rotate Target Face: Rotate the target face regularly to distribute wear evenly.
• Repair Damage: Repair any damage promptly. Use duct tape to patch holes or tears.
• Replace Foam Layers: If certain foam layers become excessively worn, replace them with new foam.
• Regular Maintenance: Check the straps regularly and tighten them as needed.

Layered Archery Target: A Deeper Look

The layered archery target design is effective because it uses friction to stop arrows. When an arrow penetrates the foam, the layers of foam compress around it, slowing it down and eventually stopping it.

• Layer Arrangement: Experiment with different arrangements of foam layers. Some archers prefer to alternate between different types of foam to create a more varied density.
• Foam Density: Using a mix of foam densities can improve the target’s performance. Softer foam layers can help slow the arrow down, while denser layers provide stopping power.
• Layer Thickness: The thickness of the foam layers can also affect the target’s performance. Thicker layers provide more resistance but can be harder to compress.

DIY Archery Target Plans for Different Budgets

Here are some ideas for DIY archery target plans for different budgets:

• Budget-Friendly: Use recycled materials such as old clothes, cardboard, or scrap fabric for archery target stuffing. Build a simple bag target.
• Mid-Range: Invest in closed-cell foam exercise mats and use plywood for the front and back of a layered target.
• High-End: Purchase high-quality archery target foam and use heavy-duty straps for maximum compression and durability.

Fathoming Archery Target Safety

Safety is essential in archery. Always prioritize safety when building and using your archery target.

• Safe Shooting Practices: Follow all standard archery safety guidelines.
• Proper Equipment: Use arrows that are appropriate for your bow’s draw weight.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• Supervision: Supervise children at all times when they are shooting.
• No Dry Firing: Never dry fire your bow (releasing the string without an arrow). This can damage the bow and cause serious injury.

FAQ Section

• What is the best archery target stuffing?

  Closed-cell foam is the best choice for its durability and stopping power.
  * Can I use old clothes as archery target stuffing?
  

  Yes, old clothes can be used, but they are less durable than foam and may not stop high-poundage arrows.
  * How thick should my archery target be?
  

  At least 12 inches thick is recommended for most bows.
  * What is a good cheap archery target?

  A bag target stuffed with fabric scraps or cardboard is a cheap and easy option.
  * How can I make my archery target last longer?

  Compress the foam tightly, reinforce the edges with duct tape, and protect the target from the weather.
  * What do I need to consider for backyard archery target placement?

  Consider a solid backstop, clear space, safe distance, and local regulations.
  * Is a layered archery target better than a bag target?

  Layered targets generally offer better durability and stopping power than bag targets.
  * What archery target design is best for a beginner?

  A simple bag target is often a good starting point for beginners due to its ease of construction and low cost.

Building your own DIY archery target is a rewarding project that can save you money and allow you to customize your shooting experience. By following these steps and tips, you can create a durable and effective target that will provide years of enjoyment. Always prioritize safety, and happy shooting!