How Do You Make An Archery Target? A DIY Guide for Beginners

Archery is a fun and challenging sport. If you’re just starting out, you might wonder, “How do you make an archery target?” You can create your own DIY archery target using readily available archery target materials. This guide will walk you through different homemade target design options, offering a target construction guide to help you with building a target for archery that’s perfect for practice. We’ll also cover arrow stopping target techniques, discuss the best target for practice depending on your needs, and touch on factors affecting target durability and lifespan.

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Why Build Your Own Archery Target?

Making your own target offers several benefits:

• Cost Savings: Store-bought targets can be expensive. DIY alternatives are often much cheaper.
• Customization: You can tailor the size and density of the target to your specific bow and arrows.
• Convenience: You can build a target using materials you may already have on hand.
• Skill Development: The construction process is a learning experience itself, fostering resourcefulness.

Different Target Types and Their Pros & Cons

Before diving into the building process, let’s examine a few popular DIY target types:

Target Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Bag Target	Easy to build, portable, good arrow stopping power.	Can be messy, requires regular restuffing.	Recurve bows, low-poundage compound bows, backyard practice.
Foam Block Target	Durable, clean, easy arrow removal.	Can be more expensive depending on the foam, less forgiving if thin.	Compound bows, higher poundage bows, field points.
Layered Cardboard	Cheap, uses recycled materials, good arrow stopping if built correctly.	Can be bulky, weather sensitive, may require frequent replacement.	Low poundage bows, beginners, indoor practice.
Tire Target	Extremely durable, long lasting, very effective arrow stopping.	Heavy, not easily portable, can be difficult to remove embedded arrows.	High poundage bows, broadheads (with modifications), long-term outdoor use.

Materials You’ll Need

The required materials will depend on the type of target you choose to build. Here’s a general overview:

• Bag Target:
  • Burlap sack, feed bag, or heavy-duty fabric (e.g., old canvas tent)
  • Target stuffing options: Old clothes, rags, plastic wrap, shrink wrap, packing peanuts (use sparingly), or dedicated archery target foam scraps.
  • Duct tape or strong sewing thread.
  • Marker for target face.
• Foam Block Target:
  • High-density archery target foam sheets or a large block.
  • Strapping tape or rope.
  • Optional: Wooden frame for added support.
  • Adhesive (if layering foam).
• Layered Cardboard Target:
  • Multiple sheets of corrugated cardboard (large and uniform size).
  • Strapping tape or rope.
  • Optional: Wooden frame or ratchet straps for compression.
• Tire Target:
  • Old tires (3-5 tires of similar size)
  • Strapping tape or rope.
  • Target stuffing options: Old carpet, dense foam, tightly packed cloth.

Building a Bag Target: Step-by-Step Guide

Bag targets are a popular choice due to their simplicity and effectiveness.

1. Choose Your Bag: Select a durable bag. Burlap sacks are classic, but strong feed bags or even repurposed canvas tents work well. Check for any holes and repair them with duct tape or stitching.
2. Prepare Your Stuffing: Gather your chosen target stuffing options. Old clothes are a good choice, but avoid anything with hard buttons or zippers that could damage your arrows. Shredding the clothes will help them pack more densely.
3. Stuff the Bag: Start stuffing the bag tightly, packing the material evenly. The denser the stuffing, the better it will stop arrows.
4. Close the Bag: Once the bag is full and firm, close the opening securely. Fold over the excess material and stitch it closed with strong thread, or use heavy-duty duct tape. Be generous with the tape to prevent it from bursting open.
5. Add a Target Face: Use a permanent marker to draw a target face on the bag. You can use a simple concentric circle design or print a target face and attach it to the bag.

Creating a Foam Block Target

Foam block targets are known for their clean arrow removal and good target durability and lifespan.

1. Source Your Foam: The key to a good foam block target is high-density foam. You can purchase dedicated archery target foam sheets or blocks online or from archery supply stores. Closed-cell foam is ideal.
2. Layer or Stack the Foam: If using foam sheets, layer them on top of each other to create the desired thickness. Adhere the layers using a strong adhesive designed for foam. Alternatively, if using a large block, proceed to the next step.
3. Compress and Secure: Wrap the foam block tightly with strapping tape or rope. This compression helps to hold the foam together and improves its arrow-stopping ability.
4. Optional: Build a Frame: For added durability, you can build a wooden frame around the foam block. This will protect the edges of the foam and prevent it from deforming over time.
5. Add a Target Face: As with the bag target, draw or attach a target face to the front of the foam block.

Constructing a Layered Cardboard Target

Layered cardboard targets are an economical and environmentally friendly option.

1. Gather Cardboard: Collect a stack of corrugated cardboard sheets of similar size. The thicker the cardboard, the better.
2. Cut and Stack: Trim the cardboard sheets to a uniform size and stack them neatly on top of each other.
3. Compress Tightly: Use strapping tape or rope to compress the stack of cardboard as tightly as possible. The tighter the compression, the more effective the target will be at stopping arrows.
4. Optional: Use a Frame or Ratchet Straps: For even greater compression and stability, consider building a wooden frame around the cardboard stack or using ratchet straps to tighten it further.
5. Add a Target Face: Draw or attach a target face to the front of the cardboard target.
6. Weather Protection: Keep the target dry. Rain will quickly ruin cardboard targets.

Building a Tire Target

Tire targets are incredibly durable and perfect for high-poundage bows.

1. Gather Tires: Collect 3-5 old tires of the same size. The more tires, the thicker and more effective the target.
2. Stack the Tires: Stack the tires on top of each other, creating a cylinder.
3. Stuff the Tires: This is where the real work begins. Pack the inside of the tires with your chosen target stuffing options. Old carpet, dense foam, and tightly packed cloth scraps are all good choices. The goal is to fill the tires as completely and densely as possible. You may need to use a tool to help pack the material tightly.
4. Secure the Stack: Wrap strapping tape or rope tightly around the outside of the tires to hold them together and compress the stuffing.
5. Add a Target Face: Attach a target face to the front of the tire stack. You may need to use tape or glue to secure it.
6. Safety Considerations: Because arrow removal can be difficult, this target is not ideal for beginners. If using broadheads, be prepared for them to get stuck.

Optimizing Your DIY Archery Target for Best Performance

• Density is Key: Regardless of the target type, density is the most important factor for stopping arrows. Pack your chosen material as tightly as possible.
• Size Matters: Make sure the target is large enough to accommodate your shooting ability. A larger target is more forgiving and reduces the risk of damaging your arrows or surroundings.
• Regular Maintenance: Inspect your target regularly for wear and tear. Restuff bag targets as needed, and replace cardboard layers as they become damaged. Rotate your target face to extend its lifespan.
• Consider the Environment: If you’re using your target outdoors, choose materials that are weather-resistant. Protect cardboard targets from rain.
• Safety First: Always practice archery in a safe environment, with a clear backstop behind your target.

Choosing the Right Target for Your Needs

The best target for practice depends on several factors:

• Bow Type and Draw Weight: Higher draw weight bows require denser targets.
• Arrow Type: Broadheads require specialized targets designed to withstand their cutting power.
• Shooting Distance: For longer distances, a larger target is recommended.
• Budget: Cardboard targets are the cheapest option, while foam block targets can be more expensive.
• Portability: Bag targets are the most portable, while tire targets are the least.

Here’s a quick guide:

Bow Type	Recommended Target Types
Recurve Bow (Low Poundage)	Bag Target, Layered Cardboard, Foam Block (thin)
Recurve Bow (High Poundage)	Bag Target (densely packed), Foam Block, Tire Target
Compound Bow (Low Poundage)	Bag Target, Foam Block
Compound Bow (High Poundage)	Foam Block (high density), Tire Target
Broadheads	Tire Target (with modification), Specialized Broadhead Target (store-bought recommended for safety)

Factors Affecting Target Durability and Lifespan

Several factors influence how long your DIY target will last:

• Material Quality: Higher-quality materials will generally last longer.
• Construction Method: A well-constructed target will be more durable.
• Arrow Impact: Repeated impacts in the same area will wear down the target faster. Rotate the target face regularly.
• Weather Exposure: Sunlight and moisture can damage target materials.
• Arrow Removal Technique: Avoid yanking arrows out of the target. Use an arrow puller if necessary.

Improving Arrow Stopping Power

If your arrows are passing through your target, here are some tips to improve its stopping power:

• Increase Density: Add more stuffing to bag targets or more layers to cardboard targets. Compress the material as tightly as possible.
• Use Denser Materials: Switch to higher-density foam or use a combination of different stuffing materials in bag targets.
• Increase Target Thickness: Make the target thicker by adding more layers or using a larger bag.
• Reduce Draw Weight: If you’re consistently shooting through your target, consider reducing the draw weight of your bow.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Arrows Passing Through: See the “Improving Arrow Stopping Power” section above.
• Target Falling Apart: Reinforce the target with more tape or rope. Consider building a frame for added support.
• Difficulty Removing Arrows: Use an arrow puller. Apply arrow lubricant to the arrow shaft before shooting.
• Target Too Heavy to Move: Consider building a smaller target or using lighter materials.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the best material for stuffing an archery target?

A: Old clothes, rags, and shrink wrap are good options. For bag targets, avoid hard objects like buttons or zippers. Dedicated archery target foam scraps are also excellent.

Q: Can I use broadheads on a DIY archery target?

A: Generally, no. Broadheads require specialized targets designed to withstand their cutting power. Tire targets can be used, but with extreme caution, and be prepared for difficult arrow removal. It’s always recommended to use store-bought broadhead targets for safety.

Q: How often should I replace my archery target?

A: It depends on how frequently you shoot and the condition of the target. Replace it when it becomes difficult to stop arrows or when the target starts to fall apart.

Q: What is the ideal size for a beginner archery target?

A: A target that is at least 24 inches in diameter is a good starting point.

Q: Can I make an archery target stand?

A: Yes, you can build a simple wooden frame to hold your target. Search online for DIY archery target stand plans.

Building your own DIY archery target is a rewarding project that saves money and enhances your archery experience. By carefully selecting your archery target materials and following this target construction guide, you can create an effective arrow stopping target that’s perfect for honing your skills. Remember to prioritize safety and maintain your target regularly to maximize its target durability and lifespan. Happy shooting!