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Before going searching for serious game to hunt, it’s important to remember you can never be too practiced. There will always be a need for you to practice up and improve the accuracy and precision in your shooting.
There are a variety of archery target types available on the market today, and they come in a slew of different designs and materials, depending on the type of bow you are using, and which targets you want to practice on. The types of material used are very important, as these affect the arrow penetration and the ease of retrieving the arrow, after it’s been fired.
To determine the most appropriate archery target for your needs, first you’ll need to know which type of bow that you are using. The larger the draw weight of your bow is, the more impact the arrow will produce, so you will need a sturdier target. If you invest in a target that cannot withstand the impacts, it will be too easily damaged.
Essentially, there are three main types of target commonly available on the market. Bag targets are essentially a large gunny sack, filled with highly compacted materials, which function to stop the arrow from moving. The heavier the bag, the more durable it will be, as it contains more filler to stop the arrow. This type of target is really only suitable for use with arrows with field points, and not for broadheads.
A foam target is square boxes that are made from multiple layers of foam. It is suitable to for use with arrows that feature field points or broadheads. Each box has six areas you can use to shoot, so, if one side is already filled with holes, you can simply flip it over to the opposite side.
The big advantage to foam targets is that these are very light, so you can carry them around easily, and also place them in various areas easily, such as in tree tops, making it easy to practice shooting anywhere.
The disadvantage to foam targets is that arrows can penetrate very deeply into the foam, so you may have trouble getting the arrow out from the box. The field point tip can also potentially get stuck inside the foam if you are not careful when removing the arrow, which can cause unwanted damage.
There are also some who prefer 3-D targets that resemble animals, monsters, and even humans, in order to practice shooting. It is useful if you want to study the anatomy of the animal and practice shooting from the right angles, in order to make sure that the animal will be killed swiftly and without suffering.
The Morell Yellow Jacket Field Point Bag Target is specially designed for field point arrows. It is created with a 23” width, 25” height, and 12” diameter.
It is made from Internal Frame System Technology, which helps to maintain the bag’s shape, even after receiving many arrow shots. This technology has the ability to stop arrows, traveling at high velocities, and the bag will return to its original shape, even after a shot from arrow.
You can continue using this target for a long time before it is completely worn out. The bag is also made from water resistant materials, so you can place it outdoors, without any problems exposing it to rain. It comes with an E-Z Tote carry handle to make it easier for you to transport it from one location to another.
Pros
Materials made from Internal Frame System Technology
Waterproof materials
Designed with E-Z Tote handle for easier carrying
Cons
Only suitable for use with field point arrows
Summary
Morell Yellow Jacket Field Point Bag Target is a versatile and popular bag target available. It is not only able to sustain shots from an arrow, though – you can hardly see any damage done to the bag after multiple shots. One bag can easily sustain hundreds of shot without any problems and can last a very long time.
The Block Classic Archery Target
The Block Classic Archery Target is a versatile product, which can be used to stop broadheads, mechanical broadhead arrows, and also field points. It is made from layered foam, which stops the arrow by creating friction, rather than using force. It is designed in such a way that you can easily remove the arrow from the foam. This product comes in two sizes, 18” x 18” x 14” and 20” x 20” x 14”.
Pros
Suitable for use with field point arrows and broadhead arrows
Lightweight
Cons
Arrows are relatively harder to be removed after they are embedded in the foam target
Summary
This foam target is a very versatile target, mainly because you can use any style of arrow to shoot at it, and it is extremely lightweight. For those who are more adventurous or just looking to improve their shooting, they can easily place this foam in most desired areas, without breaking a sweat. It’s a great product and will make your practice more enjoyable, instead of just placing it on ground.
Field Logic Shooter Buck 3D Archery Target 71600
The Field Logic Shooter Buck 3D Archery Target and shooting target are modeled after an antler. It is suitable for you to practice shooting on, before going into the woods for hunting. This model is 125” in size and has a 31” shoulder height. It is suitable for use on any type of arrow or bow.
The compression insert is replaceable, so you just have to purchase new part to replace the worn out area, without having to spend huge amounts of money getting a whole new 3-D model. You can also remove and replace the model’s leg. Another advantage to this device is that the arrows can be easily removed with just one hand. So ladies or younger kids will have no difficulty getting the arrow out by themselves.
This model is made from water-resistant materials, so it can be left outdoors all day long without having to worry about rain or other forms of water damaging the model. The manufacturer also offers a warranty on defects, so you can request for replacements or repair, should you discover parts which don’t fit the specification, as promised.
Pros
Manufacturer warranty, to get any and all defects replaced or repaired
Arrows can be easily removed, and are suitable for ladies or youth to use it
The insert is replaceable
Cons
The target looks smaller than expected
Summary
This 3-D antlers model is economical, as it has replaceable parts. This means you can continue to use the 3-D model for a long time. It is also more user-friendly for women and youth, as they can easily remove the arrows, allowing them to have more fun when playing with it.
Verdict
If you are only into archery, and not so much the act of hunting, the Morrell Yellow Jacket Field Point Bag Target and The Block Classic Archery Target is the right model for you. Not only it is cheaper but it doesn’t take up too much room.
However, if you are looking for something more appropriate for hunting, then a 3-D model would be more appropriate. This is because you will be able to learn to shoot at the right spot from various angles.
