Buckmasters Magazine

Is there a better way to spend quality family time in the outdoors than slinging a few arrows in the backyard?

The backyard is the perfect place for archery, provided you've got the space to safely shoot. It's always open. It's right outside your door, and there's never a crowd.

All you need is a target, your bow and some arrows. Choosing the right backyard target is a critical part of the process. You want one that's safe for your gear and helps make the experience enjoyable.

When looking for a target, the first question to consider is what gear will be used to shoot at it? There are targets rated solely for kids' equipment and targets rated for crossbows that shoot bolts at 500 fps. You might think it's a good idea just to get the heaviest-duty target on the market, but that's not always wise.

Backyard targets typically have ratings identifying what they're best suited for. For example, the information sheet for the Morrell School Camp Target states that it is "designed to stop arrows from youth bows," while the Delta McKenzie SpeedBag 24 is "designed to stop the fastest crossbows and vertical bows on the market." An arrow shot from a youth bow likely would bounce off the SpeedBag, while a bolt shot from a 500-fps crossbow would blow right through the Camp Target.

You want your arrows to stick in the target. That's half the fun, so be sure you're using a target suited for the equipment that will be used in your yard.

When considering size, factor in available space. Go with the biggest target you can handle and afford. The bigger the target, the more room there is for error. And in archery, you have to plan for errors, because they will happen. We all want to hit a soda-can-sized dot, but that doesn't always happen. Big targets provide more surface area to catch arrows.

Backyard targets generally come in three basic types: bag, web and foam. All three can handle field points, but only the foam targets are suitable for broadheads. Broadheads get stuck inside bag and web targets.

The bags are just what the name implies – woven bags filled with arrow-stopping material. Web targets are usually box-like, with shoot-through mesh facing you and arrow-stopping material inside. Foam targets are made of a self-healing material that can be round, squares, cubes or custom-molded to look like an animal, monster or other interesting creature.

Bags typically are the least expensive targets, followed by the web targets and then foam, except for the youth foam targets. Some foam targets intended for youth equipment can be pretty inexpensive.

Next, think about what you want to shoot at. Do you want to shoot at dots or traditional, concentric-ring bullseyes? Those are ideal for improving accuracy because you can tell instantly if you hit the spot where you aimed.

If you're interested in bowhunting, maybe a three-dimensional deer, bear or other animal is a better choice. There are no aiming dots or bullseyes on game animals, so shooting at a lifelike, foam animal teaches you to pick a spot to aim at when there is no visible focus point.

And let's face it, if all you're after is some fun in the yard with the whole family, a 3-D creature target is always a good pick. You want to entertain the kids for hours? Put up something like the RealWild Backyard Big Foot 3D target or the Delta McKenzie Goblin. They're designed specifically for having a good time.

Most archery targets can be left outside all year, but weather, rodents and insects take a toll on them. You'll keep them in the best condition if you store them indoors when they're not in use.

Find the perfect backyard target for your household and prepare yourself and your family for endless hours of fun.

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