There are many objects you can use as arrow targets, such as a haystack, a thick layer of Styrofoam, or a hillside. But most of these targets wear out quickly or damage the arrows. Spend two hours outside of archery practice to create a "durable" arrow target that can last at least a few years. To make a target quickly and easily moveable, just put the packing materials in a box.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cheap Target Box
Step 1. Find a large cardboard box
This cardboard must be at least 30 cm thick to prevent arrows from passing through the target, or 46 cm thick if you are using high-speed arrows or a high-tensile bow. The other dimensions are up to you, but children and beginners usually use a goal measuring 46 x 46 cm.
If you're using a high-powered crossbow or compound bow, don't try this method
Step 2. Put the plastic wrap (shrink wrap) or plastic bag into the cardboard
You can get unused plastic wrap in stores. Ask the store clerk, and maybe you can get one for free. Fill a cardboard box with foam or a plastic bag. Cram into as many cardboard boxes as possible.
Step 3. Close the box tightly with duct tape
Seal the box thoroughly with duct tape or tape. You've just made a dart target made of cheap or free materials.
Step 4. Test the goal
Test the target in an open area where people don't walk around. Shoot at closer range than usual, to ensure that the box is safe to use. If the dart can hit the target, use a larger box and make sure you've compacted the contents.
When shooting at targets, always use field point arrows. The arrow's target can be damaged if you use a broadhead arrowhead (for hunting only, where the arrowhead has some kind of hook that blooms)
Method 2 of 2: Long Lasting Goals
Step 1. Design a wooden frame
Make a hollow frame that has no front or back. Use a 38 x 286 mm piece of wood so that the target is deep enough to stop the arrow from flying. The length and width is up to you, but don't exceed the firing area of 0.9 x 0.9 m for easy moving targets.
- To extend its outdoor life, use a dry wood plank, and/or grease it with a weatherproofing agent.
- Use a board that is larger than needed for the sides, which extends to the bottom of the firing area. That way, you can elevate the target or put wheels under it to make it easier to move.
Step 2. Make a hole to insert the filling
Make a large hole in the board to serve as the top of the frame. Once assembled, you can insert the target contents through the holes.
Step 3. Screw the wood together
Archery practice will put a lot of pressure on the target. Secure the frame using screws with a minimum length of 9 cm.
To get a very sturdy frame, install threaded iron along the right and left of the frame. Tighten with large washers, regular washers, and nuts in sequence. After being used to test a single shot, tighten it again as the frame can come off with a jolt of arrows
Step 4. Install the wire mesh
Cover the back and front of the frame using wire gauze to hold the target contents. Cover it around the sides and secure it firmly using a stapler.
- Over time, the gauze will swell under the pressure of the arrow. To strengthen the packing of the contents, attach three or four additional wire ropes on the inside of the wire mesh.
- This is the main weakness of this type of target. Some people prefer to use nylon-based window screens.
- If you want to use plastic wrap or other filling that breaks easily and can come out of the wire mesh, reinforce it with several layers of thick cardboard.
Step 5. Prepare the filling
You need a lot of material to stop arrows of average power. Here are some material options that are easy to find in bulk at thrift or patchwork stores, or by asking for unused items at the grocery store:
- Plastic wrap, plastic bags, foam, or other compressible packaging materials
- Used carpet cut into small pieces according to the depth of the frame
- Food bags, blankets, burlap sacks, and other fabric materials
- Rubber flakes (from a landscape shop)
- Clothing, but remove all zippers, buttons, metal objects, printed fabric, and anything that could damage the arrowhead or melt. Denim, other types of fabric, or fabrics that have a double layer (such as a shirt pocket) can cause darts to get caught in the target. Do not use such materials or place them in the corner of the target that is rarely hit by arrows.
Step 6. Compress the target content
Compress the contents as tightly as possible when you insert them into the frame. If any gaps are missed, fill them with small strips of fabric through the holes in the gauze or over the top of the frame. Squeeze the filling with a hammer or other heavy object, or secure it with a thong and tighten it periodically.
Step 7. Cover the front of the arrow target
The final step to getting a good arrow target is to cover it. This cover must be replaced occasionally because it will eventually be damaged by arrows. So stick it under the easy-to-remove 19 x 84 mm board. Some of the commonly used options include:
- Weed barrier plastic mulch or garden ground cover
- tyvek paper
- Tarpaulin (can be noisy and remove paint on arrows)
