This spring, I decided to buy hay bales for my target, instead of using bag targets like I used before. I really enjoy shooting into hay, and having a larger backstop when shooting from longer distances (I have 3-bales.) But there was a problem: at times there was a stiff crosswind, or I had the evening sun in my eyes, or both.
With bag targets, I could easily adjust them as needed, but it would be a greater effort to rotate my hay bales which are strapped onto a pallet.
I finally decided I needed a rotating base, so I topped another pallet with some plywood, added 4-2" wheels to the bale pallet and installed a 1/2" steel rod in the middle of the works to keep the bale pallet in place. Now I can rotate my bales so I can shoot from different locations when it is calm, or adjust it to avoid cross winds or the sun.
The setup:
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/F456AE47-orig_zpsf1568967.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/F456AE47-orig_zpsf1568967.jpg.html)
Looking NW, 10 yds max. shot
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/1113F319-orig_zps5f130014.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/1113F319-orig_zps5f130014.jpg.html)
Looking W, 40 yds max shot
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/237ACA09-orig_zps46f639b1.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/237ACA09-orig_zps46f639b1.jpg.html)
Looking SW, 45 yds max shot
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/3E56FAC9-orig_zps8095f27b.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/3E56FAC9-orig_zps8095f27b.jpg.html)
Looking S, 50 yds max shot
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/18A5A9AC-orig_zps2acd3640.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/18A5A9AC-orig_zps2acd3640.jpg.html)
Looking SSE, Do I really want to shoot that far?
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii185/finnish-archer/Snapbucket/A4CB9A71-orig_zps49638943.jpg) (http://s264.photobucket.com/user/finnish-archer/media/Snapbucket/A4CB9A71-orig_zps49638943.jpg.html)
Changing the direction also minimizes the wear and tear on the lawn. Last year, I had a nice game trail to my target!
That's a pretty sweet set up! High tech hay bales... :thumbsup:
"Game trail to my target"
Lol, I have a well worn foot path 20 yards from my back door to my target. With the lack of rain this summer, it's almost down to bare dirt!
I like that idea, I might have to try it.
Great idea....thanks for posting. Ummm.... How many arrows do you have "stashed" in those woods behind the bails??? Looks like a fun place to go look for them!
Ingenious! Simple & effective.
Skitch: There are only a couple of arrows in there from when I was using bag targets. The extra square footage of the bales comes in handy!
Cool set up, can you also compress the bales with the ratchet straps as the bales loosen up from shooting?
The ratchet straps work well for keeping the bales compressed. I also wrapped each bale in the middle with 1/8" rope as insurance if I should hit and break one of the bale twines.