We are moving to a new place with a pretty big backyard. That is why I asked earlier about setting up a running deer target. But what other features make for a cool backyard range? At the old place, I just had a bag target and occasionally set up a 3d deer. What other fun and unique target set ups do you use? I am thinking of setting up a tree stand to shoot from and will probably need a good backstop to keep arrows from going into the neighbors' yard. There is enough distance to set up 30 to 50 yd. targets. I'd like to hear what you guys come up with.
I make good use of a few square straw bales every year. Stack two or three as a basic target and scatter two or three more around the place. Once they rot apart in the fall/winter, use them for mulch or organic matter in a garden or plant bed. I also use a dinner bowl or such to cut circles out of old cardboard material. Laminate four or five pieces with wood glue and wrap in duct tape. These can be rolled or thrown and will absorb a surprising number of hits.
I have a swinging ball set up in front of my target butt, its pretty fun... A mini 3D/random shoot able targets course is fun also. Got to walmart and buy a few cheap mini soccer balls, shoot it once with a field point so you have 2 holes then fill it with expandable foam, I kick them and hit them on the run. Lots of options.
Get some Judo Points, and a few of those Orange rubber knockabout action targets that Dick's sells. (for guns) If they'll take hundreds of shots from a .22, They'll probly last forever with arrows!!!!!
Sometimes I hang up an empty plastic bottle (woolite or whatever's around) from a bungee or two. I like being able to focus on something that's sort of a substitute for small game, and vary the height quickly. I shoot blunts at it.
I fill old milk jugs with Great Stuff foam. (learning curve there, because of the way in which it cures ...).
My back yard is filled with them. They are a little smaller than the kill zone on a deer.
I shoot out the upstairs window. It's similar to stump shooting, but the jugs jump across the yard when I hit them, which helps keep my excitement level up.
I have a tree stand in my yard for part of my practice.