Our outdoor range is composed of bag targets stuffed with rags or plastic and "box" targets. Box targets are a five sided wood shell with the front (the sixth side)open. The front is covered with a heavy duty plastic cover and then the whole thing is stuffed with rags or plastic from the top which is then closed. Both types of targets are from 20 to 24 inches thick. We pack the stuffing in as tight as we can.
Most of our members shoot compounds and with the high speeds and skinny arrows they soon punch thru the back.
So does anyone have other ideas that would provide a bit of longevity for the butts.
May I ask what kind of budget does club have? I have only seen one butt that will stop compound bow arrows time after time. They are made from compressed carpet pieces that have been glued and coated. Very pricey but last years. The other is what our club in Ca. used, excelsior bales backed with 3/4 rubber belting. The bales we rebanded with roofing shingles on top to keep out rain. We used straw bales years ago but kept having to change them out every few months. Those wood box targets could be used with chicken wire holding back straw with dirt behind it. That was what we used for awhile.
We have a reasonable budget M60. Tell me more
Our club uses the same targets as the one M60 is referring to. They are incredible they get a lot of use and are the toughest we've come across, our club has gone through the gamut of all types of targets. As far as I'm concerned the search is over.
Jock, you have a PM. (http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq259/Tommosher/f803f1512322a9be5247eae8b405a49b_zpsurqxcm8q.jpg)
I was doing a search for these targets. I found a few threads on making your own. I also found a company called Bulldog targets. Bulldogtargets.com they have various targets from foam and can be had in Canada as well. Remember, shipping can cost almost as much as the item shipped.
I will still as at range where they got those carpet butts.