Which targets are easiest on wooden arrows?

Woodswalker2 · December 29, 2014, 07:59:00 PM

I have recently switched from carbons to woodies. Of course the woodies take a lot of time to build, and I would like for them to last as long as possible. Does anyone have any experience or advice on which targets are easiest on the finish?

ranger 3 · December 29, 2014, 08:03:00 PM

Bull Dog targets

maxwell · December 29, 2014, 08:03:00 PM

Probably bag targets, my guess.

jsweka · December 29, 2014, 08:26:00 PM

I agree - bag targets.

darin putman · December 29, 2014, 08:45:00 PM

I use the foam type, bag and cheaper 3d deer they all do well just don't hit the hard plastic legs on the deer targets, they can be rough on woodies.
Come to think of it any of them I hit work well, it's the ones that I miss that can sometimes cause problems.

Brently · December 29, 2014, 09:43:00 PM

Bag target filled with rags.

Stumpkiller · December 29, 2014, 09:46:00 PM

I use U-Stuff-It bag targets filled with nylon screen material. Shoot wood arrows every day. The arrows wear out from he nock end from strikes before the point or shaft suffer.

Stump73 · December 30, 2014, 01:37:00 AM

I wouldthink bag targets also.

Hud · December 30, 2014, 01:39:00 AM

Block but use a piece of innertube to gripe shaft regardless of target.

December 30, 2014, 06:27:00 AM

Excelsior bails are best, because they hold up hold your arrows straight and do not burn your finish. I shoot large bag targets, soy bean seed crates stuff with silage plastic, while they do not hurt the arrows individually, they do not always stay stuck and straight, I am always amazed how easy it is to hit an angled arrow. This causes bad language at times in my back yard. Makes me miss living in western Wisconsin, where a short drive could get me all of the excelsior bales I wanted. The Saunders four foot mats work, but the shipping is crazy now days for them.

overbo · December 30, 2014, 08:57:00 AM

Bag targets are easiest for removal and on finish but they wear out quickly for me. I have bought a compressed bail of ''straw'' from Tractor Supply. It cost about $12. Keep the plastic cover on it and just paint a couple dots on it if you wish. Shoot the sides w/out the straps. Works as good as anything I've tried and last a lot long than foam or bag targets.

dino · December 30, 2014, 03:47:00 PM

Rinehart targets are the best on my woodies. Got rid of all my bag tagets

snag · December 30, 2014, 10:19:00 PM

Burlap bags filled with sheep wool...that's right wool. It polishes your wool finish. Stops arrows great too. I never would have believed it unless I shot one at a friends house.

Woodswalker2 · December 30, 2014, 10:39:00 PM

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I don't have a handy supply of wool for a burlap bag target, but I like the idea there snag.

bofish-IL · December 30, 2014, 10:51:00 PM

If you stuff one of the bag targets tight with the shrink type plastic. You won't have to worry about damaging your arrow because you only get a couple inches of penetration. If you use bullet type or shaped tips your arrow will bounce off.

At our range even compound shooters were not getting much penetration until the bags were shot for several months.

Paul/KS · December 31, 2014, 09:02:00 AM

Oh, and if you are stuffing your own bag use the lightweight shopping bags and the shrink wrap stuff. Don't put in any of those heavy plastic, like rock salt, type bags. Too tough and it grabs and holds the arrows.