Rotate that bale!

[akbowbender]

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:



Looking NW, 10 yds max. shot

 

Looking W, 40 yds max shot

 

Looking SW, 45 yds max shot

 

Looking S, 50 yds max shot

 

Looking SSE, Do I really want to shoot that far?

 

Changing the direction also minimizes the wear and tear on the lawn. Last year, I had a nice game trail to my target!

[bowhuntingrn]

That's a pretty sweet set up! High tech hay bales...    

[Pheonixarcher]

"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.

[SKITCH]

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!

[pcg]

Ingenious! Simple & effective.

[akbowbender]

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!

[STICKBENDER98]

Cool set up, can you also compress the bales with the ratchet straps as the bales loosen up from shooting?

[akbowbender]

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.