Bales: Straw, Hay, Other?

[ErikT]

What type of bale provides the most and longest lasting resistance to penetration?
I would guess that hay would be heavier and more dense due to water content but may not last as long as straw?  I've also shot at excelsior bales but don't know where they can be purchased.

[KSdan]

I use a half-sized round bale of hay.  That thing is a year old and continues to be a great target. The arrows only penetrate 4-5 inches.

[coaster500]

Any bale works if the machine that bales it is adjusted tight. When you buy them at the feed store grab a wire or string in the middle and lift. If the bale does not sag and it is very heavy it's good.

[bow'narrow]

Cardboard bales!  The kind you see baled at grocery stores or land fills.  I have four of them.  They are about 15 years old and going strong.  Set them on a pallet.  Cover them with a tarp for  weather protection - or build a "butt house around them.  Don' t know how to post pics yet, but will send pics by e-mail to anyone  
interested.      One drawback - Heavy.  You'll need a friend or three to help load and set up.  Remove your tailgate to load.  They'll bend it.

[ErikT]

Originally posted by bow'narrow:
Cardboard bales!  The kind you see baled at grocery stores or land fills.  I have four of them.  They are about 15 years old and going strong.  Set them on a pallet.  Cover them with a tarp for  weather protection - or build a "butt house around them.  Don' t know how to post pics yet, but will send pics by e-mail to anyone  
interested.      One drawback - Heavy.  You'll need a friend or three to help load and set up.  Remove your tailgate to load.  They'll bend it.

You mean broken down cardboard that's been shrink wrapped in plastic? Not a bad idea.  I can't say that I've ever seen them laying around but will take a look.

[Smallwood]

I prefer alfalfa hay over straw bales, it seems to be denser than the straw and definitely heavier.  I have found that switching from a field point to a steel blunt really helps in impeading penetration into the targets.
On the other hand, a hot tub cover that's made out of styrofoam leaned in front of the bales makes a great broadhead target.

[wihill]

Excelsior bales are the best I've seen for longterm.

[wtpops]

Originally posted by wihill:
Excelsior bales are the best I've seen for longterm.

Ive seen these on club ranges and the do last a long time .

I use straw and lift my fifth wheel up and put the bale under the tunge and lower it on the bale. i can compress the bale about 8 to 12 inches and then retie the bale before i lift the trailer off of it. works good for me.

Yes i know im an old okie.

[Gordy]

Excelsior bales.  Think I paid $80 for the double bale.

http://www.americanexcelsior.com/woodfibers/applications/specialty/targets.php

[Tim Clark]

Just a thought, but if this will be in a place where you don't want the seed from the hay bale to take over, then use straw.

[Jeff Strubberg]

Bales are about my last choice for a target.  They are cheap, but a mess to hae around and pretty much impossible to move unles you let them dry completely.

Try a plastic burlap bag stuffed with scrap plastic sheeting.  Much easier to move around and you will get 2-3 seasons of shooting out of one before you need to pop another bag over the whole works.

[coaster500]

bow'narrow is right about the cardboard bales. The supermarket in my town compresses them and uses steel bands to secure them. I've had one in my orchard for 6 years now and it still stops an arrow. Just be carefull. Don't shoot the bands they they are tough on arrows  

[Jeremy]

I'm with Jeff.

I just made up a new target this weekend.  I cut one sidewall off a tire, stuffed it full of plastic bags, wrapped the open side with plastic netting and then in burlap.  Works great, will last an eternity and I have a grand total of $5 in it.

[Tilbilly]

For a cheap broadhead target, try a bale of peat moss. Works dandy.

[bayoulongbowman]

they have branch in Arlingtion Tx also , you can order from, I use to live there, good luck!  :)1 817 4300.. go green ...american excelsior

[Jerry Gille]

I've done most of my practicing over the years into bales.  I prefer round bales to square bales.  They just hold up longer.  My current bale has been around for three years and is still going strong.  I'd take grass bales over alfalfa, clover or straw too.  Personally, I think grass holds up better and is easier on arrows.  Be careful shooting into the ends as too much penetration might be a problem.  If you shoot into the end of a round bale that is not real tight, your arrow can go all the way in easily.

If you're just talking square bales, get them tight and try to keep them dry.  I'd still take grass over anything else.  Straw especially won't hold up long in my experience.

[bayoulongbowman]

bales tip , if they start getting loose wet down , let dry in the sun , they will tighten up!good luck , marco            dont shoot BH's in them...if ya want them to last

[Mo. Huntin]

Those foam blocks that are under those small trailers at places like sutherlands work nice for broadheads and are free after they have sold the trailer.