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Few things in life bring as much joy as standing in your own backyard, slinging arrows into a target. To do that, you need room and a target.
We can’t help you with the range space, but we can help you pick your next target. It wasn’t too long ago when targets for personal use were limited and made of not-so-durable materials. If you wanted good targets, you had to belong to a shooting club. Today, that’s not an issue.
Whether you like to shoot traditional bows, compound bows or crossbows, slinging arrows tipped with field points or broadheads, there are lots of options for personal-use targets. I’ve tested nearly all of them and here are my top picks.
- Best Backyard 3D Target: Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck
- Glendel Full Rut
- Best Crossbow Target: BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650
- Best Large Target: 365 Archery XL High Performance Trio 48
- Best Bag Target: Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering Target
- Best for Broadheads: Rhinehart Rhino Block XL
- Best Budget: Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm
- Morrell High Roller
How I Chose the Best Archery Targets
Working for Lancaster Archery Supply – one of the biggest archery retailers in the world – testing and making videos on new products, I shoot a lot. In doing so, I shoot a wide range of targets and have access to most on the market. Based on my experience with those targets, here are my picks for “best targets” in several categories.
The Best Archery Targets
Best Backyard 3D Target: Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck
Pros
- Super durable foam
- Suitable for field points and broadheads
- Realistic size for mature Virginia whitetail
- Very transportable
Cons
- Kind of heavy
- No replaceable core
Key Features
- Solid, self-healing foam construction
- Easy arrow removal
- Easy assembly
- Measures 41 inches high at the back and is 48 inches long
- Mimics the size of a large whitetail
- Includes QuivAR chip, which allows virtual examination of vital impacts
The Delta McKenzie Big Daddy Buck is a life-size, foam whitetail deer target that’s ideal for the backyard. It gets my nod as the best backyard 3-D target because it can take a beating. This one is the most durable 3-D target I’ve shot. You can shoot it over and over and over with field points and broadheads from a compound or recurve bow, and it takes forever before arrows start passing through. (I wouldn’t shoot crossbows over 350 fps into this one.)
Ultimately, durability is what I value most in a backyard target. I don’t want to spend one summer shooting at a 3-D deer, only to create a hole that allows my arrows to zip right through. And I’ve done that with other targets. The self-healing Dura-Flex foam Delta McKenzie uses for the Big Daddy is legit.
I also like the size of this target. The specs say it’s equivalent to a 250-pound whitetail, but I think that’s a stretch. I’d say more like 200 pounds, but that’s perfect for me. I’m not a fan of the little deer targets.
I mentioned there’s not a replaceable core with this target, but there is a replaceable mid-section. It’s not as cheap as a replaceable core, but it does cost a little bit less than a whole new target.
The Big Daddy includes a unique feature that’s especially ideal for developing hunters. It is QuivAR enabled, which means you can use an app on your phone to look at your arrows and see what vital organs you hit – or didn’t hit. When you hold your phone up to the target, the vital organs and bones appear on your phone as they’d look inside the target. From my experience hunting, it’s pretty accurate. With other 3-D targets, you’re guessing what vitals you might have hit. QuivAR shows you.
For experienced hunters, QuivAR might not be a feature you need. But for hunters who haven’t shot a lot of deer, QuivAR is the best simulation I’ve seen for shooting a real deer.
Glendel Full Rut
Pros
- Easily replaceable vitals core that can be rotated to shoot four faces
- Big target, which is nice for practice
- Suitable for broadheads and field points
- Light compared to its size
Cons
- Has visible gaps surrounding the replaceable core
- Apparently, woodpeckers like putting holes in the neck
Key Features
- Cube-shaped replaceable core that measures 14 inches x 14 inches x 14 inches
- 62 inches tall to the top of the antlers, and 39 inches long from neck to tail
- Imitates a 150-inch buck
- Layered core foam
Listing the Glendel Full Rut as an honorable mention, best backyard 3-D target is likely to create some controversy. People seem to either love this target or hate it. I happen to love it. The Glendel Full Rut is a big target, standing 37 inches at the shoulder, and it’s suitable for shooting field points and broadheads into it. I’ve had one in my yard for 11 years now. I’m on my second one, only because an actual buck destroyed my first one while he was in full rut. Bent the rebar ground stakes and everything.
The reason I’m naming this target as an honorable mention is because the foam isn’t as durable as the Delta McKenzie Big Daddy, but it has an easily replaceable, cube-shaped core. Other 3-D targets have replaceable cores, but they’re often difficult to change out. And because it’s a cube, you can spin the Glendel core to shoot four different faces before you have to replace it. When the core wears out after several years, you simply buy a new core for a fraction of the cost of the full target.
For me, the worst case is having a 3-D deer without a replaceable core. Once you shoot a hole in the vital area, you have to start shooting that target somewhere else, which defeats the point of practicing on a lifelike animal. Or you have to use repair foam, which is never the right color, creating very obvious aiming spots that don’t exist on real deer, and which is either super stiff for removing arrows, or breaks off in chunks when you hit it.
A knock on the Glendel Ful Rut I’ve heard from a few bowhunters is the metal strip that’s sunk in the belly foam for support. If you hit that strip, it can wreck your arrow. But in 11 years shooting this target nearly every day at home, I’ve hit that strip one time. It sits so low in the belly, if your arrow sails just a half-inch under it, you’ll miss the target entirely. So you really don’t want your arrows down there anyway.
Best Crossbow Target: BigShot IronMan Kinetic 650
Pros
- Can handle the fastest crossbows on the market
- One-hand arrow removal
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Suitable for field points only
Key Features
- Rated for crossbows shooting up to 650 fps
- Mesh face
- Measures 20 inches tall by 20 inches wide by 14 inches deep
- Weighs 55 pounds
The BigShot Ironman Kinetic 650 is a square, mesh-faced target that’s rated to stop the fastest crossbows on the market today. It’s one of the only ones that can handle bolts flying over 500 fps, which seems to be the speed the top crossbow makers are chasing today.
What’s nice about the IronMan Kinetic 650 is arrow removal – even when the arrow hits at 515 fps – can be done with two fingers. It doesn’t seem possible, but it is. When we are testing crossbows at Lancaster Archery Supply, this is our go-to target.
Something to keep in mind with the IronMan Kinetic 650 is to spread your shots around the target face. It doesn’t take long to wear a hole in the mesh face if you constantly shoot the same spot. But the target is big, so try to use more than just the center.
Also, being able to withstand arrow speeds up to 650 fps isn’t easy. This target is dense and so it’s heavy, weighing 55 pounds. You want that density sighting in your crossbow, so the weight is worth it.
Best Large Target: 365 Archery XL High Performance Trio 48
Pros
- Every part of the target is foam for easy arrow removal
- Stands 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide
- Replaceable center cube
Cons
- Expensive
Key Features
- Removable, six-sided core with aiming dots
- Made of self-healing foam
- Support area around the core is foam that can be shot
- Includes support base to keep target upright
- Weighs 70 pounds
The best way to minimize the risk of losing arrows in the backyard is to shoot at a big target. The bigger the target, the greater the margin for error. The 365 Archery XL High Performance Trio 48 is a big target – 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall.
At $700, this target isn’t cheap, but it should last you a lifetime. At worst, you’ll have to replace the cube-shaped, foam core for $150, but it will be a long time before you have to do that, since you’ve got six shooting faces on the cube to wear out first. The cube measures 14 inches x 14 inches x 14 inches.
The black area around the yellow cube is also foam, so it will stop your arrows that don’t hit the cube. Think of that area as your margin for error. And the foam in the black area and in the core is durable, self-healing foam that will last a long time.
It’s a big target, so it’s heavy – 70 pounds. But this target is meant for you to set it and forget it. You won’t be moving it around much.
Best Bag Target: Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering Target
Pros
- Stands 31 inches tall
- Suitable for all vertical bows and many crossbows
- Easy arrow removal
- Costs $150
Cons
- Not suitable for crossbows over 380 fps
Key Features
- 100% weatherproof
- Dense core material helps the target last
- Suitable for field points only
- Measures 31 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 13 inches deep
- Weighs 55 pounds
- Suitable for arrow speeds up to 380 fps
Sometimes, you just want to throw a bag target into the back of the truck, and head out to a field somewhere to shoot arrows tipped with field points. The Morrell Cameron Hanes Keep Hammering target is perfect for that.
I like a big bag target, so I feel confident when I’m shooting – especially at long range. This target is one of the biggest bags on the market at 31 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 13 inches deep. It weighs 55 pounds, which isn’t super light, but it’s not a boat anchor either.
It’s weatherproof, so you can leave it in the yard, and it’s rated for arrow speeds up to 380 fps. That will cover any compound or traditional bow, and a lot of crossbows as well, although I’m thinking of this target solely for vertical bows.
Arrow removal is simple, and the bag offers dots on both sides for aiming, as well as a deer’s vitals on one side. You can carry this target by the handle and set it anywhere, or hang it from grommets on each end of the bag.
Best for Broadheads: Rhinehart Rhino Block XL
Pros
- Super durable, self-healing foam
- Can shoot six different faces
- Very portable
Cons
- Arrow removal can be tough in cold weather
Key Features
- Suitable for field points and any broadheads
- Six shooting faces, with some featuring dots and others featuring deer vitals
- Self-healing foam
- Measures 18 inches tall by 18 inches wide by 13 inches deep
- Carry handle built in
Broadheads are the arrow points that will do the most damage to your targets – especially big fixed-blade broadheads. But you need to practice with those heads to see if they cause your arrows to fly differently than when using field points.
The Rhinehart Rhino Block XL is about the best target I’ve found for withstanding repeated broadhead shooting. The foam is solid, so it doesn’t come out in strips, like layered-foam targets. You will eventually start losing chunks if you hit the same spot over and over with broadheads. The foam is self-healing, but when you’re slicing it with razor blades, eventually you’re going to cut around pieces of foam that will then fall out.
Still, the target offers six shooting faces, so it’s very easy to extend the life of the target simply by rotating it often. Those faces offer dots and deer vitals for aiming.
While that solid foam is great for durability, it can make arrow removal somewhat difficult. It’s not a serious problem when the weather is warm, but if the thermometer dips below 40, now your arrows are going to stick tight. Just be sure you have an arrow puller with you.
Best Budget: Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm
Pros
- Costs less than $50
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy arrow removal
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Wears quickly
Key Features
- Bag-style target
- Suitable for field points only
- Rated for arrows flying up to 335 fps
- Measures 20 inches tall by 20 inches wide by 11 inches deep
- Weighs 19 pounds
The Morrell Yellow Jacket Swarm is a basic bag target that’s perfect for the budget-conscious archer. Costing less than $50, this target is light, portable and will do just fine for checking sight marks before hitting the woods.
The target is weather-resistant, but not waterproof, so don’t leave it outside for extended periods. You’ve got two sides to shoot at, and flipping it around regularly will extend the life of the bag face, which does tend to tear up easier than other bags.
I wouldn’t count on this target if you like to shoot a fair number of arrows every day or almost every day. But for occasional use, it’s well worth the money.
Rinehart Jimmy BigTine
Pros
- Easy arrow removal
- Long life
- Replaceable insert
Cons
- Arrows that don’t hit the insert are difficult to remove
Key Features
- Height: 48 inches
- Length: 40 inches
- Simulates a 100 pound deer
Walking out my back door and shooting 3D targets is how I unwind after work and get ready for deer season. When I set out to buy new 3D targets I chose the Rinehart Jimmy BigTine because of their affordable price. But, when my two targets survived the first year, I was impressed. Then the years passed, and the targets continued to hold up to daily practice as well as sun, rain, and snow.
The caveat to their long life is that you have to shoot these targets in the insert. If you shoot them in the area outside the insert, which isn’t made of self-healing foam, your target won’t last you very long. For compound archers that shoot a lot of arrows, expect to replace your insert once a year. For trad archers, you can probably shoot the insert for two years before you have a pass-through.
The Jimmy BigTine does all the arrow stopping and removing things well, but one positive attribute that’s easily overlooked is its size. It is a great size for realistic practice in shooting and judging distance. Most of the deer I see in the woods are around 100 pounds—I live in the South. So, a giant whitetail target can make me overconfident in my abilities to hit the killzone. But, Jimmy BigTines’ smaller frame helps me be precise and pushes me to be better.
All the Woodland series targets are great, and if the BigTine isn’t your flavor, the Mini Elk, Big Jim, and Mini Caribou are all great alternatives. — Scott Einsmann
Morrell Transformer Buck
Pros
- Two targets in one
- Easy arrow removal
Cons
- Anatomical proportions slightly off
- Fragile antlers
Key Features
- Rated for broadheads
- Transforms from portable target to 3D deer
- Weight: 30 pounds
I only just recently received the Morrell Transformer Buck, but I was immediately impressed by the idea of having a portable target that transformed into a 3D target. Morrell’s foam is soft, and the arrows are easy to remove. You can also shoot broadheads into the core, which adds to the versatility of this target. I also appreciate that the Transformer Buck is a good size—not unrealistically big and not too small that you’re afraid to miss it at long ranges. — Scott Einsmann
Best Premium 3D Target: Rinehart Gazelle Target
Pros
- Easy to pull arrows from
- Durable
- Realistic
Cons
- Expensive
Key Features
- Solid, self-healing foam
- Height (from ground to shoulder): 51 inches
- Length (from shoulder to tail): 37 inches
- Simulated weight 120 pounds
- Field points only
If you enjoy shooting 3D targets you’ll quickly realize that inexpensive targets wear out quickly and their colors fade in the sun. You can buy a new target every year or two, or you can get a premium target that will last for years. I happen to have an assortment of targets, but the one that I shoot the most is my Rinehart Gazelle. It’s been exclusively outdoors for over a year and the foam is still in great condition. Arrows pull easily from this target and the insert has lasted 1000 plus shots. Rinehart has excellent realism in their targets, with nice detail carved into the foam. One of the main cons is to keep shipping costs reasonable, these targets have to be cut to fit into the box. The target comes with glue and screws to reassemble the target, which works OK. You’ll end up with some expanding glue visible and the joint isn’t seamless. If you know of an archery club or shop getting a freight shipment from Rinehart you can get a one piece target, and probably save on shipping costs. — Scott Einsmann
Morrell High Roller
Pros
- Easiest arrow removal of the foam targets
- Multiple dot arrangements
Cons
- Not the most durable for broadheads
Key Features
- Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 13 inches
- Stops arrows up to 450 fps
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Broadhead and crossbow rated
The High Roller foam is much softer than any target that I’ve owned, which contributes to the ease of arrow removal. Arrow removal is even easier than the Rinehart RhinoBlock. But, the High Roller doesn’t heal well after being shot with broadheads. I used this target while testing the best broadheads, and just a few shots in the same spot resulted in red slivers coming out with the arrow. To the High Roller’s credit, it took a few hundred shots from fixed and mechanical broadheads without a single arrow coming close to passing through. I think the dice pattern aiming dots are a genius idea. You can rotate the target to shoot five to one aiming spots that are about 3-inches in diameter. — Scott Einsmann
Buy Used
One of the best investments I’ve made in archery is when I bought a used American Whitetail Competition Mat from the James Madison University archery club. The club hosts the USA Archery Indoor Nationals each year and they use the mats for the event. I saved money on the target, but more importantly, I saved on shipping the target. You can get similar deals after a big 3D shoot or tournament. Another way to save on shipping big targets is to buy one at the same time as a local club or shop. — Scott Einsmann
How to Choose the Best Archery Targets
The target you choose will depend on your archery discipline. You’ll want a large bail for shooting outdoor distances if you’re a target archer. If you’re a hunter you need a target that can handle both broadheads and field points—you might also want a 3D target in addition to a broadhead target.
Once you have a clear idea of the type of target you want you can start to narrow down your choices by the target’s constructions. Here are some of the most common you’ll see:
Foam
In my best archery target picks, there are a lot of foam targets because foam has come a long way, and it now leads as the best overall choice. Good foam targets stop field points and broadheads, are easy to pull from, and don’t leave residue melted on your arrow shaft. The main downside of a foam target is they are heavy, and If you’re going to have just one target and you’re not on a tight budget, a foam target is a great choice.
Layered Foam
Layered foam targets are made from thin sheets of foam stacked on top of each other and then tightened down. These targets stop arrows and are fairly easy to remove arrows from, but they don’t last long once you start shooting broadheads. Once the broadhead slices the layers they fall out of the target and create a soft spot.
Bag Targets
A bag target has a woven outer shell with a fill material on the inside. You can make a basic DIY version with a burlap sack filled with old clothes or plastic grocery bags. Some manufacturers sell just the shell you can stuff yourself, which is a cost-effective target. Even the manufactured bag targets are inexpensive and work well for stopping arrows.
3D Target
If you’re a hunter or 3D archer, a 3D target is the best way to practice. Not only do you get a realistic target, but you can also use the target to practice judging distance. The main downside to 3D targets is that the good ones are expensive. But, if you care for them by keeping them out of the sun and don’t shoot them with broadheads, a quality 3D target will last for years. All the top 3D targets have replaceable inserts, extending their lifespan further. — Scott Einsmann
FAQs
Most archery targets range from 1 to 5 feet in diameter, and the size of the target you choose will depend on the distance you are shooting and if you want the target to be portable. Most commonly, targets are 14 to 24 inches in a cube, hexagon, or octagon shape. Targets in that size range are great for general use and are easily moved. Larger targets in the 3 to 5-foot range, excel at high volume shooting and distance shooting.
A good archery target should effectively stop your arrows and allow you to easily remove them. The best archery targets also self-heal, which extends their life.
The best type of target for deer hunting practice is a 3D deer target like the Rinehart Jimmy BigTine.
Final Thoughts on the Best Archery Targets
All archers need bows, arrows, and targets. Just like there are different styles of bows and arrows, there are different types of targets to match them. Once you’ve found the best archery target for you, use it often and care for it.