Archery Targets: Diy Pop-Up

There are many ways to make a pop-up archery target, and most of them are simple and cost-effective. One of the most popular ways is to use a cardboard box. The box should be at least 12 inches thick to stop the arrows effectively. You can fill the box with shredded paper, rags, old clothes, plastic wrap, or newspaper. Once you've packed the box with your chosen material, seal it with packing tape and attach a printed target to the front. This type of target is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for backyard target practice.

Another option is to use empty cereal boxes to create pop-up targets. You can layer these boxes inside another box at various distances and label each section with the approximate yardage. This allows you to practice shooting at different ranges.

If you're looking for a more durable option, you can create a target using foam mats, often referred to as puzzle mats. These mats can be stacked vertically or horizontally and compressed using threaded rods and nuts. This type of target can withstand field point arrows and hunting arrows.

For those who want an even more challenging project, you can build a wooden box target. This option is one of the most difficult to make, but it will last for years. The frame is typically made from plywood and 2x4s, and the inside is stuffed with packing material such as plastic pallet wrap, old clothes, rags, or newspaper. A target face made of tarp, burlap, or a grain sack is stapled to the front.

With a bit of creativity and some readily available materials, you can easily create your own pop-up archery target at home.

Use cardboard boxes as the base

Using cardboard boxes as the base for your pop-up archery target is a great, cost-effective option. Cardboard targets are easy to make and can last a long time. They are also lightweight and can be moved around easily. However, they are not suitable for strong bows with a draw weight above 30 lbs.

To make a cardboard box archery target, first determine the size of the target and find a cardboard box that fits those dimensions. The box should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) thick to stop the arrows. If you are using high-velocity arrows or high draw weights, you will need a box that is 18 inches (46 cm) thick. The ideal target size for beginners and children is about 18 x 18 inches (46 x 46 cm).

Once you have your box, fill it with material that will stop an arrow. You can use rags, old clothes, more cardboard, plastic wrap, or packed newspaper. Pack the material tightly into the box and seal it with packing tape or duct tape.

To add the target rings, you can either draw them on the box or attach a printed-out target. It is important to test your target in an open area with no one standing nearby. Shoot from closer than you usually would to ensure there is a margin of safety. If the arrow travels through the target, use a larger box and make sure the stuffing is tightly packed.

Cardboard box targets are a great option for light backyard target practice or for children. They are simple to make and can be easily customised with different target sizes and weights.

Fill boxes with stuffing

Once you've found a cardboard box that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) thick, you can start filling it with stuffing. You can use any material that is strong enough to withstand the impact of an arrow. Old clothes, towels, bed linen, shirts, rags, and bath towels are all good options. Make sure to remove any buttons, zippers, or metal objects from the fabric to avoid damaging your arrows. You can also use plastic bags, shrink wrap, or packing materials such as newspaper or cardboard. If you're using plastic, stuff and stomp the bags into the box until you can't fit any more. If you're using fabric, cut it into strips and stuff them tightly into the box. Once you're done, seal the box with packing tape or duct tape.

It's important to test your target in an open area with no one standing nearby. Shoot from a closer distance than usual to ensure safety. If the arrow travels through the target, use a larger box and make sure the stuffing is packed tightly.

Seal boxes with tape

To make a pop-up archery target, you'll need a cardboard box, which will serve as the target's frame. The box should be at least 12 inches thick to stop the arrows, and you can stuff it with materials like shrink wrap, plastic bags, or expanding insulation foam. Once you've packed the box with stuffing, seal it completely with packing tape or duct tape. This will ensure that the box is securely closed and can withstand the impact of arrows.

Now, for sealing boxes with tape, here are some detailed instructions:

Selecting the Right Tape:

• Choose a tape that is specifically designed for sealing cartons or boxes. Look for "carton sealing tape" or "box sealing tape." This type of tape is designed to provide a strong and secure seal for shipping and storage boxes.
• Consider the thickness of the tape. Tapes are typically measured in mils, which is a thousandth of an inch. For light-duty applications, a tape thickness of 1.7 to 2 mils is sufficient. For heavy-duty applications, opt for a tape that is 2.5 mils or thicker.
• Decide on the type of adhesive that best suits your needs. Hot-melt adhesive is suitable for most applications and provides a strong, instant bond. Acrylic adhesive, on the other hand, is better for long-term storage, as it provides a stronger and more permanent bond over time.

Preparing the Box:

• Ensure the box is clean and dry before sealing. Any dust, dirt, or moisture on the surface may interfere with the tape's adhesion.
• Flatten and fold over any flaps on the box's opening. This will provide a smooth surface for the tape to adhere to and ensure a more secure seal.

Applying the Tape:

• Start by tearing off a piece of tape that is slightly longer than the width of the box. This will ensure that the tape overlaps the edges of the box, creating a stronger seal.
• Place the tape across the center of the box's opening, pressing down firmly to smooth out any air bubbles.
• For added security, apply a second piece of tape in the same manner, but this time, position it about one-third of the way down from the top of the box. Then, apply a third piece of tape one-third of the way up from the bottom of the box. This will create an "H" pattern, reinforcing the seal.
• If you're sealing a large box or one that needs to be particularly secure, you can apply tape along all edges and seams of the box, not just the opening.

Storing and Transporting Sealed Boxes:

• Store sealed boxes in a dry and temperature-controlled environment. Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the adhesive's strength over time.
• When transporting sealed boxes, handle them with care to avoid dropping or bumping them against surfaces, as this may cause the tape to peel or tear.

By following these instructions, you can effectively seal boxes with tape, ensuring that your pop-up archery targets are securely contained and ready for use.

Test targets in an open area

When testing your new archery target, it is important to do so in an open area with no one standing nearby. This is to ensure that there is a margin of safety. You should shoot from closer than you usually would, so that you can be sure of the target's safety. If the arrow travels through the target, you should use a larger box and ensure that the stuffing is tightly packed.

It is also important to use field point arrowheads when target shooting. This is because broadhead arrows may break on impact.

If you are using a powerful bow, you will need to take extra precautions. For example, if you are firing high-powered crossbows or compound bows, you should not use the cardboard box method. Instead, you could try the ultra-durable foam target method, which can withstand arrows from extremely powerful bows.

When testing your target, you should also be aware of the weather conditions. For example, if it is windy, this could affect the trajectory of your arrow.

Compress stuffing

Compressing the stuffing is a crucial step in making a durable archery target. This step ensures that the target can withstand the impact of arrows and prevent them from passing through. Here are some detailed instructions on how to compress the stuffing for your pop-up archery target:

• Pack the stuffing material tightly as you insert it into the frame. You can use various materials for stuffing, such as plastic bags, rags, old clothes, carpet scraps, towels, burlap sacks, grocery bags, cardboard, cotton batting, or foam mats.
• Look out for any gaps in the stuffing and push in smaller scraps of material through the chicken wire or from above to ensure an even distribution.
• Use a weight, such as a sledgehammer, to compress the stuffing further. Alternatively, you can use a ratchet strap to tighten and compress the material periodically.
• For targets with a threaded rod design, screw the nuts onto the threaded rods to compress the stuffing. You may need to tighten the nuts multiple times, checking the compression by looking at the marks on the threaded rods.
• If you're using a vacuum bag, suck out all the air to compress the stuffing before placing it into your target.
• For bag targets, stomp on the stuffing inside to compress it further. You can also rearrange the stuffing if arrows start to pass through.

Frequently asked questions