Archery Targets: Large-Scale Structures

Archery is a sport that involves shooting arrows with a bow at a target. To ensure safety and stability, large target structures are used in archery, such as the butt, which is a padded structure designed to absorb the impact of arrows. These targets are made from materials such as foam, straw, paper, fabric, and reinforced plastic. The size of the target depends on the type of archery practiced and the skill level of the archer. For instance, beginners often use larger targets to ensure they hit the target and don't lose their arrows.

Target Butt: A platform that holds the target

A target butt is a platform that holds the target in archery. The term 'butt' originally referred to the targets themselves, but over time, it came to include the platforms that held the targets as well.

In medieval times, when archery was compulsory for all yeomen in England, targets were mounds of earth. The word 'butt' is also used for the earthwork mounds on, or before, which targets are mounted on a rifle range to stop bullets from flying beyond the range.

In modern times, target butts can be made from a variety of materials, including cardboard, foam, and wood. For example, one archer made their own target butt by cutting foam mats in half, stacking them, and compressing them between two planks of wood. Another option is to layer cardboard or carpeting and compress it in a frame.

Target butts can be purchased or made at home, and they are an essential part of archery practice and competitions.

Target Face: The paper target attached to a target bale

A target face is the paper target attached to a target bale, which is a large structure used in archery. Target bales are often made from hay or straw and are used to stop arrows. They are a popular choice for beginner archers as they are large, inexpensive, and allow for easy arrow penetration.

When choosing a target face, it is important to consider the type of archery you are practising. For example, if you are shooting outside, you will need a target face made from weather-resistant materials. If you are shooting from a long distance, you will need a larger target face.

The size of the target face depends on the type of competition and the distance from which the arrows are being shot. Standard WA targets are marked with 10 evenly spaced concentric rings, with score values from 1 through 10. The inner 10 ring, sometimes called the X ring, is often used for tie-breaking.

Target faces are usually made from reinforced paper, which is durable and can withstand the impact of arrows. They can also be made from other materials such as cardboard, foam, or fabric. It is important to choose a target face that is suitable for your bow and arrow type, as some targets may be too difficult to penetrate, depending on your arrow material.

Overall, the target face is an essential component of archery, providing a clear and precise target for archers to aim at and helping them improve their accuracy and shooting skills.

Backstop: Materials placed behind a target to stop arrows that miss

A backstop is a material placed behind an archery target to catch arrows that miss. Backstops are usually made of thick, spongey materials that absorb the arrow's shock. If an arrow is released into a wall, fence, or any other solid surface, it will break upon impact. Backstops, on the other hand, provide a surface for the arrow to sink into, preventing breakage.

When choosing a backstop, it is important to consider its size, ensuring that it is wider and higher than the target. This will help catch stray arrows and prevent them from getting lost. Additionally, the material used for the backstop should be sturdy and long-lasting, depending on the intensity of the draw weight. A higher draw weight means more force behind the arrow, requiring a thicker backstop.

Some common materials used for backstops include:

• Hay bales: Hay is inexpensive, forgiving, and easy to rearrange. However, it may not last as long as other materials and requires regular maintenance.
• Foam mats: Foam provides a good surface for arrows to sink into without breaking. It is also long-lasting and can hold up through many rounds of archery.
• Recycled plastic fibers: This material is designed to stop arrow energy, similar to a bulletproof vest. It is gentle on arrows, preventing breakage, and is lightweight and durable.
• Compressed cardboard, bundled newspapers, or magazine stacks: These materials can be used to create a dense backstop that can effectively stop arrows.

Backstops are an important part of archery, providing both convenience and safety. They save archers the hassle of chasing stray arrows and help prevent broken arrows and damaged fences.

Bales: Large, inexpensive, and allow for easy arrow penetration

Bales, typically made of hay or straw, are a popular choice for archery targets, especially for beginners. They are large, inexpensive, and allow for easy arrow penetration, making them a great option for those new to the sport. Here are some key points about using bales as archery targets:

Advantages of Bale Targets:

• Bales are large and provide a substantial target area, making them ideal for beginners who are still working on their accuracy.
• They are inexpensive, with prices ranging from $3 to $10 per bale, or around $0.07 to $0.08 per pound.
• Bales are made from natural materials like hay or straw, which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• The light colour of the bale makes the target area highly visible, improving accuracy and focus for the archer.
• Bales have self-healing properties. When an arrow pierces the bale, the straw or hay closes around the arrow shaft, minimising damage and prolonging the life of the target.
• Bales are effective at stopping arrows. A tightly bound bale can withstand the impact of a fast-moving arrow without allowing complete penetration.
• Bales can be stacked to create a larger target or backstop, reducing the risk of losing arrows and providing a safe shooting environment.

Disadvantages of Bale Targets:

• Bales tend to deteriorate quickly when placed outdoors due to weather conditions and animals. Regular replacement is necessary.
• Continuous arrow penetration can cause the bale to break down over time, leading to eventual collapse.
• Hay bales can get mouldy and heavy when exposed to rain, and they may fall apart when moved.
• Arrows may embed deeply into the bale, requiring effort to retrieve them.
• For modern compound bows, arrows may pass through square bales or bury into the middle of large round bales.

Overall, bale targets are a great option for beginner archers due to their affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness in stopping arrows. However, they do require regular maintenance and replacement due to their biodegradable nature and susceptibility to weather conditions.

Bag Targets: Portable, lightweight, and durable

Bag targets are a popular choice for archers who want a transportable target for practice. They are lightweight, portable, and durable, making them ideal for those who want to practice their archery skills in different locations.

Bag targets are typically made from a thick bag filled with cotton and/or foam scraps. They are easy to transport and set up, making them a convenient option for archers who are always on the move. Additionally, arrows can be removed from bag targets with ease.

One notable feature of bag targets is their versatility. They can accommodate a wide range of archery setups and preferences, making them suitable for both bag targets and 3D targets. This flexibility allows archers to customise their shooting experiences without the need for additional tools or complicated assembly processes.

While bag targets offer portability and convenience, they are not without their drawbacks. One of their limitations is that they are not recommended for long-distance archery or for young or recurve archers, as arrows may find it challenging to penetrate the bag. Additionally, exposure to outdoor elements like rain and sunlight can deteriorate the bag over time.

Despite these shortcomings, bag targets remain a favourite among archers due to their portability, durability, and ease of use, making them a practical option for those who want to improve their archery skills in diverse settings.

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