Brecken Lee, March -I’ve been through quite a few targets in my lifetime. Since I have a range at home, I need to replace them every two to three months, depending on how much I shoot. One time, my friend and I shot through a target so much that we could stick our hands right through the middle! My coaches have shared stories about 3D targets splitting in half, and at school, we constantly fundraise just to afford new targets.
Because of this, I’ve been on a mission to find ways to extend the life of my targets. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered three of the best methods to keep them fresh and usable for as long as possible.
1. Play Games
I absolutely love archery games! They’re a fantastic way to keep the team engaged while preventing practice from becoming too repetitive. Some of my favorite games include:
- The Color Game – The coach calls out a color on the target, and archers aim to hit it as quickly as possible. The last person to use all their arrows wins.
- Four Corners – A more advanced version of the color game. The coach calls a color and a specific target section (e.g., “top right” or “bottom left”). Archers must land their shot in the designated area. To play, use tape to divide the target into four quadrants.
- Hit the Dot – The team places a small round sticker anywhere on the target. Archers aim to group their arrows as close to the dot as possible. The person with the most arrows in the dot wins!
These games not only make practice more exciting but also help archers adjust their aim points—an essential skill for tournaments. Plus, they require minimal materials, just some tape or stickers, making them an easy and cost-effective way to preserve targets.
2. Be Gentle with Your Targets
How you handle your targets can significantly impact their longevity. Here are some key tips for preserving them:
- Move them carefully – Avoid throwing or stepping on targets when setting up or taking them down. Mishandling can damage the internal structure, making them wear out faster.
- Store them properly – Keep targets in a dry place and cover them when not in use to protect them from environmental damage.
- Transport with care – When moving targets, slide them gently on smooth surfaces. If the surface is rough, carry them with a partner to prevent unnecessary wear.
Small actions like these can make a big difference in keeping your targets in top shape for longer.
3. Try Blank Bale Shooting
This year, my coaches introduced blank bale shooting at the start of practice, and I’ve seen a huge improvement in my form. Here’s how it works:
- The target face is removed, leaving just the plain black bale.
- Instead of aiming for the center, archers focus purely on their form and shot process.
- By practicing without the pressure of hitting a specific spot, archers can refine their technique and build consistency.
At first, it felt strange not aiming for the bullseye, but as we transitioned back to using target faces, the improvement in accuracy across the team was noticeable. If you have time, give it a shot! (No pun intended.)
Conclusion
If you want to keep your targets in good condition and avoid shooting straight through them (like I did), try incorporating these tips into your routine. However, no matter how well you care for them, targets will eventually need to be replaced—especially when you can stick your entire hand through the middle without even trying!
Take care of your targets, and they’ll take care of you. Happy shooting!
