The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and you’re looking for a new archery target for 2023. Your bow is lonely, after all. It’s been sitting in the garage, dying to sling some arrows downrange for quite some time.
So, let’s dust off that archery equipment and get to work. Consistently good shots don’t happen by mistake; accuracy is the result of plenty of practice and repetition. We created this buyer’s guide to help you find an archery/bow practice target to dial in your shot for 2023 and beyond.
We’ve provided options of all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for you here, no matter your style. We’ve covered all the bases, from high-density foam blocks to bags with bullseyes to realistic 3D animal targets.
As an avid wild game hunter, I prefer to practice with targets that resemble the animals I’m after. The 3D elk, deer, bear, and turkey targets we’ve included will help you hone in your shooting angles and changes in elevation by mimicking real-life situations.
But perhaps 3D isn’t your style, and you want to zero in your groupings with a high-density foam broadhead block. Or maybe you’re a competition crossbow shooter who needs a giant wall foam wall pad to absorb tens of thousands of shots. Regardless of your situation, we have you covered.
With trusted brands like Morrell, Block, Rinehart, Delta McKenzie, and more, you’re in the right place to begin your archery practice adventure. Now, let’s get on with it; here are the best archery/bow targets for 2023 and beyond.
Which Type of Archery/Bow Target Do You Need?
Every shooter has different needs, so it’s vital to know your setting. Are you a compound bowhunter, crossbow enthusiast, or a classic recurve shooter? Do you shoot field points or broadheads?
It’s critical to find the right option for your shooting style, so let’s dive into the three types of products you’ll find on this list.
Here are some of the common types of archery/bow targets:
Best Foam Blocks
Our Favorite Overall Block Target
Block 6-Sided Arrow
Block’s 6-Sided Arrow target features an open-layered design, making it one of the easiest foam block to retrieve arrows from. It’s lightweight at 15 pounds and relatively compact at 18” x 18” 16”.
As is standard with foam block targets, this six-sided cube sports a different pattern on each side to prevent shooters from getting bored during practice. This bad boy works well with both crossbow bolts and broadheads of any kind, and you can use it with pretty much any bow setup you have
This is one of the highest-rated and widely-used blocks you can buy, and it has tons of 5-star reviews on Amazon. One commenter even said, “I may have shot 20,000 shots into this thing, and it’s still going.”
I don’t know about you, but that’s all I need to hear.
- Pros: Lightweight and portable, durable and long-lasting
- Cons: Crossbow bolts that run 400 FPS and up are a bit difficult to remove from the block
- Best for: High volume shooting for compound bows
Large Wall Target for Archery Addicts & Pro Shops
Block Range Archery 48
Since the Block brand designs their products to stop their arrows with friction and not force, they boast some of the longest-lasting bow targets in the world. Their large-and-in-charge Range Archery 48 will stop any broadhead for crossbow bolt with ease for a very long time.
At 4-feet by 4-feet, this hoss is meant for semi-permanent placement at home or the range. Its large surface area allows you to hang any printed paper target or tape and master your skills. If you own an archery shop or train other shooters, the Block Range Target is an excellent ‘shots-per-dollar’ investment for pro shops.
But you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the Block Range Archery 48. It’ll also be an intelligent investment if you’re a hopeless bow addict who wants to level up your archery game. If you’re the type to launch 1,000 practice shots a week downrange, you’ll be able to do so for years with this beast.
- Pros: Huge, links together with other targets with no seam, great for shooting with groups, lasts a lifetime
- Cons: Not very portable
- Best for: Archery shops, ranges, home ranges
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Best Cube for Broadheads
Rinehart 18:1
If you want to dial in your archery setup before (or during) hunting season, consider this cube target from Rinehart. It sports 18 high-visibility that let you practice your shots from several different angles with ease. It’ll help teach you to take those tricky shots when out bowhunting.
Hands down, this is one of the most durable self-healing foam targets money can buy. For its portable size, it’s pretty heavy-duty and should hold up for thousands and thousands of shots. Because of its versatility and durability, the Rinehart 18:1 is one of the most popular broadhead targets in the industry.
Are you shooting a crossbow bolt or arrow up to 500 FPS? No problem. I’ve never come close to experiencing a complete pass-through with one of these, even while shooting a crossbow bolt at 450 FPS. I use this when training for bow season and taking practice shots at camp.
- Pros: Very portable, durable, lightweight, lots of faces to shoot
- Cons: It can be challenging to remove arrows at times
- Best for: Those looking to tune up their shot with their broadheads before bow season
High-Density ‘No Speed Limit’ Foam for Crossbow Bolts
SpyderWeb ST-24XL
The secret to crafting a consistently accurate shot is practice, practice, practice. The secret to the high-density SpyderWeb ST-24XL foam block target is its tightly woven fabric that slows down arrows gently rather than stopping them abruptly.
This target’s unique fabric weave self heals between shots, meaning you can practice with it for a very long time without fear of it failing. Some have reported using this block for over 55,000 shots. Simply unreal.
This burly and reliable option can handle pretty much any arrow speed, with a maximum crossbow bolt speed of 500 FPS+. It weighs 60 pounds and has a broad 24″ x 24″ shooting face, making it a larger and more heavy-duty option than many others on this list. The only downside is that archers can only shoot at two of its sides, unlike other traditional six-sided block targets.
- Pros: Fast bows and crossbows, durable, long-lasting, huge shooting face
- Cons: Can only shoot at two sides
- Best for: High volume shooters that want their gear to last
Best Bag Targets
Best Overall Bullseye Bag
Morrell Supreme Range
Some people just want a no-frills target, and we’ve got them covered. If you’re in the market for a quality bag that can handle thousands of field points, check out the industry-favorite Morrell Supreme Range bullseye bag.
At 29” x 31”, it boasts one of the larger shooting surfaces on this list. It’s sturdy and can hold up to arrows with high draw weights and lightning-fast crossbow bolts. Plainly put, this is a large, sturdy, no-fuss bag that’s built for the long haul.
The Morrell Supreme Range is the bag for you if you’re training for a competition and need to zero in on NASP scoring rings. “Practice as you compete,” as the saying goes. With this stellar bag from Morrell, you’ll be ready to compete at a moment’s notice.
- Pros: Sturdy, large face, NASP scoring rings, easy to pull arrows
- Cons: Not suitable for broadheads, center wears out faster than the rest of the target
- Best for: Recurve shooters, those tuning their arrows with field points
Heavy-Duty Kevlar Bag (3 Different Sizes)
Rinehart Rhino
I’ve had my eye on the Rinehart Rhino target for a while now, and I think this may be the year I grab a couple. I’m going to start training my kids to shoot this summer, and once we’re all firing, we’ll need some bags that can handle the punishment.
Rinehart is a household name in hunting targets, and the Rhino is an excellent example of why. It’s designed with kevlar and built to be more substantial and last longer than its competitors. It’s tough as nails, and arrow removal shouldn’t be a problem.
Each side features nine different targets, making it the perfect option for group shooting or competitions with friends. You can take turns following the bullseyes around in a circle, awarding points to whoever gets closer to the middle.
- Pros: Super-heavy duty, easy to remove arrows, lots of target choices, available in three sizes: 18”, 22” and 26.”
- Cons: None to report
- Best for: Families and groups, those that want a heavy-duty and long-lasting bag
Rock-Solid Bag in Multiple Sizes
Hurricane Bag
The Hurricane bag is made in the USA and is a high-quality option for those who put many arrows downrange. The larger models — namely the 25″ and 28” versions — can be used with max-velocity crossbow bolts and high-FPS field point arrows.
Of all the versions, I recommend getting the heavier and beefier 28-inch model, as some archers have reported pass-thru with Hurricane’s smaller and lighter bags. Sure, it’ll be a bit pricier than the 20 and 25-inch options, but it still represents an outstanding value.
Durability is a concern for some reviewers, but we haven’t experienced any issues yet. Overall this is a popular all-around target that isn’t going to let you down, no matter what you sling its way.
- Pros: Durable, reasonably priced, long-lasting
- Cons: The lower weight models leave a lot to be desired
- Best for: Casual shooters, entry-level compound bow shooters
Beefy & Durable Bag for Crossbow Bolts
Morrell Yellow Jacket
Of all the bag targets on this list, the Morrell Yellow Jacket might be my favorite. My firsthand knowledge of this bag is that it’s a rock-solid all-around bag for crossbow shooters and bowhunters alike. I can’t tell you how many arrows I’ve launched its way.
It’s reasonably portable at 32 pounds and can withstand shots up to 425 FPS, meaning it can handle almost any compound bow or crossbow shot you throw at it. I used one of these a few seasons back while practicing in my buddy’s backyard, and it took thousands of our shots without a single pass-through.
I shot at it from all sorts of angles, and it had impressive stopping power, no matter the draw weight. In my experience, it has the most effortless arrow pull from any option on this list, as I could often remove the arrow out just with my thumb and forefinger.
- Pros: Multiple targets, easy arrow pull, lasts forever
- Cons: Not suitable for broadheads
- Best for: Those making thousands of practice shots a year, those trying to dial their arrows in with field points
Best 3D Animals
Durable Pre-Rut Buck Deer
GlenDel Pre-Rut Buck
If you’re a whitetail or mule deer hunter, it’s never too soon to start prepping for the real-world situations you’ll encounter for the upcoming season. And there’s no better way to get ready for the hunt than this 3D life-size deer from GlenDel. It’s the exact size of a 250-pound live-weight buck you’d find in the field.
With it, you can dial in your shot all year long, spend time outdoors, and become a better hunter in your backyard. It should last season after season, too, since it has a highly durable poly fusion insert where a deer’s vitals are. If an insert ever wears out, simply swap it out for a new one and keep on shooting.
Practicing on a lifelike buck is a great way to hone in your shot angles to determine which types of ethical shots you can land consistently. Set this bad buck up and practice from various distances and elevations to set yourself up for success in the coming season.
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- Pros: Durable, self-healing insert, realistic size
- Cons: Some Amazon users report it arriving broken or defective, make sure to inspect thoroughly on arrival
- Best for: Deer hunters, 3D shooters
Bugling Woodland Elk
Rinehart ⅓ Scale
This incredible ⅓-size woodland elk from Rinehart would make a great addition to a 3D target range. It’s one-third the size of a 600-pound bull elk but only weighs 21-pounds, making it an ideal lightweight and compact option for small backyards.
Because of its smaller size, this one-third-scale Rinehart elk target allows you to visualize a shot at 20 yards that would be the equivalent of shooting 60 yards in the field. This helps you practice and perfect the archery hunter’s mantra, “Aim small, miss small.”
It has an FX foam body that features a replaceable Signature Foam insert tough enough to handle crossbow bolts and broadheads easily. Owning a lifelike 3D elk will allow you to practice as much as you want from all angles before hitting the mountains and going after the real thing.
- Pros: Miniature size allows for long-distance practice in a small area, replaceable insert, portable
- Cons: I’m unaware of any downside to this 3D target
- Best for: Elk hunters, at home ranges
High Density Foam 3D Turkey
Delta McKenzie Strutter
Speaking of practice, you turkey hunters will have to practice religiously if you plan on harvesting one of these sneaky critters. Luckily, the Delta McKenzie Strutter has you covered. This high-density foam black turkey is the same size and looks just like the gobblers you’ll come across in the field. Getting your shots in will be a breeze.
It’s quite sturdy and dense and weighs 13 pounds, meaning you can shoot at it without worrying about wearing it out after a couple of hundred shots. This heftiness also means that it won’t fall over on impact like other cheap imitations.
It can handle a high FPS, which means it’s pretty durable for its size. One downside is that you’ll likely need to replace these more often than other 3D targets since it doesn’t come with interchangeable inserts.
- Pros: Durable, easy to retrieve arrows, sturdy
- Cons: No replaceable insert
- Best for: Turkey hunters, backyard 3D ranges
Black Bear for Bowhunters
Delta McKenzie Aim Rite
I missed a bear from 20 yards last year, and I’m not afraid to admit it. My bow sight got banged up against something, and I stuck my broadhead directly into a tree, about 18 inches right of the bear’s heart.
There’s not much I could have done in the heat of the moment, but I’ll do my best to ensure I don’t miss again next season. I’ll grab one of these affordable entry-level Delta McKenzie bear targets and drop a few thousand arrows into it before September bow season. You can bet your backside on that.
It only stands 28” tall, so it’s not life-sized. But I don’t have a huge backyard, and space is limited, so it should be the perfect size for me. It can handle up to 350 FPS, which is good enough for my setup, but it might not be the target for you if you’re slinging faster arrows.
- Pros: Replaceable insert, easy arrow removal, durable foam
- Cons: Can’t handle faster than 350 FPR, not great for crossbow bolts
- Best for: Bear hunters, those with small spaces, backyard shooters
Archery/Bow Practice Accessories
Reliable Stand for Hanging Targets
Highwild Archery
If you want to hang your bags and blocks at a given level, consider purchasing the Highwild Archery stand. It’ll help you get a more level angle than you would shooting downwards towards a target on the ground. It’s relatively inexpensive and should work with most of the recommendations on this list, too.
Wide-Reaching Protective Net/Backstop
BSN
If I’m shooting in confined spaces like my backyard or garage, a protective backstop netting is always a must. This is to keep my people and my property safe in case of a miss or a pass-through. It’s a last line of defense against wayward arrows and has come in clutch for me multiple times.
Reliable Arrow Puller
Double D’s Magnum Grip
I used to rock a traditional arrow puller before I ran into one of these things at the archery shop. It’s works basically like a clap that you can hold at 90 degrees to the arrow. This leverage will let you pull straighter and harder, making the arrow removal much more manageable.
Criteria for Reviewing Archery/Bow Targets
There are a lot of cheap imitation archery targets out there, but we’ve made sure not to include any of them on this list. That’s because we’ve carefully considered the following six factors when deciding whether or not a product would make the cut:
Design
Some targets are just too Plain Jane or impractical. We aimed to pick products that are visually appealing, functional, and have multiple smaller targets built into their design. If practice gets boring, you won’t want to work on your shot. That’s why products with unimaginative design didn’t make this list.
FPS Rating
Every target we recommended is rated for compound bows, recurves, and longbows. Not all of the bags here will stand up to the lightning-fast 400+ FPS you’ll find in some crossbows, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t useful. Most compound bows and recurves shoot nowhere near that speed.
Longevity
The more durable the materials inside a target, the longer it’ll last. That’s why we only recommend products made from long-lasting materials that’ll stand up to thousands of shots. From kevlar to high-density self-healing foam, we focused on materials built to stand the test of time.
Width
A target of 18” in diameter is as small as you should go, as far I am concerned. Anything smaller is dangerous, no matter how good an archer you are. Firing thousands of shots at something means that, eventually, you’ll have a few wayward arrows. The wider, the better.
Thickness
I can’t tell you the exact thickness you need, as it should be determined by your shooting style and your bow’s FPS. What I can tell you is that the thicker and heavier your bag or block is, the better it’ll stand up on its own and the more stopping power it should have against your arrows.
Price
Go to Walmart, head over to the sporting goods section, and put your hands on one of their cheap styrofoam bow targets. When you’re done with that, return to this list and purchase something that’s actually worth a darn. You get what you pay for, so we chose not to include cheap options on this list.
Which Bag, Block, or 3D Animal Will Help You Hone Your Shot?
Good on you. You just laid eyes on the most comprehensive archery/bow target guide of 2023. Honing in your archery craft is a beautiful process, so we wanted to give you an eclectic spread of products to choose from. Being a bow and arrow enthusiast, I couldn’t leave a single stone unturned.
If you’re a compound bowhunter like me, I hope you found a high-density foam block or 3D animal to launch a few broadheads into during the offseason. Heck, I hope all you crossbow nuts out there found a product that fits the bill, too!
For all of you high-volume field point shooters, I hope a bag or two caught your eye. What flavor is piquing your interest? Is it Morrell, Rinehart, Delta McKenzie, or some other widely-trusted brand? Let us know what you’ve zeroed in on in the comments section below.
If you came here searching for the best archery targets for 2023, we hope we’ve given you enough information to make up your mind. That’s our job, after all! Thanks for stopping by, and always remember, “Aim small, miss small.”
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Last Updated on August 16, 2023
The nearest archery range is hours away from the city, it is great to know that we can practice at home with these equipments!
Thanks for sharing the information. It help us a lot to choose the best.